Jack Kemp

Jack Kemp
6'1" 201
Quarterback
Buffalo Bills
1957-1969
11 Seasons
122 Games Played
7 Pro Bowls
1965 AFL MVP
AFL All-Time Leader In Passing Yards
AFL All-Time Leader In Attempts / Completions
5 AFL Title Games In 7 Seasons

Jack French Kemp was drafted in the 17th round of the 1957 draft by the Detroit Lions. He had went to Occidental College previously, a small private liberal arts school. Occidental has produced six NFL players and Kemp is the most successful.

Kemp is also probably the most famous alumnus of Occidental, though Terry Gilliam of Monty Python should be considered. Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, attended the school for two years before transferring.

Kemp's college roommate was Jim E. Mora, who would later become a head coach for several professional football teams. Kemp was an All-Conference player who was the nation’s No. 3 small college passer as a senior. He even set a school record throwing the javelin with the track team.

Not only did Kemp's wife attend Occidental, but two of his children and his younger brother did as well. Occidental is unveiling a statue of Jack Kemp on April 29, 2011 to celebrate all of his accomplishments.

Detroit cut Kemp during training camp, but the Pittsburgh Steelers signed him to backup Hall of Famer Len Dawson and the legendary Earl Morrall. Though Morrall made the Pro Bowl that year, Kemp got in on four games and completed eight balls for 88 yards.

Pittsburgh acquired Hall of Fame quarterback Bobby Layne the next year, so they released Kemp. He signed on with the San Francisco 49ers, spending a few weeks on their taxi squad before being cut.

The New York Giants signed him to their taxi squad, where he remained all season as the Giants made it to the title game and lost in "The Greatest Game Ever Played". It was the first post-season game that had an overtime period, where the Baltimore Colts prevailed.

The Giants then used their 1959 first-round draft pick on quarterback Lee Grosscup, the innovator of the shovel pass. Kemp was released and found no NFL teams interested. He joined the Calgary Stampeders on the Canadian Football League, but was cut after one game.

Having being cut by a CFL and four NFL teams did not discourage Kemp. Though his family was trying to coax him to quit playing football and get on with his life, Kemp saw an alternative.

The American Football League was to begin play in 1960. Since Kemp did have NFL experience, the Los Angeles Chargers signed him as a free agent. Bob Clatterbuck, who had last played in 1957 after four years with the Giants, was Kemp's primary competition in camp.

Kemp won the starting job and his leadership skills quickly catapulted him to being a team captain. He was named First Team All-Pro that year, but the AFL did not yet have their Al-Star game. The Chargers reached the title game, but lost.

He was named to the very first AFL All-Star squad in 1961 after helping the Chargers, now playing in San Diego, win their first ten games. They reached the title game and again lost to the Houston Oilers for the second straight year.

The 1962 season was one of his most difficult. He severely hurt his shoulder in 1961 when he was serving in the military and had to go to Germany when the Berlin Wall was erected. He had went through most of that year taking up to ten pain killer shots each game.

He broke two fingers on his throwing hand in the second game of the year. The Chargers had drafted John Hadl that year, but planned him to spend his rookie year on the bench. With Kemp out, the Chargers won just four games.

Hall of Fame head coach Sid Gillman made the mistake of trying to hide Kemp on the taxi squad, as he recovered, by waiving him. Three teams immediately tried to claim him and he was awarded to the Buffalo Bills.

He recovered from his injuries well enough to play the last four games of that 1962 season. Though he played just six games that year, he was named an All-Star. It showed the respect Kemp had from his peers.

Buffalo named Kemp a captain as well. This move paid off when star running back Cookie Gilchrist was frustrated one game by the lack of touches and refused to go back on the field. Head coach Lou Saban was about to release Gilchrist, but Kemp convinced Saban to keep a very important member of the team.

Though he made the All-Star team again in 1963, Buffalo had another young quarterback to push Kemp in camp. Daryle Lamonica was drafted in the 24th round, but impressed the Bills coaches enough to start two games that year.

The Bills had the best defense in the AFL in 1964. With the combination of the multi-talented Gilchrist, the swarming defense, and Kemp's leadership, Buffalo won the AFL Championship Game that year by defeating the defending champion Chargers 20-7.

Buffalo went back to the title game in 1965 and beat the Chargers again for the ttle. It is still the last time the Bills franchise has won a championship. Not only was Kemp named an All-Star, he was named First Team All-Pro.

Not only was he named the MVP oh the 1965 title game, but he also shared the AFL MVP Award with ex-Chargers teammate Paul Lowe.

Buffalo reached the championship game again in 1966. They faced the Kansas City Chiefs for the right to oppose the Green Bay Packers in what later would be called the first Super Bowl game ever. Kansas City won, yet Kemp was named an All-Star again.

Buffalo then traded Lamonica to the Oakland Raiders for quarterback Tom Flores, who was coming off a Pro Bowl season himself. Flores, who later led the Raiders to two Super Bowl victories as a head coach, lasted just over two years as a reserve for Buffalo.

Kemp struggled in the 1967 season as he would not be named an All-Star for the first time in his career. He looked to rebound the next year, but teammate Ron McDole fell on his knee in practice and Kemp had to miss the season before it started.

The Bills drafted 1968 Heisman Trophy winner O.J. Simpson, a future member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in 1969. Kemp returned and was named an All-Star for the last time, making him one of the few players to have played in the first and last All-Star games.

He also successfully lobbied to have all AFL teams wear a patch that year to honor a league that had tremendous impact on professional football. Kemp had already shown intense support of his peers by co-founding the AFL Players Association and served as president five times.

Though just 34-years old and holding a four-year no-cut contract, Kemp decided to try politics in 1970. He was elected to Congress, where he stayed until 1989. He then ran the Housing and Urban Development Department until 1993 and ran for Vice-President in 1996.

After getting out of politics, Kemp worked with children as vice president of NFL Charities and worked with youth football. His son Jeff was an NFL quarterback for 11 seasons, and his som Jim played quarterback in the CFL for nine years.

He is the only person to start at quarterback the entire 10 years the AFL existed. Besides leading his teams to five championship games, Kemp was an All Star every year but two. He is also one of just 20 men to have played all 10 years of the AFL's existence.

Though Kemp was not named to the AFL All-Time Team, where Hall of Famers Dawson and Joe Namath were, he holds many league records. He has the most passing attempts and completions, as well as passing yards, in AFL history for a career and in championship games.

He and Frank Tripucka became the AFL's first 3,000-yard passers in AFL history in the last week of the 1960 season. Tripucka won the title of most yards passing by 20 yards.

Critics of Kemp point out how he took a lot of sacks and had 69 more career interceptions than touchdown passes. He was once sacked 11 times in game, which is an AFL record and is tied with 12 others as the second most ever in professional football history.

The truth is that Kemp liked to throw the ball deep down the field for significant gains. His career average of 14.8 yards per completion is still the 11th best ever. He is still ranked in the top-100 in many quarterbacking categories as well.

Not only was Kemp a winner, but he was also a role model for young players. Lamonica went on to be a five-time Pro Bowler who was named AFL MVP twice and won three championships. He also has the second best winning percentage ever by a quarterback.

Hadl went on to be a six-time Pro Bowler who won a championship and was the 1973 NFC Player of the Year. Kemp also mentored a young James Harris, the first black quarterback to begin the season as a starter and second ever to start any game as a quarterback.

Harris, who coincidentally replaced Hadl in 1974, went to his only Pro Bowl in 1974 and was named the Pro Bowl MVP. Much like his political career, Kemp sought equality while playing.

When in Louisiana in 1965, Kemp was with Gilchrist and Ernie Warlick to play in the AFL All-Star Game to be held in New Orleans. When they tried to catch a cab to the hotel, the cabbie told Kemp only he could ride and Gilchrist and Warlick would have to take a "colored cab".

Kemp refused to ride in the cab, saying if it wasn't good enough for his teammate then it wasn't good enough for him. Gilchrist led a players petition to boycott playing the game in New Orleans, which was joined by Kemp. The game was moved to Houston in what was one of the first civil rights stands in professional football history.

When you look at Kemp's career, it is much like his entire life. The man was a winner with an unquenchable thirst to be his best. Not only did he lead by his play, his toughness was legendary.

Besides playing with the bad shoulder in 1961 and broken fingers in 1962, Kemp was given a waiver by the military because of knee problems. Hall of Fame offensive tackle, and Chargers teammate, Ron Mix noted that "it sounds weird, but he could play football and not be fit to serve in the Army".

His is a story of never giving up on his dream, even after five teams cut ties with him and his own family doubted his dreams. A dream that can be called an "All-American Dream", Kemp lived it for 11 years while losing three in between for various reasons.

There are quite a number of people in Canton because they won titles. While Kemp's passing numbers might not blow away the modern fan, the rules of the era must be considered. Despite an era where defenses could actually play defense, Kemp often got the ball deep down the field.

