BOBBY BOYD

Bobby Boyd
5'11" 195
Cornerback
Baltimore Colts
1960 - 1968
9 Seasons
121 Games Played
57 Interceptions
994 Return Yards
5 Touchdowns
3 Pro Bowls





Robert Dean Boyd was a 10th round draft pick of the Baltimore Colts in the 1960 draft. He was the 119th player chosen overall. Boyd was a star at the University of Oklahoma. Playing both ways, Bobby excelled at quarterback and defensive back for the Sooners. His best season in college was 1959, when he was an All Big 8 selection that year. He led the team in interceptions with 3, took a punt return for a touchdown, and threw an 86 yard touchdown pass to Sooner and wrestling legend Wahoo McDaniel. It is still the second longest touchdown pass in Sooner history. Boyd was the quarterback at the helm when the Sooners legendary 74 conference game winning streak ended at the hands of Nebraska, when the Cornhuskers intercepted a pass from Bobby late in the game to secure the win. Boyd averaged an outstanding 19.43 yards per punt return in his career at Oklahoma.





Bobby joined a Colts team just coming off of back to back championships. He didn't play in 3 games in his rookie year, but he still managed to swipe 7 interceptions for 132 yards. He took one ball for a career long 74 yards that year. Bobby was a starter for the rest of his career in the NFL, and would only miss 2 games for the duration. 1961 saw Boyd have a career low 2 interceptions, but he also returned punts for the Colts. His 173 yards on 18 returns was the 3rd best in the NFL that year. He also got in on offense and threw the only pass of his career, which fell incomplete. Bobby had 7 interceptions the next year, and was second in the league with a career best 4 fumble recoveries. He also returned the last 3 punt returns of his career, and rushed the ball twice for 13 yards. Boyd scored the first touchdown of his career in 1963, when he took a fumble 34 yards to the end zone. Boyd also had 3 picks that year as well. 1964 was a memorable year in Baltimore for the Colts and Boyd. Bobby was named to his first All Pro team after accruing a career best 9 interceptions. He led the NFL with a career high 185 return yards, and took his last career rushing attempt for 25 yards. The Colts would reach the championship game before losing to the Cleveland Browns. Boyd led the NFL in interceptions with 9 the following season, and was named an All Pro again. He also scored a touchdown off of one of his thefts. Over the next two seasons, Bobby had 6 interceptions in each year for a total of 259 yards. He scored a touchdown in each season as well. 1968 would be the last year in the NFL for Bobby Boyd. He made the best of it by having 8 interceptions for 160 yards and a touchdown. He was named to his last All Pro team, as the Colts would win the NFL Championship before going on to lose Super Bowl III to the New York Jets of the American Football League. He retired after that season.





I find it amazing that Bobby Boyd has yet to be inducted into Canton. The numbers do not lie. He averaged over 6 interceptions a season for his career, which is outstanding. He also almost averaged an interception for every two games that he played, another astonishing rate. It is quite obvious the man created opportunities for his team to win by continuously getting the ball back for his team. He retired with the second most interceptions in NFL history and is still ranked 10th overall. Only 6 cornerbacks in NFL history have more interceptions than Bobby Boyd. As I have previously stated in past CCC profiles, the saddest part is that the voters of today's Hall Of Fame committee are filled with people who never saw Boyd play. Time keeps passing, and the memory of his exploits get more faded. Still, his raw statistics obviously tell any football fan that Bobby Boyd is definitely deserving of rightfully taking his place in Canton.


Notable 1960 Draftees (* Denotes Hall of Fame Inductee)

1. Billy Cannon, RB, LA Rams
3. Johnny Robinson, DB, Detroit
8. Jim Houston, LB, Cleveland
10. Ron Mix, OT, Baltimore *
20. Maxie Baughan, LB, Philadelphia
32. Don Meredith, QB, Chicago
42. Roger Brown, DT, Detroit
44. Jim Marshall, DT, Cleveland
55. Abner Haynes, RB, Pittsburgh
74. Larry Wilson, S, St. Louis Cardinals *
109. Charley Johnson, QB, St. Louis Cardinals
110. Curtis McClinton, RB, LA Rams

COY BACON

Coy Bacon
6'4" 270
Defensive End
1968 - 1981
14 Seasons
180 Games Played
130 Sacks
2 Touchdowns
3 Pro Bowls



Leander McCoy Bacon was an undrafted rookie signed by the Los Angeles Rams right before the 1968 season. Bacon had just come from playing in the Continental Football League. Coy had signed with the Charleston Rockets in 1966, after leaving Jackson State University upon completion of his sophomore year. At JSU, Bacon played Linebacker and Defensive End. While playing with the Rockets, Coy was named an All Star as a Defensive End in 1966. Other NFL luminaries like Bill Walsh, Ken Stabler, and Garo Yepremian also were in the Continental Football League. Coy Bacon is a member of the JSU Hall Of Fame.



Coy joined a Rams team that had one of the best defensive lines in football, featuring Hall Of Famers Deacon Jones and Merlin Olsen. They were called "The Fearsome Foursome", and Bacon played just 7 games as a reserve in his rookie year. Coy cracked the starting lineup the next year, and started 13 games at Defensive Tackle. He was moved to Defensive End in 1970, recorded 20 sacks,and took a fumble 14 yards for a touchdown. Bacon then had 21 sacks and intercepted a pass the next year. Coy made his first Pro Bowl Team in 1972, and then was traded to the San Diego Chargers after that season as part of a blockbuster deal. He picked off a pass that year, and took it 80 yards for a touchdown. Bacon also led the Chargers in sacks in 2 of his 3 seasons with them. Right after the 1975 season, the Chargers traded Bacon to the Cincinnati Bengals for Hall Of Fame Wide Receiver Charlie Joiner. Coy responded with 21.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries for 48 yards and a safety. He was named to the Pro Bowl Team. Coy then made his last Pro Bowl Team the next year for the Bengals, despite missing 2 games. The Bengals then traded Bacon to the Washington Redskins right before 1978. Coy was the pass rusher the Redskins desperately needed, and he recorded double digits in sacks in each of his first 3 seasons with them. Coy was 39 years old in 1981, and started the 3 games he played before being injured for the rest of the season. The Redskins released him in the off season, but Coy was not done playing. He joined the Washington Federals of the USFL in 1983, and had a few good games. He then retired for good after that year.



Coy played in an era where sacks were not a recorded statistic. Some researchers have credited him with over 130 sacks in his career. If you discount the 3 games he played in 1981, you can easily see he averaged 10 sacks every year of his career. That includes his first 2 seasons as a Defensive Tackle. Bacon was one of the best pass rushers I have seen play the game. He was noted as a character who would not like to practice during the week of a game, reserving his energies for Sunday. He wasn't always stout against the run in the latter part of his career, but he made several spectacular plays when his team needed it most. Coy recently passed away, and I held off this post as a respect and waiting period. He is a fringe player for many as far as induction into Canton, but I look at a guy like Fred Dean get in and wonder why Coy is so. He was just as good a pass rusher, played on lesser defensive lines (meaning the primary focus was on him), and was better versus the run. Coy Bacon is a victim of times passing, as the newer voters don't probably know who he is. He never played on any teams that won anything, so he never got the press he probably deserved. But even if you look at the statistics, you can see Coy Bacon is worthy of induction into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.


Notable Players Drafted In 1968 * Denotes Hall Of Fame

1. Ron Yary, OT, Minnesota *
2. Bob Johnson, C, Cincinnati
3. Claude Humphrey, DE, Atlanta
4. Russ Washington, DT/ OT, San Diego
8. Larry Csonka, FB, Miami *
9. Haven Moses, WR, Buffalo
11. Greg Landry, QB, Detroit
13. MacArthur Lane, RB, St. Louis Cardinals
14. Tim Rossovich, LB, Philadelphia
15. Forrest Blue, C, San Francisco
23. John Williams, OT, Baltimore Colts
26. Bill Lueck, G, Green Bay
31. Curley Culp, DT, Denver
33. Charlie West, DB, Minnesota
42. Bob Atkins, DB, St. Louis
43. Bill Lenkaitus, C, SanDiego
47. John Garlington, LB, Cleveland
48. Mike Livingston, QB, Kansas City
52. Ken Stabler, QB, Oakland
69. Skip Vanderbundt, LB, San Francisco
73. Dick Anderson, DB, Miami
74. Charlie Sanders, TE, Detroit *
77. Elvin Bethea, DE, Houston Oilers *
80. Art Shell, OT, Oakland *
81. Dick Himes, OT, Green Bay
82. Paul Robinson, RB, Cincinnati
84. Jess Phillips, RB, Cincinnati
98. Johnny Fuller, DB, San Francisco
105. Jim Beirne, WR, Houston
110. Charlie H. Smith, RB, Oakland
117. Mike Bragg, P, Washington
118. Jim Kiick, RB, Miami
124. Mark Nordquist, G, Philadelphia
127. Cecil Turner, WR, Chicago
130. Blaine Nye, G, Dallas
156. Essex Johnson, RB, Cincinnati
159. D.D. Lewis, LB, Dallas
167. Oscar Reed, RB, Minnesota
176. Bob Brunet, RB, Washington
181. Willie Holman, DE, Chicago
190. George Atkinson, DB, Oakland
222. Paul Smith, DT, Denver
249. John Outlaw, DB, Boston Patriots
261. Tommy Hart, DE, San Francisco
275. Greg Brezina, LB, Atlanta
277. Marv Hubbard, RB, Oakland
288. Henry Davis, LB, NY Giants
289. Rich Coady, C, Chicago
291. Dennis Partee, K, San Diego
297. John Pergine, LB, LA Rams
301. Bob Trumpy, TE, Cincinnati
305. Jim Cheyunski, LB, Boston
317. Jeff Queen, RB, San Diego
323. Harold Jackson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
330. Charlie Greer, DB, Denver
351. Dean Halverson, LB, LA Rams
357. Marlin Briscoe, WR, Denver
375. Robert Holmes, RB, Kansas City
417. Rocky Bleier, RB, Pittsburgh
428. Larry Cole, DE, Dallas
441. Bob Lee, QB, Minnesota