Though Hall of Famer Jim Kelly now owns most of team records for Buffalo Bills quarterbacks, Kemp went to two more Pro Bowls and was named First Team All-Pro one more time than Kelly. His five title games is tied with legends like Hall of Famer Sid Luckman, while Kelly played in four.

He had just three years where his teams had losing records and he won 28 more contests than he lost. Kemp was also a good running quarterback, having scored 40 times. He was second in rushing touchdowns during the Bills 1965 title season.

Not only did he give back to the game both as a player and retiree, Kemp was a rare man who truly believed in dignity after football. He often reminded people of the AFL's impact, something the Canton voters seem to have ignored much too often.

As I often say in the AFL legends I profile, the building in Canton clearly says Pro Football Hall of Fame. Some voters have tried to turn it into the NFL Hall of Fame by spurning the deserving candidacies of several gridiron greats who wore uniforms for other leagues like the AFL and AAFC.

When you look at his body of work, Jack Kemp belongs in Canton. Not only did he win too much to be ignored, but his contributions to the game can no longer go on being slighted. Wake up the Canton voters in your area and let them know that Kemp's long overdue respect is still waiting.


Notable Players Drafted In 1957 ( * Denotes Canton Inductee )

1. Paul Hornung, RB, Green Bay Packers *
2. Jon Arnett, RB, Los Angeles Rams
3. John Brodie, QB, San Francisco 49ers
4. Ron Kramer, TE, Packers
5. Len Dawson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers *
6. Jim Brown, FB, Cleveland Browns *
8. Jim Parker, G, Baltimore Colts *
11. Del Shofner, WR, Rams
12. Bill Glass, DE, Detroit Lions
14. Jack Pardee, LB, Rams
15. Abe Woodson, CB, 49ers
17. Milt Plum, QB, Browns
19. Billy Ray Barnes, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
21. Joe Walton, TE, Washington Redskins (Notable Coach)
24. John Gordy, G, Lions
31. Tommy McDonald, WR, Eagles *
36. Terry Barr, RB, Lions
43. Sonny Jurgensen, QB, Eagles *
47. Lamar Lundy, DE, Rams
52. Henry Jordan, DT, Browns *
70. John Nisby, G, Packers
78. Gene Hickerson, G, Browns *
94. Charlie Bradshaw, OL, Rams
109. Don Maynard, WR, New York Giants *
128. Tommy Davis, K, 49ers
291. Jimmy Orr, WR, Rams




Kemp with Jim Mora Sr.











Kemp with Sid Gillman

Isiah Robertson

Isiah Robertson
6'2" 225
Linebacker
Los Angeles Rams
1971 - 1982
12 Seasons
168 Games Played
25 Interceptions
15 Fumbles Recovered
4 Touchdowns
6 Pro Bowls
1971 Defensive Rookie of the Year

Isiah B. Robertson was a first round draft choice by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1971 NFL Draft. He was the tenth player chosen overall. Robertson hailed from Southern University, where he became the school's first College Division All-America selection as a senior in 1970.

He is a member of the school's athletic Hall of Fame, the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame, the Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame, and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Robertson still holds the school record of returning an interception 102-yards for a score.

While at Southern, the football team was stacked with future NFL players. Some of his teammates included Hall of Famer Mel Blount, Harold Carmichael, Al Beauchamp, Ken Ellis, Ray Jones, Richard Neal, Jim Osborne, Alden Rouche, Lew Porter, Donnel Smith, and Harold McLinton.

When Robertson joined the Rams, the famous "Fearsome Foursome" front line was nearing the end of their glory days. They still had Hall of Famers Merlin Olsen and Deacon Jones, as well as Pro Bowler Coy Bacon, but Jones would leave the Rams at the end of the season and Bacon would join him with the San Diego Chargers in 1973.

Los Angeles just lost legendary linebacker Maxie Baughan, who should be in Canton, to retirement. Robertson stepped into that vacant spot and stood out right away. He got a career best four interceptions and was named to the Pro Bowl. He was also named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, beating out such future Hall of Famers like Jack Ham and Jack Youngblood, as well as legends like Jack Tatum, Lyle Alzado, Phil Villapiano, Mike Wagner, and Dwight White, for the honor.

He returned to the Pro Bowl in 1973, as well as earning a First Team All-Pro honor. He scored once off of three of his interceptions that year. It was the first of five consecutive Pro Bowl seasons for Robertson.

Known for blazing speed mixed in with high intelligence and a knack for always being around the ball, Robertson became one of the NFL's top outside linebackers in the 1970's. He matched his career best total of four interceptions in 1975, yet gained a career high 118 yards. One swipe went 76-yards for a score, the longest ever by a Rams linebacker.

The 1976 season was his last being named First Team All-Pro, but he went to the Pro Bowl one last time the next year. He was hurt much of the 1978, causing him to miss three games, as well as eight starts. They would be the only games of his career that Robertson missed.

The Rams traded Robertson to the Buffalo Bills just before the 1979 season. Buffalo signed him to a contract extension that made Robertson one of the highest paid linebackers in the league. He picked off two balls that year, both of which happened in one game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He took one ball 23 yards for the last touchdown of his career.

The Bills had a young linebacking unit with Jim Haslett, Lucius Sanford, Shane Nelson, and Chris Keating. All would be key ingredients in the Bills resurgence, and Robertson served as their mentor.

Buffalo had not won their division since 1966, when they were members of the American Football League. The 1975 season was the only time they had made the playoffs since the AFL merged with the NFL in 1970, but they lost in the first round. The Bills won 11 games in 1980, which was the most wins they had since winning the 1964 AFL Championship.

The Bills won their division again in 1981, helped by a pair of interceptions by Robertson. Buffalo would win their first playoff game since winning the 1965 AFL title before losing to the Bengals, who eventually reached Super Bowl XVI, that year.

The 1982 season is best known for losing seven games to a players strike. Robertson started in all nine games, picking off a pass. He informed Buffalo that he was retiring at the end of the year, so Darryl Talley was drafted to take over.

Once clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, Robertson was more than a linebacker with blazing speed. It is no coincidence that most of the defensive units he suited up for ended up being amongst the best in the NFL yearly.

The Rams were ranked first in defense in both 1974 and 1975, and gave up the fewest points. Los Angeles would reach the NFC Championship Game thrice in his eight season with them. His reuniting with Chuck Knox was no mystery. Knox, who took over as the Bills head coach in 1978, was Robertson's head coach with the Rams from 1973 to 1977. Knox knew Robertson would help Buffalo start winning again, which they did.

Sacks and tackles were not recorded statistics in his era, but Robertson was often seen crashing off the edge to lay into the opposing quarterback. He was also superior in pass coverage, often seen shutting down a tight end or running back all game. A sound technician, Robertson also was known for bone-crunching hits at high speeds.

He had a knack for the big play much of his career. In a 1974 playoff game against the Washington Redskins, he picked off a pass thrown by Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen. Robertson then proceeded to hurdle several men and break four tackling attempts on his way to a 59-yard touchdown that sealed a 19-10 win for the Rams.

Hall of Famer Les Richter is the only Rams linebacker who appeared in the Pro Bowl more than Robertson. His six Pro Bowls is tied with five other Rams as the most in team history. Robertson is the only Rams linebacker ever to be named First Team All-Pro twice.

No other Rams linebacker has more interceptions or yards returned off of interceptions than Robertson, as well as his having the longest interception return ever by a Rams linebacker. His two scores off of interceptions is second to Jack Pardee as the most ever.

He is fourth, behind Richter, Pardee, and "Hacksaw" Jack Reynolds, for having the most fumble recoveries ever by a Rams linebacker. While he played just four years in Buffalo, only five Bills linebackers have more interceptions than him.

Consistent, dependable, tough, fast, and smart. Though Hall of Famers like Ham, Ted Hendricks, and Bobby Bell were chosen on the 1970s NFL All-Decade Team, Robertson was worthy as well. Bell went to one Pro Bowl in 1970 and none more until he retired in 1974. Hendricks went to four Pro Bowls that decade.

The 1970's had some of the greatest outside linebackers in NFL history. Ham, Hendricks, and Bell are joined by Chris Hanburger and Dave Wilcox enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Yet it is a neglected position in Canton as well. Men like Baughan, Robert Brazile, Chuck Howley, and Matt Blair join Robertson on hoping Canton awakes and finally inducts them.

What makes the situation sadder is to see one-dimensional outside linebackers like Andre Tippett, Derrick Thomas, and Rickey Jackson get inducted in the last decade while a long list of equal or better players like Robertson still wait. Though worthy, they basically spent their careers rushing the passer while the more well-rounded players are now going three or four decades since they retired.

If you want the big play, Robertson provided it. Of you want steady consistency that never came off the field and could cover all aspects of defense, Robertson provided it. If you need accolades, he provides that as well.