BOBBY DILLON

Bobby Dillon
6'1" 180
Safety
Green Bay Packers
1952 - 1959
8 Seasons
94 Games Played
52 Interceptions
976 Return Yards
5 Touchdowns
5 Pro Bowls




Bobby Dan Dillon was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1952 draft by the Green Bay Packers. He was the 28th player chosen overall. Dillon attended college at Texas University, where he was a All Southwest Conference and All American selection in 1951 as a defensive back. Bobby Dillon is inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor, and to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.


Bobby earned a starting job immediately for the Packers. He picked off 4 passes in his rookie year. Then he became even more of a nightmare to opposing teams in 1953, when he had 9 interceptions for 112 yards. He also scored the first touchdown of his career off of a 49 yard return of an interception. Dillon accomplished this despite playing in just 10 of the 12 games that year. 1954 saw Dillon snag 7 more balls for 11 yards, scoring another toudown as well. He was named to his first All Pro team that season. He was named to the All Pro team the next season after getting 9 interceptions for 153 yards. Dillon gained a career best 244 yards off of 7 interceptions in 1956, which also led the NFL. He scored another touchdown, and was named to the All Pro team. Bobby tied his career best mark of 9 interceptions in 1957. He scored a touchdown off of a 55 yard return in his 180 total yards, and was named to his fourth consecutive All Pro team. He earned his last All Pro honors in 1958, after picking off 6 balls for 134 yards. He also scored his fifth, and final, career touchdown. 1959 was the last year that Bobby Dillon played in the NFL. He had a lone interception that year, returning it 7 yards. He then retired at the end of the year. Bobby Dillon is still holds the Packers franchise record for career interceptions and interception return yardage. He is a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall Of Fame.


Bobby got a lot of early noteriety early in his career because he was blind in one eye. Since it is more than obvious this did not detract from his play, Dillon's exploits on the field are his real mark on the game. He averaged over 6 interceptions a year for his career. There are a few factors that may have kept Bobby from inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. One is that he played on some bad Packers teams. The only season that he played on a winning team was his last, which also happened to be Vince Lombardi's first year in Green Bay. Another reason may be that he played just 8 seasons. Those detractors would get some argument from me on these facts. There is the obvious fact of the impact Bobby had on the gridiron. His amazing nose for the ball is not matched by many to have ever played the game. When he retired, he ranked 2nd all time in NFL history with his 52 interceptions That mark was tied by Jack Bulter of the Pittsburgh Steelers (a recent CCC profilee whose link is below), who also retired in 1959. Both are now presently tied with Hall of Famers Larry Wilson, Mel Renfro, as well as Ty Law and Jimmy Patton (another CCC profilee), for 23rd all time. There are only 4 safeties in NFL history with more interceptions than Bobby Dillon (Ronnie Lott's first five seasons were spent at cornerback). If you add these facts up, it eradicates the arguments of his teams record or his amount of seasons played. Bobby Dillon deserves his inductions into Canton.


Notable Players Drafted In 1952 (* Denotes Hall of Fame Member)

1. Billy Wade, QB, Los Angeles Rams
2. Les Richter, LB, Dallas Texans
3. Ollie Matson, RB, Chicago Cardinals *
4. Babe Parilli, QB, Green Bay
9. Hugh McElhenny, RB, San Francisco *
10. Bert Rechichar, DB, Cleveland
11. Frank Gifford, RB, NY Giants *
14. Gino Marchetti, DE, Dallas *
15. Billy Howton, WR, Green Bay
17. Jim Weatherall, DT, Philadelphia
21. Pete Brewster, WR, Chicago Cardinals
22. Bob Toneff, DT, San Francisco
29. Lum Snyder, OT, Pittsburgh
31. Al Dorow, QB, Washington
34. Yale Lary, DB, Detroit *
45. Pat Summerall, DE, Detroit (Noted Broadcaster)
46. Marion Campbell, DE, San Francisco
48. Ray Renfro, RB, Cleveland
49. Skeets Quinlan, RB, LA Rams
52. Dave Hanner, DT, Green Bay
56. Fred Williams, DT, Chicago Bears
66. Duane Putnam, G, LA Rams
68. Ed Brown, QB, Chicago Bears
80. Joe Fortunado, LB, Chicago Bears
89. Wayne Robinson, LB, Philadelphia
90. Bill Bishop, DT, Chicago Bears
100. Deral Teteak, G, Green Bay
103. Dick Alban, DB, Washington
123. Leo Sugar, DE, Chicago Cardinals
133. Sam Baker, K, LA Rams
134. Jim Mutscheller, TE, Dallas
212. Tommy O'Connell, QB, Chicago Bears
261. Jim David, DB, Detroit
313. Frank Fuller, DT, LA Rams

GINO CAPPELLETTI

Gino Cappelletti
6' 190
WR/ K
Boston Patriots
1960 - 1970
11 Seasons
153 Games Played
292 Receptions
42 Touchdowns
1,130 Points Scored
5 Pro Bowls
1964 AFL Player of the Year


Gino Raymond Michael Cappelletti went the long route to the Patriots as a free agent in 1960. He was a stand out player at the University of Minnesota. He played Quarterback, place kicked some, as well as playing defense. Gino was the Gopher Iron Man of 1953, averaging 50 minutes played per game, and is a member of the 2001 M Club Hall of Fame. After college, Gino went to Canada and played rugby in the Ontario Rugby Football Union until 1956. He was then drafted, and served, in the U.S. Army until 1958. Gino then joined the Canadian Football League and played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders. After being cut by the Roughriders, Gino rejoined the rugby league until 1960.


The Boston Patriots and American Football League were born in 1960, and Gino made the team as a 26 year old rookie. The Patriots made good use of Cappelletti's versatility. He played Cornerback and Placekicker mainly in his rookie season. He intercepted 4 passes for 68 yards, and scored 54 points kicking. He intercepted 3 passes in one game off of future NFL coach Tom Flores. Coaching great Lou Saban then moved Gino to Wide Receiver the next season. Cappelletti responded with his Pro Bowl season. He caught 45 receptions for 768 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also threw the only pass of his career, which went for a 27 yard touchdown. He led the AFL with 32 field goal attempts and 17 conversions, while making 48 of 50 extra points. He scored a total of 147 points that year. In 1962, Gino scored 98 points kicking, and snagged 34 balls for 5 scores. Gino's next season saw him snare 34 passes for 2 touchdowns, while accruing 101 points kicking. He led the AFL with the AFL with 38 field goal attempts and 22 makes, and made his second All Pro squad. He led the AFL with 39 field goal attempts and 25 makes in 1964, while scoring 116 points kicking. Gino also had a career best 49 receptions and 865 yards, while finding the end zone 7 times. His 155 total points was his career best, and Gino earned his third All Pro team award. Gino's 155 points were, at the time, the second most in Pro Football history, surpassing his 1961 total. Gino Cappelleti was named the 1964 AFL Player of the Year. In 1965, Gino scored a career high 9 touchdowns on 37 catches. His 18.7 yards per catch average was also a career best. He also led the AFL in field goal percentage, and made the All Pro team again. Gino made his last All Pro team in 1966. He caught 43 passes for 6 scores, while taking one pass for a career best 63 yards. 1967 was Gino's last year to be used a lot as a receiver. He caught 35 passes for 3 scores. He caught 13 balls the next season for last 2 touchdowns of his career. Gino did catch 1 pass for 21 yards in 1969, but mainly was used as a kicker. Cappelletti was 36 years old in 1970, as the Patriots joined the NFL. Used only as a kicker that year, he scored the last 40 points of his career. He retired after that season with 292 receptions for 4,489 yards and 42 touchdowns. He is still 3rd in Patriots history for career receptions and yards. His 1,130 points were a Patriots record until Adam Vinatieri surpassed it in 2005. His jersey was retired by the Patriots, and he is a member of the Patriots 1960's All Decade Team, and the Patriots Hall of Fame.