Since retiring as a player, he has created a message called "Run To Win" in a long-term resedential recovery program for men he named "House of Isaiah". It helps youths keep clear of drugs. Robertson also works with the Special Olympics. If you want to see some rare video football of him scoring touchdowns, laying out crushing tackles, as well as doing spectacular things while possessing the football, visit www.isiahrobertson.com.

There is little to no argument about the worthiness of his inclusion into Canton. When one looks at his whole body of work, it is easy to see that Isiah Robertson should be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.






Notable Players Drafted In 1971 * Denotes Hall of Fame Inductee

1. Jim Plunkett, QB, New England Patriots
2. Archie Manning, QB, New Orleans Saints
3. Dan Pastorini, QB, Houston Oilers
4. J.D. Hill, WR, Buffalo Bills
6. John Riggins, RB, New York Jets *
8. Frank Lewis, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
9. John Brockington, RB, Green Bay Packers
14. Clarence R. Scott, CB, Cleveland Browns
19. Jack Tatum, FS, Oakland Raiders
20. Jack Youngblood, DE, L.A. Rams
22. Don McCauley, RB, Baltimore Colts
27. Julius Adams, DE, Patriots
34. Jack Ham, LB, Steelers *
43. Dan Dierdorf, OT, Saint Louis Cardinals *
45. Phil Villapiano, LB, Raiders
56. Lynn Dickey, QB, Oilers
57. Jim Braxton, FB, Buffalo Bills
67. Ken Anderson, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
79. Lyle Alzado, DE, Denver Broncos
99. Joe Theismann, QB, Miami Dolphins
104. Dwight White, DE, Steelers
105. Larry Brown, OT, Steelers
142. Doug Dieken, OT, Browns
147. Mel Gray, WR, Cardinals
161. Harold Carmichael, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
206. Ron Jessie, WR, Dallas Cowboys
230. Vern Den Herder, DE, Dolphins
268. Mike Wagner, FS, Steelers
272. George Starke, OT, Washington Redskins

Cris Carter

Cris Carter
6'3" 202
Wide Receiver
Minnesota Vikings
16 Seasons
234 Games Played
1,101 Receptions
130 Touchdowns
8 Pro Bowls
1990s All-Decade Team

Cristopher D. Carter was drafted in the fourth round of the Supplemental Draft in 1987 by the Philadelphia Eagles. He had to go into the supplemental draft because he lost his senior year of eligibility at Ohio State University after signing a contract with an agent.

While in college, Carter was the Buckeyes big-play receiver. Though he lost a year of college, he had the most receptions in Ohio State history when he left. Not only is he a member of the Buckeyes All-Century Team, but Carter is inducted into the Ohio State Varsity "O" Hall of Fame.

The 1987 season is best known as being shortened by a players strike. Carter was rarely used, catching two touchdowns off five receptions, though he did return 12 kicks. He would only return one kick the rest of his career.

Kenny Jackson, the Eagles first-round draft pick in 1984, was not working out as a starter opposite Pro Bowler Mike Quick. Carter was inserted into the starting lineup and grabbed 17 touchdowns off 84 receptions over two seasons.

The Eagles were known for their swarming defense and athletic quarterback during this time. Their head coach, Buddy Ryan, was a defensive expert, but the Eagles offense could not score in the playoffs and were bounced out in their first game in both years Carter started.

Ryan suddenly cut Carter after the 1989 season, with the reason was that all Carter did for the Eagles was "catch touchdown passes". The truth was that Carter was abusing drugs and the wide receiver credits his being cut as the wake up call that saved his life.

Minnesota claimed him off the waiver wire right away. He spent his first year in Minnesota backing up Anthony Carter (no relation) and Hassan Jones. Though the Vikings started three receivers seven times in 1991, he supplanted Jones as the starter and would hold that spot the remainder of his Vikings career.

One of Carter's strengths was his conditioning and durability. Though he missed four games because if injury in 1992, he played every other game possible for Minnesota. Except for his rookie and final seasons, those would be the only four games that he missed.

His 1993 season was the first of eight straight Pro Bowl years. He became one of the very best receivers in the NFL over this time. Carter caught a career best 122 pass in both 1994 and 1995, becoming the only player in NFL history to have that many receptions twice. He led the NFL in receptions in 1994, and his career best 17 touchdown receptions in 1995 led the league as well.

The Vikings had a revolving door at quarterback during Carter's time there. Seven different men were the primary starter in his 12 seasons with the team. Despite all the lunacy and confusion, Carter was a beacon of steady leadership and consistent production.

Carter had 86 or more receptions in seven of his eight Pro Bowl years. He had 90 or more catches five times. He also grabbed those touchdowns Ryan mentioned. Other than the 17 scores in 1995, he led the NFL with 13 touchdown catches two times. He was in double figures in touchdown receptions in five of his Pro Bowl years.

What made his production even more special, other than the ever changing quarterback, is the fact he had to share receptions with future Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss, Pro Bowl wide receivers Jake Reed and Anthony Carter, and Pro Bowl tight end Steve Jordan.

Besides his eight consecutive Pro Bowls, he was named First Team All-Pro twice. He holds the Vikings record for Pro Bowls by a wide receiver, and only Moss has been named First Team All-Pro more. Just two Vikings, Hall of Famers Alan Page and Randall McDaniel have represented Minnesota more at the Pro Bowl than Carter.

Though he caught 73 balls for six scores in 2001, the Vikings let the 36-year old receiver go. He joined the Miami Dolphins the next year, but appeared in just five games and retired. Carter hold the Vikings records of receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches for a career. He also holds the single-season Vikings record for receptions and is tied with Moss with touchdown receptions.

Carter has been a finalist for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame three times so far. He ranks third in NFL history with 1,101 career receptions, fourth in career receiving touchdowns with 130, and eighth in career receiving yards, and total career touchdowns.

He was blessed with long arms and a lot of strength, making it very hard to cover him in a five-yard chuck. The two modern receivers he is jockeying for induction into Canton is Tim Brown and Andre Reed.

Brown had seven less receptions, but 1,035 more receiving yards. He went to one more Pro Bowl, but was never named First Team All-Pro and had 26 less touchdowns. What might get him in ahead of Carter is the fact he was an incredible return specialist.

Reed got most of his receptions off the arm of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly. He has less Pro Bowls,receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches that both Brown and Carter. Yet he played in four Super Bowls, where Brown appeared in one and Carter never did.

Then there are the old school fans who point to the obvious fact none of these three receivers ever dealt with the ten-yard chuck rule, which makes it much harder to excel as a receiver, as opposed to the offensive-friendly rules the trio participated in. Rules that greatly inflated statistics, perhaps making a player look better than an older player because the modern numbers dwarf the statistics from the ten-yard chuck era.

Men like Mac Speedie, Lionel Taylor, Harold Carmichael, Drew Pearson, Gino Cappelletti, Sonny Randle, Cliff Branch, Harold Jackson, Pete Retzlaff, and LaVern Dilweg are just a few great receivers on par with Carter, Brown, and Reed still awaiting their inductions. Men who dealt with a much rougher game, let alone the ten-yard chuck.

Carter has a feel-good story attached to his career, one that has now extended to where he provides analysis on television. With career on the ropes because of drugs, he rebounded and became a leader. Most recall him serving as a mentor to Moss.

He won the Bart Starr Man of the Year Award in 1994, the Bryan "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Awards in 1998, and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 1999.

Besides the 17 NFL records he either owns or shares, he is a member of the NFL's 1990s All-Decade Team. He is one of the 50 Greatest Minnesota Vikings as well as being a member of their 40th Anniversary Team.

The Vikings have retired his jersey and inducted him into their Honor Roll. His induction into Canton is inevitable, the only question left is the year it will happen. The Vikings have had a huge amount of great receivers to play for them, but Cris Carter may be the best ever.


Notable Players Drafted in 1987 * Denotes Hall of Fame Member

1. Vinny Testaverde, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2. Cornelius Bennett, OLB, Indianapolis Colts
8. Shane Conlin, MLB, Buffalo Bills
9. Jerome Brown, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
10. Rod Woodson, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers *
13. Chris Miller, QB, Atlanta Falcons
20. Haywood Jeffries, WR, Houston Oilers
22. Harris Barton, OT, San Francisco 49ers
23. Bruce Armstrong, OT, New England Patriots
26. Jim Harbaugh, QB, Chicago Bears
29. Nate Odomes, CB, Buffalo
34. Tim McDonald, SS, Saint Louis Cardinals
35. Christian Okoye, FB, Kansas City Chiefs
63. Jerry Ball, NT, Detroit Lions
72. Henry Thomas, DT,Minnesota Vikings
98. Rich Gannon, QB, New England
110. Steve Beuerlein, QB, Oakland Raiders
122. Hardy Nickerson, MLB, Pittsburgh
150. Greg Lloyd, OLB, Pittsburgh
183. Bo Jackson, RB, Oakland
206. Kevin Gogan, OG, Dallas Cowboys
261. Merril Hoge, Pittsburgh
276. Frank Winters, Cleveland Browns
283. Howard Ballard, OT, Buffalo
292. Elbert Shelly, DB, Atlanta
334. Tyrone Braxton, DB, Denver Broncos


1987 Supplemental Draft

1. Brian Bosworth, MLB, Seattle Seahawks

Grady Alderman

Grady Alderman
6 '2" 247
Offensive Tackle
Minnesota Vikings
1960-1974
15 Seasons
204 Games Played
13 Fumbles Recovered
6 Pro Bowls

Grady Charles Alderman was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 10th round of the 1960 draft. He went to college at the nearby University of Detroit Mercy. Alderman and Kansas City Chiefs guard George Daney hold the distinction of being the last players from the school to have played in the NFL.