Gino Cappelletti is a symbol of determination, perseverance, and versatility. He is the only player to have averaged 7.5 points a game over an 11 year career. He once averaged 9.6 points a game over a six year period, which no other player has ever done either. His 1961 and 1964 seasons still rank in the top 10 for the most points scored in a season. The fact that Gino accomplished these feats in 14 game seasons make it even more impressive. Gino led the AFL in scoring 5 times, which is tied for the most times ever that a player has led a league in scoring. He led the AFL in scoring 4 consecutive seasons, which is the second best streak in pro football history. Gino is the only player in the history of professional football history to to run for a 2 point conversion, throw a pass for a 2 point conversion, catch a pass, intercept a pass, return a punt and a kickoff in the same season. He is tied with Hall of Famer Lance Alworth for the most career points scored in AFL All Star Games, and is 1 of only 2 AFL Kickers to kick at least 4 field goals in a game for 3 consecutive games. He is the second player in AFL history to have picked off 3 passes in a game, and set the AFL record by scoring 28 points in a game. He has attempted the most field goals in Patriots history, and is is amongst the AFL's all-time top ten receivers in yards and in receptions. He accomplished this during a ten year span where the Patriots played on 4 "home" fields throughout the New England area, making his accomplishments even more amazing. Nicknamed "The Duke" by his team mates, Gino often teamed up with Patriots legendary QB Babe Parilli. This connection was dubbed the "Grand Opera." Gino is one of only 3 players to have played in every game of their franchises games while a member of the AFL, and one of only 20 to have played in every game in AFL history. The fact that he has not yet been inducted into Canton reeks of NFL envy. As I have stated in past profilings of AFL greats, there is an obvious exclusion of AFL players by the NFL. I keep screaming that this is the PRO Football Hall Of Fame, NOT JUST the NFL Hall Of Fame! Gino Cappelletti should have been inducted into Canton years ago! It is up to us fans to remind the voters that the AFL counts, was important, and should never be forgotten. No matter how hard they seem to try.



Notable Players Drafted In 1960 (* Denotes Hall of Fame Member)

1. Billy Cannon, RB, LA Rams
3. Johnny Robinson, DB, Detroit
8. Jim Houston, LB, Cleveland
10. Ron Mix, OT, Baltimore *
13. Harold Olson, T, Saint Louis Cardinals
17. Bob Jeter, DB, Green Bay
20. Maxie Baughan, LB, Philadelphia
23. Don Floyd, DE, Baltimore Colts
24. Marvin Terrell, G, Baltimore Colts
32. Don Meredith, QB, Chicago
35. Rod Breedlove, LB, San Francisco
37. Willie West, DB, St. Louis
40. Ted Dean, FB, Philadelphia
41. Johnny Brewer, TE, Cleveland
42. Roger Brown, DT, Detroit
44. Jim Marshall, DT, Cleveland
48. Vince Promuto, G, Washington
55. Abner Haynes, RB, Pittsburgh
56. Don Norton, WR, Philadephia
59. Len Rohde, T, San Francisco
63. Glen Coqdill, WR, Detroit
69. Bob Khayat, G, Cleveland
72. George Blair, DB, NY Giants
74. Larry Wilson, S, St. Louis Cardinals *
86. Carroll Dale, WR, LA Rams
88. Bill Mathis, FB, San Francisco
105. Chris Burford, WR, Cleveland
106. Don Perkins, FB, Baltimore
109. Charley Johnson, QB, St. Louis Cardinals
110. Curtis McClinton, RB, LA Rams
111. Grady Alderman, T, Detroit
118. Mel Branch, DE, San Francisco
119. Bobby Boyd, DB, Baltimore
157. Bob DeMarco, C, Saint Louis
161. Jon Gilliam, C, Green Bay
162. Brady Keys, DB, Pittsburgh
178. Larry Grantham, LB, Baltimore
181. Jim Hunt, DT, Saint Louis
203. Goose Gonsoulin, DB, San Francisco
229. Tom Day, DE, St. Louis


Notable 1960 AFL Allocation Picks

Jim Otto, C, Minneapolis/ Oakland Raiders *
Jim Norton, DB, Dallas Texans
Wayne Hawkins, G, Denver
Dean Look, WB, Denver (Noted NFL Referee, and MLB Player)
Bill Mathis, RB, New York Titans/ Jets
Pat Dye, T, Boston Patriots (College Football Hall of Fame Coach)
Billy Brewer, QB, Boston (Ole Miss Legend as Player, then Coach)
Chuck McMurtry, DT, Buffalo
Ray Jauch, RB, Buffalo (Noted CFL, USFL, and Arena League Coach)
Ron Burton, RB, Boston
Jim Walden, QB, Denver (Noted College Football Coach)
Jacky Lee, QB, Houston Oilers
Paul Maguire, LB/ P, Los Angeles Chargers ( Noted Football Commentater )
Ed "Wahoo" McDaniel, LB, LA Chargers ( WWE Hall of Fame)
Bob Talamini, G, Houston
Curt Merz, C, NY Titans

RICHARD DENT

Richard Dent
6'5" 265
Defensive End
Chicago Bears
1983 - 1997
15 Seasons
203 Games Played
137.5 Sacks
8 Interceptions
37 Forced Fumbles
18 Fumbles Recovered
1 Safety
2 Touchdowns
4 Pro Bowls



Richard Lamar Dent was an eighth round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in the 1983 draft. He was the 203rd player chosen overall. Dent went to college at Tennessee State University. He played immediately as a freshman Defensive End, recording 7 sacks as a reserve. He had 8, then 10 over the next two seasons starting at DE. He was moved to Defensive Tackle in his senior year, and accumulated 14 sacks. He was named to the Sheridan Broadcasting Network First Team All American, and was the Sheridan Broadcasting Network Defensive Player of the Year. His 39 career sacks are a school record, surpassing the previous total of 38 set by Ed "Too Tall" Jones, and tied by Cleveland Elam. Nicknamed "Dirty" by his team mates, Dent is a member of the Tennessee State University Hall Of Fame, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.





Dent earned playing time with the Bears in his rookie season as it progressed. He ended up starting 3 games, and recorded 3 sacks. Firmly entrenched as the Bears starting Defensive End in 1984, Dent went wild and collected a career best 17.5 sacks. Richard was selected to his first Pro Bowl Team due to his efforts. 1985 is a season most Bears fan remember as one of the best teams in franchise history. Dent was certainly a key member on a defense that ranked first in the NFL in total defense. He led the NFL with 17 sacks, intercepted 2 passes, and returned 1 for his first NFL touchdown. He also also forced a career best 7 fumbles that year. Dent was selected to his second Pro Bowl Team after the season. Dent was even better once the Bears made the playoffs, recording 3.5 sacks and forcing 2 fumbles in a win over the New York Giants. He then sacked the Los Angeles Quarterback, and forced a fumble in the NFC Championship game. That ball was returned for a touchdown, sealing the victory over the Rams. In Super Bowl XX, Dent had 2 sacks and forced 2 fumbles and was named the Super Bowl MVP in the Bears win. Over the next 4 seasons, Dent missed 9 games due to injuries, but still managed to garner 43.5 sacks and an interception over that time. 1990 saw Dent back in full health, as he picked off a career best 3 interceptions, scored the last touchdown of his career off of a fumble recovery, and had 12 sacks. He was named to his 3rd Pro Bowl Team as well. By 1993, Dent was 33 years old, and would make his final Pro Bowl Team that year. He had 12.5 sacks, and intercepted the last pass of his career. Dent then joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1994. Though the injured Dent played just 2 games, recording 2 sacks, the 49ers went on to win Super Bowl XXIX, and Dent was given his second Super Bowl ring. Richard returned to the Bears for the 1995 season, but could not stay healthy. He played just 3 games, and it was his only season he did not record a sack. Dent moved on to play for the Indianapolis Colts in 1996, and was mainly used as a pass rushing specialist. He picked up 6.5 sacks, and recorded a safety. He then joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1997, recording 4.5 sacks as a pass rushing specialist. Dent then retired after that year with the third most sacks in NFL history, a statistic not officially recorded until 1982.





Richard Dent has made the final 15 in the Hall Of Fame selection process four times, so his induction seems to be eminent. He has a few good things going for him in his case. One is that he played in Chicago, a noted media outlet. The second is that the great Bears defense in 1985 has only one member in Canton. Though there were several great defenders on that unit, and Wilbur Marshall may be the only other player with a legitimate shot at induction some day, Dent is most definitely the most worthy of induction, and his Chicago ties will get him faster than deserved perhaps. After watching Fred Dean get inducted, while Jim Marshall, Claude Humphrey, and others await the call, you also must take into account that most of the voters have short and selective memories these days. Though I'd personally put in Marshall and Humphrey ahead of Dent, it won't go that way most likely. Maybe if the NFL recognized sacks during those men's careers, this would not be a debate for some. Richard Dent is one of the best Defensive Ends to have ever played on Soldier Field, and his bust has probably already been made. He seems to be waiting his turn while the voters try to play catch up on all the other injustices from previous omissions. But, who really knows? We may see Dent finally inducted this year.





Notable Players Drafted in 1983 ( * denotes Hall Of Famer)