The football program at Detroit Mercy was disbanded in 1964 despite having put 62 players in the NFL and once winning a national championship. Alderman is a member of the schools Hall of Fame.

He spent his rookie year on the bench, playing both guard and tackle. Detroit left him exposed to the Vikings expansion draft in 1961. Though Minnesota got several good players, including Hall of Fame halfback Hugh McElhenny, Alderman was their finest selection.

He started at left tackle day one. Alderman started every game he played over the next nine seasons, missing just one game over that span. Though the Vikings were struggling as a team, he quickly stood out.

The 1963 season was his first of five consecutive Pro Bowl honors. The team have five losing seasons in their first seven years of existence, but people recognized the work of Alderman. He played in an era where players and coaches voted on who would get that honor.

The Vikings steadily improved, and Alderman was a consistent force each year. The offensive line was one of the reasons for the improvement, with Pro Bowlers Mick Tingelhoff at center and Milt Sunde at guard. It would get even better when Hall of Famer Ron Yary and Pro Bowler Ed White were added later on.

Though his Pro Bowl streak ended in 1968, it was the first year the Vikings won their division. Minnesota repeated as division champions the next year by winning 12 of 14 games. Though the team would win 12 games three more times up until 1973, it was a franchise record until the 1998 team won 15.

The Vikings are the last NFL Champion before the NFL and American Football League officially merged in 1970. They reached Super Bowl V that year before losing. Alderman was named to his last Pro Bowl, as well as earning his lone First Team All-Pro nod.

The last five years of his career was peppered with injuries, but he helped Minnesota keep winning. The team lost just 11 games in four of those years. Alderman would miss the first three starts of his career in 1970, and miss three more the next year. He also missed the second game of his career in 1971.

Now 36-years old in 1974, Minnesota took him out of the starting lineup for the first time in his career. He appeared in every game but one as a reserve. The Vikings reached their third Super Bowl in his career with them, but lost. Alderman then retired as the last of the original Vikings.

His 194 games played is still the seventh most in Vikings history. Few players in the history of the game were as reliable. Alderman missed just three games in his 14 years with Minnesota.

A masterful technician, he always took on the other teams best pass rusher. He also had to block with knowledge of the avenues Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton might take off running to. Tarkenton was known as the "Mad Scrambler", so blockers would have to stay blocking on plays longer for him than other teams had to.

He is one of the 50 Greatest Minnesota Vikings as well as being a member of both their 25th and 40th Anniversary Teams. Alderman was an alert player who pounced on 13 fumbles in his career.

Alderman was somehow left off the NFL's 1960s All-Decade Team despite going to the Pro Bowl more than two of the three tackles selected. One, Bob Brown, is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Brown went to the Pro Bowl four times in the 1960's and the other selection, Ralph Neely of the Dallas Cowboys, went twice.

The six Pro Bowls he played in are tied with 11 other Vikings as the fifth most in franchise history, and it is the most ever by a Vikings left tackle. He is the first tackle in team history to be named First Team All-Pro. Alderman was named Second Team All-Pro five times.

What fans forget with all of his longevity, durability, and excellence is how he accomplished all of this despite being one of the smaller left tackles in the game. Alderman stood 6'2" and weighed 247 lbs. in an era where blockers were not allowed to extend their arms and use their hands like today.

Surviving alone shows how stellar he was with his technique. Then you factor in all of the accolades he attained in his career as his teams went from the basement of the NFL to becoming a dominant squad for many years.

I can only guess his exclusion from Canton is some sort of punishment for the Vikings failing to win a Super Bowl. He hasn't even gotten close in the voting process, which is a head scratcher.

There are many men in Canton because their teams won championships, but the Pro Football Hall of Fame is not a team honor. It is supposed to honor individual achievement. This is somehow forgotten by voters too many times to count. Just because the Vikings failed to win, they have several extremely worthy players still waiting on induction.

Inferior players go in today as time forgets the greatness of these men of the past. The expression that no one remembers second place seems to get louder in the case of men like Alderman, yet the voters seem clueless how hard it is to reach a title game or even just make an NFL team.

Six Pro Bowls in a career is an excellent number for a offensive tackle, but it looks less thanks to how the National Football League ruined the Pro Bowl in both the game and how they sullied the honor by allowing no-nothing fans to vote within the last few decades ago. Where showboats or media whores get the honor instead of the deserving.

Offensive tackle is a position neglected by Canton's voters the last few decades. Yet Alderman's numbers match or exceed a few inducted. He has as many Pro Bowl appearances as Mike McCormack and Rayfield Wright and more than Bob St. Clair or Joe Stydahar.

It would be the right thing for the voters to do by getting the trenches some respect in Canton. Minnesota has three blockers worthy and two, Alderman and Tingelhoff, really should have been in long ago. Those who toiled in the trenches in virtual anonymity for the sake of victory.

The list of legendary tackles is long waiting for induction. Opening up the seniors pool to include a few more candidates would be the intelligent move as well, because watching inferior modern players get inducted first due to these rules is infuriating and diseased.

Not only is he still the greatest left tackle in the history of the Minnesota Vikings, but Grady Alderman is most certainly worthy of induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.


Notable 1960 Draftees * Denotes Hall of Fame Inductee

1. Billy Cannon, RB, Los Angeles Rams
3. Johnny Robinson, DB, Detroit Lions
8. Jim Houston, LB, Cleveland Browns
10. Ron Mix, OT, Baltimore Colts *
13. Harold Olson, OT, St. Louis Cardinals
17. Bob Jeter, DB, Green Bay Packers
20. Maxie Baughan, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
23. Don Floyd, DE, Baltimore
24. Marvin Terrell, G, Baltimore
32. Don Meredith, QB, Chicago Bears
35. Rod Breedlove, LB, San Francisco 49ers
37. Willie West, DB, Green Bay
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 Redskins
55. Abner Haynes, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
56. Don Norton, WR, Philadelphia
59. Len Rohde, OT, San Francisco
63. Gail Cogdill, WR, Detroit
69. Bob Khayat, G, Cleveland
72. George Blair, DB, New York Giants
74. Larry Wilson, S, St. Louis *
75. Jim Norton, S, Detroit
86. Carroll Dale, WR, Los Angeles
88. Bill Mathis, FB, San Francisco
105. Chris Buford, WR, Cleveland
106. Don Perkins, FB, Baltimore
109. Charley Johnson, QB, St. Louis
110. Curtis McClinton, RB, Los Angeles
111. Grady Alderman, OT, Detroit
118. Mel Branch, DE, Detroit
119. Bobby Boyd, DB, Baltimore
157. Bob DeMarco, C, St. Louis
161. Jon Gilliam, C, Green Bay
162. Brady Keys, DB, Pittsburgh
178. Larry Grantham, LB, Baltimore
181. Jim Hunt, DT, St. Louis
203. Goose Gonsoulin, FS, San Francisco
229. Tom Day, DE, St. Louis

Winston Hill

Winston Hill
6'4" 270
Offensive Tackle
New York Jets
1963 - 1977
15 Seasons
198 Games Played
174 Consecutive Starts
8 Pro Bowls
AFL All-Time Team


Winston Cordell Hill was a 11th round draft pick by the Baltimore Colts in the 1963 NFL draft. He was the 145th player chosen overall. Hill went to Texas Southern University, where he was an All-American player who played along the line on both offense and defense. Hill is a member of the Texas Southern Sports Hall of Fame.

The Texas Southern roster was stacked with great players at the time. Many went on to play professional football. Men like Charlie Frazier, W.K. Hicks, Willis Perkins, Art Strahan (the uncle of future Hall of Famer and Texas Southern Alumni Michael Strahan), Warren Wells, Andy Rice, B.W. Cheeks, Gene Jeter, and Hill's close friend Homer Jones, who invented the spiking of the ball after a touchdown.

The Colts had just drafted future five-time Pro Bowler left tackle Bob Vogel in the first round, and would later draft future Colts greats like Willie Richardson, Jerry Logan, and Hall of Famer John Mackey. Hill decided to join the New York Jets of the American Football League.

He quickly found himself starting at left tackle for the Jets. He missed one game that season, but would never miss another game in his entire time in New York. Though the Jets struggled in his first few years, Hill made the Pro Bowl in just his second season.

Fortunes began to change for the better with the Jets in 1965. They drafted future Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath. With Hill protecting the blindside of "Broadway Joe" under the direction of Hall of Fame coach Weeb Ewbank, Namath was able to throw often to Hall of Fame wide receiver Don Maynard and Jets greats like George Sauer, Emerson Boozer, and Matt Snell.

As the Jets had the first winning season in franchise history during 1967, Hill would begin a string of seven consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. This highlight of his career came in 1968, when the Jets defeated the Colts in Super Bowl III.

Not only was Hill excellent at pass blocking, but he was also dominating when the Jets ran the ball. The Jets had just coaxed six-time Pro Bowl guard Bob Talamini, who had already won two AFL Championships with the Houston Oilers, out of retirement for one year to play next to Hill. The Jets won 11 games that year, a total they would not match again until 1985.

Hill was seemingly indestructible in an era where blockers were at the mercy of defenses. Blockers in that era were not allowed to extend their arms like they do today, forced to tuck their hands by their chest to resemble a chicken wing. This did not prevent Hill from starting in 174 straight games.

He manned left tackle until 1976 for the Jets. Namath decided to join the Los Angeles Rams in 1977, and he got his good friend and protector to go with him. Hill suited up for three games that year, but decided to retire after the third game.

Not only did Hill help bring the Jets their only championship in franchise history, but he helped make Namath a star. Namath led the league in passing yards three times, including the first 4,000-yard passing season in professional football history.

There is no question that Hill is the greatest blocker in Jets history, and many of the teams fans would tell you he is also the best player the franchise has ever had as well. His eight Pro Bowls are the most in team history, and his 174 consecutive starts are ranked tenth best in pro football history.

Hill is a member of the AFL Hall of Fame and AFL All-Time Team, as well as an inaugural member of the Jets Ring of Honor. Namath, Ewbank, Maynard, and Curtis Martin joined him in the ceremonies.

The disrespect of the AFL is quite evident by his exclusion from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Of the 10 offensive linemen on the AFL All-Time Team, which also includes Talamini, only Ron Mix, Billy Shaw, and Jim Otto are inducted. Only 12 of the 48 players on the AFL All-Time Team are members of Canton's exclusive club.

How the voters keep overlooking the AFL can only be attributed to lingering envy and anger that the NFL had for the league when it existed. The AFL played an exciting brand of football and won two of the four Super Bowls between the leagues, including the last two, before the merger of the AFL and NFL was completed. Not bad for a league the NFL liked to call a "Mickey Mouse League" before being forced to merge to save their own product.

Yet it all started with Hill's Jets shocking the football world by soundly defeating the supposedly heavily-favored Colts. Though most recall Namath guaranteeing a win before he game, it is unlikely he would have made such a boast if Hill was not there to protect him.

It is obvious Winston Hill should be inducted into Canton. His eight Pro Bowls are proof, and it must be noted he went to four Pro Bowls after the merger too. This proves not only was he amongst the best in AFL history, but he was one of the very best in all of professional football.

The New York media is given a lot of hype for creating hype for their local teams, but they have dropped the ball here. They need to honor their past better and make a bigger push for Hill to finally get his rightful respect and place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.





Notable Players Drafted In 1963 * Denotes Hall of Fame Inductee

NFL

2. Jerry Stovall, S, Saint Louis Cardinals
5. Bob Vogel, OT, Baltimore Colts
6. Lee Roy Jordan, MLB, Dallas Cowboys
7. Pat Richter, TE, Washington Redskins
8. Kermit Washington, CB, San Francisco 49ers
13. Don Brumm, DE, Saint Louis
14. Dave Robinson, OLB, Green Bay Packers
17. Bob Reynolds, OT, Saint Louis
18. Ray Mansfield, C, Philadelphia Eagles
19. John Mackey, TE, Baltimore *
21. Walt Rock, OT, San Francisco
35. Ron Snidow, DE, Washington
44. Paul Flatley, WR, Minnesota
47. Jerry Logan, S, Baltimore
88. Lee Roy Caffey, OLB, Philadelphia
89. Willie Richardson, WR, Baltimore
102. Tom Woodeshick, FB, Philadelphia
129. Jackie Smith, TE, Saint Louis *
136. Bill Nelsen, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
152. Karl Kassulke, S, Detroit Lions
157. Chuck Walker, DT, Saint Louis
220. Andy Russell, OLB, Pittsburgh
241. Larry Stallings, OLB, Saint Louis
259. Jim Turner, K, Washington
278. Homer Jones, WR, New York Giants

AFL

1. Buck Buchanan, DT, Kansas City Chiefs *
2. Walt Sweeney, OG, San Diego Chargers
4. Dave Behrman, C, Buffalo Bills
8. Ed Budde, OG, Kansas City
9. Jim Dunaway, DT, Buffalo
21. Tom Janik, S, Denver Broncos
46. Sam Silas, DT, Boston Patriots
48. George Saimes, S, Kansas City
49. Dave Costa, DT, Oakland Raiders
50. Mickey Slaughter, QB, Denver (Notable College Coach)
56. Bobby Bell, OLB, Kansas City *
60. Hewritt Dixon, RB, Denver
85. Billy Joe, RB, Denver
88. Jerrell Wilson, RB / P, Kansas City
188. Daryle Lamonica, QB, Buffalo
192. Dave Hill, OT, Kansas City
211. Dave Herman, OG, New York Jets
219. Mike Taliaferro, QB, NY Jets

2011 Pro Football Hall Of Fame Class : NFL Voters Wake Up And Almost Get It Right

Some of my regular readers know I have a series of articles, Crazy Canton Cuts, that is dedicated to gridiron greats not yet inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

When I first started my series, the first player I profiled was Washington Redskins legend Chris Hanburger. Not only was I astonished and irked by his exclusion, I decided to try to find a way to get him his overdue respect. The year was 2008 and I quickly found several fans who agreed with me.

I was interviewed for an article on the Washington Times by legendary sportswriter David Elfin. Elfin was raised in the District of Columbia are and was a true Redskins fan. In fact, Elfin led the charge to get Art Monk, a great Redskins wide receiver, finally inducted just a few years ago. Having him as an ally in my mission proved to be immeasurable.

I found it strange that Hanburger had barely scratched the selection process when eligible. His nine Pro Bowls were the most in the illustrious history of the Redskins, let alone the most by any player not yet inducted. He also was named First Team All-Pro four times and had set a record for fumble returns for touchdowns when he retired.

Nicknamed "The Hangman", Hanburger was the first linebacker in NFL history who could beat you by blitzing or covering a pass. Former Pro Bowl running back Calvin Hill told me how he use to marvel at the athleticism Hanburger possessed. Hill said Hanburger frequently jumped over him with ease during a blitz, was strong, and was surely the fastest linebacker in the NFL in his era.

Saint Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame tight end Jackie Smith battled Hanburger twice a year for many seasons. He called Hanburger the poster boy of the modern day weak side linebacker. "Linebackers were big strong guys, not very mobile and geared more to stopping the running game" before Hanburger revolutionized the position.

He weighed about 220 lbs much of his career, but was said to near 200 by the time he retired in 1978. His lack of weight did not prevent him from being stout against the run nor unstoppable when charging in on a blitz. But his athleticism wasn't what made him special. His intelligence put him over most every player in the league. He played in an era where the coaches weren't barking into a microphone to a headset in a helmet of a player, telling them what to do step by step.

The captain of the Redskins defense, he knew over 300 audibles and Hall of Fame head coach George Allen demanded more. Allen was a defensive guru that would spend hours in the film room with Hanburger and the defense. As former Redskins safety Rickie Harris put it, "You had to not only know your responsibilities, you had to know the exact location and responsibilities of the other 10 guys on defense. He was the smartest player I ever played with."

Some theorize his journey into Canton took so long because he was a team player who preferred to differ to his teammates rather than accept any personal glories. He would do his job and go straight home to his wife and kids instead of hanging around talking to reporters. All of the former Redskins players and coaches I talked to said he was a serious man of no nonsense. Reporters perhaps thought he was grouchy, but Hanburger's only mission was to help the team win then go home to his loved ones.

Talking to his son, Chris Jr., it seems his dad has been enjoying his retirement years amongst family. Now he is being pulled out of his comfort zone to give a speech in Canton, which will probably encompass how great his teammates, coaches, and opponents were, then having to be interviewed on television during the Hall of Fame Game.

His family is most likely more ecstatic to see this long overdue honor happen more than Hanburger, though his son suspects deep down his father is appreciate and happy. Redskins Nation is celebrating, because they know the importance Hanburger holds. Older fans might be especially happy, yet most have told their offspring of the greatness of Chris Hanburger.