1. John Elway, QB, Baltimore Colts *
2. Eric Dickerson, RB, LA Rams *
3. Curt Warner, RB, Seattle
4. Chris Hinton, OT, Denver
6. Jimbo Covert, OT, Chicago
9. Bruce Matthews, G, Houston Oilers *
10. Terry Kinard, S, NY Giants
14. Jim Kelly, QB, Buffalo *
19. Joey Browner, S, Minnesota
20. Gary Anderson, RB, San Diego
22. Gil Byrd, CB, San Diego
24. Ken O'Brien, QB, NY Jets
26. Don Mosebar, C, Oakland
27. Dan Marino, QB, Miami *
28. Darrell Green, CB, Washington *
32. Henry Ellard, WR, LA Rams
35. Wes Hopkins, CB, Philadelphia
37. Leonard Marshall, DE, NY Giants
39. Darryl Talley, LB, Buffalo
41. Ron Brown, WR, Cleveland
42. Keith Bostic, DB, Houston
49. Roger Craig, RB, San Francisco
54. Bill Pickel, NT, Oakland
61. Albert Lewis, CB, Kansas City
64. Dave Duerson, DB, Chicago
67. Mike Cofer, LB, Detroit
84. Charles Mann, DE, Washington
101. Johnny Rembert, LB, New England
110. Greg Townsend, DE, Oakland
119. Jim Arnold, P, Kansas City
167. Reggie Roby, P, Miami
186. Carl Lee, DB, Minnesota
187. Craig James, RB, New England
202. Earnest Jackson, RB, San Diego
219. Mark Bortz, G, Chicago
223. Mark Clayton, WR, Miami
237. Ali Haji-Sheikh, K, NY Giants
276. Tim Krumrie, NT, Cincinnati
289. Jesse Sapolu, G, San Francisco
310. Karl Mecklenburg, LB, Denver
334. Anthony Carter, WR, Miami

JEFF VAN NOTE

Jeff Van Note
6'2" 247
Center
Atlanta Falcons
1969 - 1986
18 Seasons
246 Games Played
5 Pro Bowls



Jeffrey Aloysius Van Note was an 11th round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 1969. He was the 262nd player picked overall. Van Note would go on to play his entire 18-year NFL career as a center for the Atlanta Falcons from 1969 to 1986. After beginning his college career as a fullback, Van Note then moved to defensive end at the University of Kentucky. Van Note earned 2nd team All SEC honors in his sophomore year. He was named Kentucky's team MVP his senior year. He was drafted as a linebacker.

Van Note was soon moved to Center by Falcons NFL Hall of Fame head coach Norm Van Brocklin. Van Note eventually became an upper echelon Center in the NFL. His 18 NFL years is amongst the top 25 longest in NFL history and is the second longest while staying with the same team. He played in 246 games over this stretch, and his 225 games started is second in Falcons history to. Van Note only missed four games in his entire NFL career.

The Falcons retired Van Note's number at halftime of his final home game. He was voted the franchise's favorite player during the Falcons' 25th Anniversary season in 1991 by fans. Van Note was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame and to the Falcons' Ring of Honor.

Jeff Van Note played in an era full of excellent Centers in the NFC. Tom Banks, Rich Saul, Len Hauss, Forrest Blue, Ed Flanagan, Mick Tingelhoff, Jay Hilgenberg, and Doug C. Smith were all multiple Pro Bowl Honorees during Van Notes era. Jeff made 3 straight Pro Bowls from ages 34 to 36. He was an athletic, strong, and technically sound player. He languished on some bad teams, but was one of the players the Falcons could rely on week in and week out for many years. His name was constantly bandied about as one of the NFL's top Centers during his career. His status as a fan favorite exemplifies this. Many great offensive lineman languish in anonymity. The Falcons had flashy players like Tommy Nobis, White Shoes Johnson and Steve Bartkowski, but Van Note is the guy most Falcon fans say symbolize the franchise best. He may not be the greatest Center who ever played, but he is certainly amongst those mentioned as one of the greats. Jeff Van Note should be inducted into Canton.


Notable Players Drafted In 1969 (* Denotes Canton Inductee)

1. O.J. Simpson, RB, Buffalo *
4. Joe Greene, DT, Pittsburgh *
7. Ted Kwalick, TE, San Francisco
11. Bill Stanfill, DE, Miami
13. Fred Dryer, DE, NY Giants
16. Gene Washington, WR, San Francisco
19. Roger Wehrli, CB, St. Louis Cardinals *
20. Ron Johnson, RB, Cleveland
24. Calvin Hill, RB, Dallas
31. Bill Bergey, LB, Cincinnati
33. Ted Hendricks, LB, Baltimore *
39. Ed White, OG, Minnesota
41. Bobby Douglass, QB, Chicago
48. Ed Podolak, RB, Kansas City
56. Jon Kolb, C, Pittsburgh
63. Eugene "Mercury" Morris, RB, Miami
69. Bill Bradley, S, Philadelphia
80. Bob Kuechenberg, OG, Philadelphia
93. Charlie Joiner, WR, Houston *
96. Roy Gerela, P, Houston
99. John Zook, DE, LA Rams
101. Jack Rudnay, C, Kansas City
135. Ken Riley, QB, Cincinnati
139. Harold McLinton, LB, Washington
238. L.C. Greenwood, DE, Pittsburgh
273. John Fuqua, RB, NY Giants
337. Carl Mauck, LB, Baltimore
338. Steve O'Neal, P, NY Jets