It was nice to finally see the voters realize it as well. In my research, I had talked to a few other than Elfin. One senior voter did not even know what position Hanburger played, even though the Pro Bowl was an earned honor in those days. Your peers, the ones who truly know who was the best of the best, voted you in as opposed to the fan vote now that seems to cheer on the loudmouths best known for antics over actual gridiron play.

The game was regional back then. The technology did not allow for the immense coverage it has today. A voter would be lucky to see a player on an opposing team, from another division, once a year. If that player was in another conference, it would be a blessing to catch him at least once. It was as if the only voters who knew of Hanburger's greatness had to cover teams in the NFC East, where the Redskins play.

This also happened to Les Richter, the other Seniors Committee nominee inducted this year. Not only did he go to the Pro Bowl eight times as a linebacker, he also was the place kicker of the Los Angeles Rams for many years. He was once traded for 11 players, which surely says how good Richter was. I profiled him long ago in my Crazy Canton Cuts series and mourn the fact he has passed away and will not be in Canton to enjoy his long overdue respect.

There were four other players included into the induction class this year. Richard Dent, another Crazy Canton Cuts subject, finally went in. The former Chicago Bears defensive end is certainly worthy, but I think of equal or better defensive ends still waiting. Men like Jim Marshall, Claude Humphrey, and Coy Bacon, just to name a few.

Shannon Sharpe went in, which was a foregone conclusion. He was not much of a blocker as a tight end, but he had sure hands and was durable. Not nearly as good as his brother Sterling, he deserved entry even if he did play in the era of inflated statistics. Jerry Smith, another Crazy Canton Cuts subject, invented that style of play as a tight end, and retired with several records. Though I wish he was inducted, the homophobia of the league will probably prevent it.

Marshall Faulk is a running back I have no issues with as far as induction goes. I honestly though Curtis Martin, another finalist, was at least equal. Perhaps Martin will go in next year.

Deion Sanders was an exciting return man and special on man-to-man coverage. Kickers were better tacklers than him, but he didn't have to do much of it when the ball was in the air because it wasn't coming his way. I have profiled a gaggle of cornerbacks not yet in Canton, and I can name one equal to Sanders in coverage and returns, if not better, but certainly better as a tackler. How Lemar Parrish sits outside of Canton while Sanders goes in bewilders me.

Ed Sabol's induction was the right thing in the wrong way. His inclusion steals a spot from a player, whgich should not happen. The father of NFL Films, Sabol helped build a lot of the lore now associated with the game. He should have went in, but not at the expense of an actual player. How can the voters blow off a Ray Guy, saying punters aren't worthy, yet vote in a guy who sat on the sideline in a coat and tie holding a camera?

Chris Hanburger Of The Washington Redskins Is On The Cusp Of Immortality

The Pro Football Hall of Fame voters meet on February 7, 2011. In the group of players that they will decide from, Washington Redskins legend Chris Hanburger, a Seniors nominee, could very well find himself being inducted into the heralded walls of Canton.

Some of you may recall my quest to get Chris his long overdue respect. His nine Pro Bowls are the most in Redskins history, and his four First Team All-Pro honors is tied with the legendendaty "Slingin" Sammy Baugh as the most in franchise history. He was also named 1972 Defensive Player of the Year by the NFL 101 Committee.

I wanted to give you real Redskins and NFL fans a gift. I spent months talking to players and coaches Chris played against or with. They graciously gave me quotes and letters, which I compiled into a package and submitted to the Seniors Committee of the Hall of Fame a few months ago.

For those who saw Hanburger play, none of these quotes will surprise you. For those younger fans oblivious to his greatness, this may help educate you on the impact Chris Hanburger had on the game of football while wearing a Redskins jersey.

Please enjoy :



JACKIE SMITH
Tight End
1963 - 1978
Hall Of Fame Inductee 1994

As tight end playing for St. Louis and in the same division as the Redskins,
I played against Chris twice a season for quite a few years. When I first
started playing, linebackers were big strong guys, not very mobile and
geared more to stopping the running game.

Chris should be the "poster boy" for the new era of linebackers that could
not only be effective against the run, but equally effective against the
pass. His combination of strength and speed made it very difficult to block
him or even get position on him. His ability to anticipate and then react
allowed him to knock down passes in the intermediate distances and make
tackles on the opposite side of the field.

He had to be the first linebacker to broaden the scope of the linebacker and
increase the expectations of other teams of their linebackers.

I seriously doubt if I ever effectively blocked Chris. My guess is I only
got in his way for a split second, because he was intent on being where the
ball was on every play.

He was a player all teams had to prepare for...or at least try to.

Added to his great skill is another important aspect of Chris Hanburger. We
need to remember the gentlemen that played this game. These are players that
played the game with their heart because they appreciated the opportunity
and wanted to do their best. They modestly reflect on their accomplishments
simply because they would not have been satisfied with less.

Chris Hanburger belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.








Joe Gibbs
Former Head Coach, The Washington Redskins
1981 - 1992, 2004 - 2007
Hall Of Fame Inductee 1996

When Chris was an active player, I coached against him when I was an
assistant coach of the St. Louis Cardinals. When we prepared our game plans,
we always considered how Chris might react against our plays. We considered
him to be an exceptional player and we always took that into consideration
during our game planning. He was an all around player who made the most of
his abilities. He was tough and smart – two player qualities that I always
wanted in my players.

Even though I never coached Chris, I have respect for him as a person and a
football player. He is a big part of the Washington Redskins history.






Tony Liscio
Offensive Tackle
Dallas Cowboys
1963-71

With great pleasure I would like to tell what a great football player Chris
Hanburger

was for the Washington Redskins Football Team during his professional
career.

During my 9 years as an offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys I had many

opportunities to block Chris, which was a very hard task for anyone.


His knowledge of the game and exceptional speed made him a difficult target
to block.

Coach Tom Landry would always point out the ability that Chris had and would

emphasize the need to block him on every play. There was only a few players

that we would call out for special attention and Chris Hanburger was one of
them.


We played back in the days when we played with pride and dignity and no one

displayed this better than Chris Hanburger. He is a credit to the NFL and a
honored

member of the retired players who played with and against him.


Chris Hanburger is genuinely worthy of induction into the NFL Hall Of Fame.

His long Pro Bowl career where he was chosen by his peers speaks for itself.

This shows what his opponents thought of him.

This is the kind of player we need in Canton, OH.







TED MARCHIBRODA
Quarterback/ Coach
1953 - 1998

Chris is the type of individual that belongs in the Hall of Fame. He would
be a good fit, he really, really would.

He was spectacular, but you would never know by his personality. He did his
job and went about his work, every week, every day. Chris was a team player
all the way.

He was just a great person, a tremendous athlete and of great, great
character. He was a very intelligent linebacker and moved very well. At
that time, he was probably faster than most linebackers. He was very
serious, serious in life and serious in football.







RUSTY TILLMAN
Linebacker
1970-1978

To who it may concern,

This letter is a vote for Chris Hanburger to be inducted into the Pro
Football Hall of Fame.

While other Redskins have been inducted, Chris went to the pro-bowl 9 times;
more than any other Redskin. Light for a linebacker (220), his play was year
in and year out at the top of the NFL.

Chris made up for his lack of size with extreme quickness and textbook
tackling. He was undoubtedly the quickest linebacker off the ball that I
have ever seen.

He also did a fantastic job in pass coverage being able to cover excellent
backs one on one.

And something that is frequently overlooked was his ability to call defenses
on the field. I doubt seriously that any defensive player nowadays had the
ability to look at a formation and to get the defense into the right call
99% of the time.

Chris was a leader by example and shunned the limelight. He was strictly a
team guy.

If the committee to elect will look into his playing career, they will see
exactly what I am talking about.









GEORGE ALLEN
Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia 1994-1998
U.S. Senator, 2001-2007

“Chris Hanburger was a perfectionist and an always prepared leader and
captain of my father’s Redskins Defense. Chris Hanburger was consistently in
great physical shape, mentally tough and prepared, having meticulously
studied opposing offenses. He was always in position to make a play or break
a QB’s nose if he ventured into Chris’s territory.

“Because of his leadership and outstanding record of play, Chris Hanburger,
a quiet man, surely deserve strong consideration for the Pro Football Hall
of Fame. He was a premier LB during his playing days as his record shows,
including numerous Pro Bowl appearances.”






JOHN E. McVAY
Coach
1976 - 1978
1989 NFL Executive of the Year

Chris Hanburger played on those great Redskins teams, and for a super coach
in George Allen. The fact that Chris was a perennial Pro-bowler should help
his cause greatly. He was truly one of the best LBs in the league.

Chris was a little undersized but was very productive and could cover
receivers out of the backfield with ease. I remember him as being
outstanding, on a team loaded with great players.







MYRON POTTIOS
Linebacker
1961 - 1973

To :Senior Committee HOF

Gentlemen:

I am sending this letter to you to recognize and give Chris Hanburger his
place in the HOF

In my thirteen years playing in the NFL I had the honor to play with ten
teammates that are in the HOF. Chris has the qualities that all of these ten
Hall Of Famers possess.

1. Leadership on the field

2. 9 Pro Bowls

3. Longevity – 14 yrs







WILLIE J. YOUNG
Offensive Tackle
1966 - 1975

Dear Sirs:

As a former professional football player, I would like to recommend Chris
Hanburger, to the National Football Hall of Fame.

Chris possesses all of the qualities a talented athlete should have in order
to receive this prestigious recognition. Chris is a valuable asset to the
sport of football. He is a professional person on and off the playing field.
Teammates and friends compliment his character of not just a player but
also, as an outstanding man.

You'd be hard pressed to find a player who was more dedicated than Chris,
and I recommend him as a rock solid addition for this outstanding honor.






DIRON TALBERT
Defensive Tackle
1967 - 1980

I FIRST MET CHRIS AT A MINI CAMP IN WASHINGTON DC. I HAD JUST BEEN TRADED TO
THE SKINS FROM THE LA RAMS ALONG WITH JACK PARDEE, MAXIE BAUGHN AND OTHERS
INCLUDING RICHIE PETTIBONE.

I WAS DEFENSIVE RIGHT TACKLE AND I WAS HAPPY TO HAVE CHRIS ON THE RIGHT
LINEBACKER. I HAD WATCHED HIM PLAY FOR A FEW YEARS, AND I KNEW HE WAS THE
BEST IN THE LEAGUE.

ALWAYS A GOOD LEADER, OUR DEFENSIVE CAPTAIN AND DEFENSIVE GENERAL ( SIGNAL
CALLER ).

HE MADE BIG PLAYS, AND WAS THE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER ON OUR TEAM FOR ALL THE
YEARS I PLAYED THERE.

WITH 9 PRO BOWL APPEARANCES, AND ALL THE OTHER CREDENTIALS, THERE IS NO
DOUBT THAT CHRIS HANBURGER BELONGS IN THE NFL HALL OF FAME ALONG WITH MY
GOOD FRIEND KENNY HOUSTON.

I WILL BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS WITH THE SENIOR COMMITTEE IF NEEDED.











MIKE DITKA
Tight End
1961 – 1972
Hall Of Fame Inductee 1988

Chris was a hell of a player. He could beat you with finesse. He was always
in position, and was smart and quick. He also could use power.

He was quiet and did his job, having a great career without the attention he
deserved.

People get too caught up in statistics. He knocked me on my ass.

When I was in Dallas, Coach Landry would always tell us to watch him.

He belongs in the Hall Of Fame.





CHARLIE SANDERS
Tight End
1968 - 1977
Hall Of Fame Inductee 2007

Chris was smart. He was a real student of the game, and studied his opponents. He had a nose for the ball, and was very hard to block. He always gave me a headache.





RAYMOND BERRY
Wide Receiver/ Coach
1955 – 1967, 1968-1992
Hall Of Fame Inductee 1973

He should be in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. Nine Pro Bowls speaks for themselves.

I remember one play I caught a pass, and Hanburger absolutely blasted me. As he was laying on me, I fixed my helmet, looked at him and asked, “Are you OK?” Hanburger looked at me stunned by the question.





SONNY JURGENSEN
Quarterback
1957 – 1974
Hall Of Fame Inductee 1983

Chris Hanburger is the smartest linebacker to ever play in the NFL. He was a
coach on the field.

Chris belongs in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. His nine Pro Bowls is proof.




JOE DeLAMIELLUERE
Offensive Guard
1973 – 1985
Hall Of Fame Inductee 2003

You cannot talk about the NFL, in the 1960’s and 1970’s, without talking
about Chris Hanburger. He had more heart than anyone in the game.

Do not judge a book by its cover. He played like a giant.

I cannot believe he is not in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame!




Roger Staubach
Quarterback
1969 - 1979
Hall Of Fame Inductee 1985

Chris was an outstanding linebacker in the NFL. Even though we had our great rivalry and I didn't like the Redskins, I respected him.


John Hannah
Offensive Guard
1973 - 1985
Hall Of Fame Inductee 1991

He was, at that time, the smartest player in the league. We did everything we could to try to eliminate him from the play. We knew if we didn't neutralize him, then we had less of a chance of winning.



Larry Csonka
Fullback
1968 - 1979
Hall Of Fame Inductee 1987

Chris Hanburger was a fine and dedicated player who certainly has the qualifications to be seriously considered for induction in to the Pro Football of Fame.


Dave Wilcox
Linebacker
1964 - 1974
Hall Of Fame Inductee 2000

Chris belongs in Canton. His nine Pro Bowls is proof.




MAXIE BAUGHAN
Linebacker
1960 – 1970, 1974

Hanburger very much should be in Canton. There are less qualified player
than him already in.

He played to win, and was smart. He was seldom fooled, and he played even
when he was injured.






CHARLE YOUNG
Tight End
1973 – 1986

Chris Hanburger was one of the best. It takes an All-Pro, such as myself, to
know another All-Pro.

He was the toughest linebacker I ever went against in my career.

He was extremely difficult to block, and he was never out of position. He
was a smart, hard working player who got the job done.

He could read you. He knew what you were going to do before you did.





HOMER JONES
Wide Receiver
1964 – 1970

I feared Chris Hanburger much more than Dick Butkus, or any other linebacker
in the NFL. He could run with me, and he could hit very hard. He was also
very smart.

Chris Hanburger deserves entry into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.








NORM BULAICH
Fullback
1970 – 1979

Chris Hanburger should be in Canton. The voters must wake up. He went to
nine Pro Bowls!

Voters do not realize how hard it is to just make an NFL team, let alone be
voted to the Pro Bowl by your peers.

He is at the top of my list of linebackers I played against in my career.

I respected him. He had great football sense. He was very fast, and hard to
block. His knowledge of defense was excellent, and he always got to the
ball.






PAT RICHTER
Tight End/ Punter
1963 – 1970

Chris is the most intelligent, intense, and disciplined player I have ever
been around. He had his game face on 24/7. He was a great leader, and I
liked having him lead our team.

He was active, tough, quick, and very hard to fool.








KEN GRAY
Offensive Guard
1958 – 1970

Chris Hanburger deserves to be in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. He was a
great player. It is sad he has been overlooked all of these years.






JERRY SISEMORE
Offensive Tackle
1973 – 1984

He was one of the best, and never got the credit he deserved. He ran the
defense for the Redskins, and changed the way defenses were operated.

He had the respect of every member of the Philadelphia Eagles. He was smart,
and he would wear us out. I was always chasing him, but never caught him. I
used to watch him in amazement.






HERB MUL-KEY
Running Back
1972 – 1974

Chris Hanburger was the first defensive quarterback ever in NFL history.
Coach George Allen put him in charge of the defense, and he was never out of
position.

He was an invincible warrior, and his nine Pro Bowls were voted by his
peers. There is no way that Chris Hanburger should not be in Canton.





JIM OTIS
Fullback
1970 – 1978

I cannot believe Chris Hanburger is not in Canton already!

He was outstanding. Intelligent, sneaky, and unblockable. He always was
ready to play, and did everything a great linebacker is supposed to do.









JIM HANIFAN
Coach
1973 – 2003

Chris Hanburger played a mistake free game. He just never made mistakes. Don
Coryell, Joe Gibbs, and I would game plan on him, but it did not work.

He was intelligent and excellent. He deserves induction into Canton. .

I will always remember one particular game. George Allen had Hanburger
reading the hand signs Gibbs and I was flashing to Jim Hart, our
quarterback. Hanburger kept making play after play, destroying our game
plan. I got so mad. On the next play, I saw Hanburger looking over at our
sideline. I flashed him the middle finger, which caused Hanburger’s jaw to
drop as he looked at me in disbelief. I still laugh today at this memory.






SONNY RANDLE
Wide Receiver
1959 – 1968

Chris Hanburger is as fine a linebacker who has ever played. It is a mystery
as to why he has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame yet.





CALVIN HILL
Running Back
1969 – 1981

The best outside linebackers I ever faced were Chris Hanburger, Jack Ham, and Chuck Howley. It was Hanburger, however, who gave me the most trouble and taught me the most. Hanburger made me a better player.

He was scary.

He was the guy who captained the Redskins defense, and called their signals. I hardly ever beat him, and it usually took me all game just to beat him on a play.

You never knew when he was going to blitz, and he often jumped over me on a blitz. He was smart, and gave you different looks. He was a nightmare to oppose.