CLIFF HARRIS

Cliff Harris
6' 188
Free Safety
Dallas Cowboys
1970 - 1979
10 Seasons
141 Games
29 Interceptions
18 Fumbles Recovered
1 Touchdown
6 Pro Bowls



Clifford Allen Harris was not chosen in the 1970 NFL Draft. He went to Ouachita Baptist College. He played all positions of the defensive secondary during his collegiate career. Harris was a two-time All-AIC selection. He was part of the Ouachita 1966 AIC Championship team. Cliff Harris is a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame and a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Harris started immediately at Free Safety in his rookie year. He intercepted 2 passes, returning one for 60 yards. Harris also recovered 3 fumbles. Although military obligations caused him to miss the second half the season, he returned in time for the Cowboys' Super Bowl VI win. Harris also returned punts and kickoffs for the Cowboys from his second season until his fifth season. His best season returning kickoffs was in 2nd year. Harris returned 29 kicks for 823 yards at an excellent 28.3 average. All of these stats are his career highs. He took one kick 77 yards for the longest return of his career. He also averaged a career best 7.6 yards per punt return on 17 punts. Harris picked off 2 passes that year and recovered 3 fumbles as well. He ended up with 63 kick returns at a very impressive 25.7 average for his career. He also returned 66 punts in his career. Harris was steady. He intercepted 2 or more passes every year of his entire career. His career high was 5 in 1977, when the Cowboys won Super Bowl XII. In 1975, Harris took an interception 27 yards for the only touchdown of his NFL career. Harris was named to his first Pro Bowl in 1974, and would be named to the Pro Bowl each year for the rest of his career.

Harris earned the nickname "Captain Crash" during his career. He was a starter his entire NFL career, and was fearless versus the run. Harris was a notoriously hard hitter who would make opposing wide receivers get alligator arms when coming across the middle. He was on five Dallas Super Bowl teams during his career. Harris wore the pads of place kickers in order to keep his speed and quickness up throughout his career, making his hitting prowess even more impressive. Harris announced his retirement following the 1979 to concentrate on his business ventures, where he runs a company with former Cowboys SS Charlie Waters. They also wrote a memoirs about their time together with the Cowboys. Sports Illustrated named him to their Dream Team at free safety. Harris was named to the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2004.

Cliff Harris changed the way the Free Safety position was played. His run support is legendary in Texas, and his intelligence was a big part of his game. Harris teamed with his best friend, Waters, to form one of the better Safety duos in the NFL throughout the 70's. Waters made 3 Pro Bowls from 1976 to 1978. Harris was noted for always being around the ball. He got the ball back for the Cowboys 47 times in his 10 year career. He has been a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I don't know what the voters are waiting for. He should have been in already. With his being so close in 2004, there is little doubt in my mind that Cliff Harris will one day be in Canton. Hopefully sooner than later.



Notable Players Drafted In 1970 (* Denotes Canton Inductee)

1. Terry Bradshaw, QB, Pittsburgh *
7. Mike Reid, DT, Cincinnati
9. Cedric Hardman, DE, San Francisco
10. Ken Burrough, WR, New Orleans
13. Doug Wilkerson, OG, Houston
17. Bruce Taylor, CB, San Francisco
18. Norm Bulaich, FB, Baltimore
19. Steve Owens, RB, Detroit
22. Jack Reynolds, LB, LA Rams
23. Duane Thomas, RB, Dallas
24. Raymond Chester, TE, Oakland
29. Jim Mandich, TE, Miami
30. Dennis Shaw, QB, Buffalo
31. Leo Brooks, DT, Houston
36. Joe "Turkey" Jones, DE, Cleveland
39. Art Malone, RB, Atlanta
43. Bill Brundige, DE, Washington
46. Richard Caster, WR, NY Jets
53. Mel Blount, DB, Pittsburgh *
55. Tim Foley, DB, Miami
66. Charlie Waters, DB, Dallas
76. Gerald Irons, DE, Oakland
80. Ed George, OT, Pittsburgh (CFL Hall of Fame)
110. Ron Saul, OG, Houston
114. Manny Sistrunk, DE, Washington
153. Pat Toomay, DE, Dallas
159. Jake Scott, DB, Miami
163. Lemar Parrish, DB, Cincinnati
201. Mike Holmgren, QB, Saint Louis Cardinals
204. Rich Saul, OG, LA Rams
218. Jim Otis, FB, New Orleans
248. Joe Dawkins, RB, Houston
259. Stu Voight, TE, Minnesota
287. Butch Davis, DB, Chicago
335. Mark Washington, CB, Dallas
346. Mark Moseley, K, Philadelphia
348. Doug Sutherland, DT, New Orleans