You would just hope to try to beat him some of the time. He was slippery, and was resourceful. He was difficult to beat athletically, because he was such a great athlete. He was great at the point of attack.

He could really run, and was fluid in his flow. You had to game plan specifically against him, because you knew he was a top opponent.

When I was with the Redskins, he was a great teammate. He was really great in practice also.

He was a big play guy who defined the WLB position. There is a reason he was a Pro Bowl player nine times.

The fact he is not in Canton shows the voters do not understand how good he was.





BRIG OWENS
Safety
1966 – 1977

Chris Hanburger is one of the all-time greats. He was a strong leader both on and off the field.

It is inexcusable that he has yet to be mentioned for induction. He went to nine Pro Bowls, the most in franchise history.

He knew how to read plays. He would argue with Sam Huff in the huddle over what play to call, which kept the team loose.

He was a great friend and teammate.








PRESTON PEARSON
Running Back
1967 – 1980

I had lots of clashes on the gridiron with him, and I never looked forward to opposing Chris Hanburger. He was an all around linebacker.

He was studied, and he knew his opponents. He was always well prepared.

Not only was he very smart, but he was a hard-hitting linebacker. He was really, really tough. He deserves induction.









ERNIE McMILLAN
Offensive Tackle
1961 – 1975

Chris Hanburger was a force that was a factor on every play. He deserves entry into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

You had to watch him play in order to consider him. He was smart and reliable.








BRAD DUSEK
Linebacker
1974 – 1981

Chris taught me everything I know how to play linebacker.

He was our “one” general on the team. He knew over 300 audibles for our defense.

He was modest, smart, quick, and fast. He was always one step ahead of the opponents. He had this amazing ability to read the eyes of running backs. He had a sixth sense.

Chris Hanburger should be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.








AUTREY HOWELL
Offensive Tackle
1963 – 1969

Chris Hanburger belongs in Canton.

He was very smart and had great speed. His strength was his ability to diagnose a play.






LEN HAUSS
Center
1964 – 1977

I was Chris Hanburger’s roommate for eight seasons on road games. He was always a smart player, and one of the hardest hitting players in the league.

He had a quiet, business like approach. He was not a “look at me” type of player, meaning he would never blow his own horn. He put the team first.

He would study the opponent’s non-stop. He knew the opposition, and was excellent at studying their tendencies.

He was a great player, and a team player. He deserves to be in Canton.




BILL ARNSPARGER
Coach
1964 – 1994

Chris Hanburger deserves induction into Canton.

He was a complete linebacker who I respected. He was a winner who could beat you in several ways.








RICKIE HARRIS
Defensive Back
1965 – 1972

Chris Hanburger was the smartest player I ever played with. I really respected him.

He taught me how to read a defense, and he often covered me on the field. He was so smart; you knew you could depend on him to play a defender. It made my job easier.

Our defense was dependent on him to get us in the right position. He was regimented on defensive duty, and knew all of our assignments.

He could run with everyone in the NFL, and he often covered wide receivers on pass plays. He is also one of the best blitzers I ever saw play.

Chris Hanburger was a great player, and he deserves induction into Canton.









ARCHIE MANNING
Quarterback
1971 - 1984

I had the opportunity to play against Chris Hanburger several times.

Although small, he was an outstanding NFL linebacker.

He was equally good versus the run and pass and was one of the chief reasons the Redskins were so good during that era.





CHARLIE HARRAWAY
Fullback
1966 – 1973

Chris was very smart. He knew the game, and the game plan. He was always in position, and knew his assignments. He was prepared.

Hanburger was quick and elusive, and made blockers miss. He had good finesse. He was a great teammate, level headed, and was never in a fracas.





WADE KEY
Offensive Guard/ Tackle
1970 – 1979

Chris Hanburger deserves induction.

Look at his nine Pro Bowls. He is a more complete linebacker than guys who are already in Canton.

He was a fantastic linebacker. He supported the run and pass with excellence.







VINCE PROMUTO
Guard
1960 – 1970

Chris was a team player, and not arrogant. He was really bright, fast, and tough. He came to play every day, was durable, and highly respected in the locker room.

He was a student of the game, and would learn from Sam Huff often.

Chris was a great linebacker, and he should be inducted into Canton.






RAY SCHOENKE
Offensive Guard
1963 – 1975

Chris Hanburger is one of the best linebackers I ever saw play the game.

He was tremendously quick. No one could block him.

He was great defending the run and the pass, and was also excellent at rushing the passer.






RON SNIDOW
Defensive End
1963 – 1972

I highly recommend Chris Hanburger being inducted into Canton.

He deserves it. He was dynamic and enthusiastic.






CARL KAMMERER
Defensive End/ Linebacker
1961 - 1969

Chris was a sure tackler, and a devastating blindside hitter on the blitz.

On certain plays, we would switch responsibilities. He would blitz, and I would watch for the pass.

He loved to hit right-handed quarterbacks.

He was also a great human being.






MACK ALSTON
Tight End
1970 – 1980

Chris was a great leader. He was the captain of the defense.

He was smart, and could diagnose a play in a hurry. He studied film non-stop.

Chris was tough, strong, quiet, and he was also a heck of a guy.

If he said something, while watching film with the team, you knew something was very, very wrong in the way we executed a play.






RON McDOLE
Defensive End
1961 – 1978

Chris Hanburger was the best player we had on the Redskins.

He was the captain of the defense, and ran the show.

He deserves induction into Canton.






GEORGE STARKE
Offensive Tackle
1973 – 1984

There has never been a finer linebacker in the history of the NFL than Chris Hanburger.

There was also none neither smarter nor tougher than him either.

I cannot see why he is not in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.






JOE RUTGENS
Defensive Tackle
1961 – 1969

Chris was smart, fast, and hit hard.

He deserves consideration for the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.








Facts :



Chris Hanburger
Washington Redskins
Linebacker
6'2" 220
1965 - 1978
14 Seasons
187 Games Played
19 Interceptions
17 Fumble Recoveries
5 Touchdowns
9 Pro Bowls
4 First Team All-Pro Teams
1972 NFL 101 NFC Defensive Player of the Year

Christian G. Hanburger was an 18th round draft choice of the Redskins in 1965. He was the 245TH player chosen that year. He was a 25 year old rookie, due to his service in the Army before going to the University of North Carolina.

At UNC, he was a 2 way player who was named All ACC at Center his junior and senior years. In 1963, his team won the ACC Championship.

Hanburger played right away and was in the Pro Bowl by his second year in the league. He would then begin a string of Pro Bowl appearances until 1969.

He then resumed that string in 1972 until 1976.

Sacks and tackles were not recorded in those days, but Hanburger was a playmaker.

He is considered one of the best of his era. He was known for his blitzing ability and pass coverage.

Ever the complete player, he returned three fumbles for touchdowns, the third most in NFL history, in his career to go with two more on interceptions.

In 1972, Hanburger captained the Over The Hill gangs defense to a Super Bowl appearance and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Year by the NFL 101 Club.

Hanburger was known not only for good speed, but his exceptional intelligence and quickness.

He had the innate ability to diagnose a play before the ball was hiked. He often would cover the other teams tight end and peel off to knock passes down meant for wide receivers.

Hall Of Fame coach George Allen liked to leave Hanburger in charge of the play calling on defense, and named his team captain for many seasons.

Chris Hanburger's nine Pro Bowl appearances are still the most by any player in the entire history of the Washington Redskins.

His four First Team All-Pro honors are tied with Hall Of Famer Sammy Baugh as the most in team history.



Please compare Chris Hanburger's achievements and all around game to some other linebackers already inducted into Canton.

Of the 18 linebackers that are inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame, only seven are outside linebackers like Hanburger.

As you will be able to see, Hanburger exceeds or equals all of these football legends in several categories.


ANDRE TIPPETT
11 Seasons
1 Interception
19 Fumble Recoveries
2 Touchdowns
5 Pro Bowls
2 First Team All-Pro



DERRICK THOMAS
11 Seasons
1 Interception
19 Fumble Recoveries
4 Touchdowns
9 Pro Bowls
2 First Team All-Pro


LAWRENCE TAYLOR
13 Seasons
9 Interceptions
11 Fumble Recoveries
2 Touchdowns
10 Pro Bowls
8 First Team All-Pro



BOBBY BELL
12 Seasons
26 Interceptions
9 Fumble Recoveries
8 Touchdowns
9 Pro Bowls
6 First Team All-Pro



TED HENDRICKS
15 Seasons
26 Interceptions
16 Fumble Recoveries
2 Touchdowns
8 Pro Bowls
4 First Team All-Pro



DAVE WILCOX
11 Seasons
14 Interceptions
12 Fumble Recoveries
2 Touchdowns
7 Pro Bowls
2 First Team All-Pro


JACK HAM
12 Seasons
32 Interceptions
21 Fumble Recoveries
1 Touchdown
8 Pro Bowls
6 First Team All-Pro