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Shields and Culp in the Hall of Fame Semifinals - no Albert Lewis
Shields is an automatic, and Culp is automatic since he's in the senior nominations. However, I'm concerned that Lewis is not a semi-finalist this year. It's a step backwards for him.
Another concern is that the first-year nominees are Larry Allen, Jonathan Ogden, Warren Sapp, and Michael Strahan. That's a tough group for Will Shields to compete with since two of them get a lot of media coverage and another one is a guard with some Super Bowl rings. (Ogden doesn't worry me since he wasn't in Will's league.)
This is kind of a scary situation for Will because we've got some overdue people like Greene and Carter, some media people who will get preferential treatment like Bettis, Sapp, and Strahan, and some undeserving but relatively high-profile skill position people waiting in line like Andre Reed and Tim Brown
CLASS OF 2013 17 FINALISTS
LARRY ALLEN
Guard/Tackle
6-3, 325
Sonoma State, Butte Junior College (CA)
1994-2005 Dallas Cowboys, 2006-07 San Francisco 49ers
14 seasons, 203 games
Selected by Cowboys in 2nd round (46th player overall) of 1994 draft
Versatile, played every position on offensive line except center during 12 seasons with Dallas
Led way in second season for Emmitt Smith who set Cowboys franchise record with 1,773 yards
Started at right guard in two NFC championship games and Super Bowl XXX victory
Named NFL Alumnis Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1997 and the NFL Players Association NFC Lineman of the Year twice (1996-97)
Named first-team All-Pro seven straight years
First-team All-NFC six times, second-team once
Moved to tackle late in 1997 and entire 1998 season, earned All-Pro honors at position
Signed as free agent with San Francisco in 1996
First season with 49ers led way for Frank Gore who set team single-season rushing record (1,695 yards)
Elected to 11 Pro Bowls
Named to NFL All-Decade Teams of 1990s and 2000s
Born November 27, 1971 in Los Angeles, California. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
JEROME BETTIS
Running Back
5-11, 243
Notre Dame
1993-95 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 1996-2005 Pittsburgh Steelers
13 seasons, 192 games
Selected by Rams in 1st round (10th player overall) of 1993 draft
Earned Rookie of Year honors ... Finished rookie season with seventh best rookie rushing total in league history... As rookie finished second in rushing yards and third in total yards from scrimmage ... First Rams rookie to rush for 1,000 yards since Eric Dickerson, 1983
Rams leading rusher 1993-95
Steelers leading rusher 1996-2001, 2003-04
Steelers leader in total yards from scrimmage, 1996-2001
His fifty 100-plus yard games ranks 1st in Steelers history
At time of retirement, his eight 1,000-plus yard seasons was tied for third-best in NFL history and his 13,662 ranked fifth all-time in career rushing yards
Ranked 19th all-time in combined net yards at time of retirement
Voted to Pro Bowl six times: 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2005
Named All-Pro in 1993 (AP, PFWA), 1996 (AP); All-Pro Second Team 1997 (AP); All-NFC 1993 (UPI, PW); All-AFC 1996 (UPI, PW), 1997 (PW)
Born February 16, 1972 in Detroit, Michigan. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
TIM BROWN
Wide Receiver/Kick Returner/Punt Returner
6-0, 195
Notre Dame
1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
17 seasons, 255 games
Heisman Trophy Winner
Selected by Raiders in 1st round (6th player overall) of 1988 draft
As rookie led NFL in kickoff returns, return yards, and yards per return average
Led NFL in receptions, 1997
Set Raiders franchise records for receptions, receiving yards, and punt return yards
At time of retirement his 14,934 receiving yards were second-highest total in NFL history; 1,094 receptions were 3rd; and 100 touchdown catches were tied for 3rd
Also gained 190 rushing yards; 3,320 punt return yards, 3 fumble return yards; 1,235 kickoff return yards
Total of 19,682 combined net yards, 5th all-time at time of retirement
Scored 105 total touchdowns (100 receiving, 1 rushing, 3 punt returns, 1 kickoff return)
Voted to Pro Bowl nine times, 1989 and 1992 as kick returner, 1994-98, 2000 and 2002 as a receiver
All-Pro choice as a kick returner, 1988
All-Pro wide receiver, 1997
Was named All-AFC as a kick returner, 1988, punt returner, 1991, and wide receiver, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997
Born July 22, 1966 in Dallas, Texas. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
CRIS CARTER
Wide Receiver
6-3, 202
Ohio State
1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins
16 seasons, 234 games
Selected by Philadelphia in the 4th round of the 1987 Supplemental Draft
First reception as a pro was a 22-yard touchdown catch
Durable; he played a full 16-game season in 13 of his 16 seasons
In 2000, became only the second player in NFL history to catch 1,000 career passes
Recorded 1,000 receiving yards in a season eight straight years
Broke the 100-yard receiving plateau 42 times during his career
Ranked second on the NFL's all-time list for total receptions (1,101) and receiving touchdowns (130) at retirement
His 130 TD receptions came from 13 different passers
Caught 70-plus passes in 10 seasons
His 122 receptions in 1994 was a then-NFL single-season-record
Named to the NFLs All-Decade Team of the 1990s and received the 1999 NFL Man of the Year Award
In 2002, returned to the field when he joined the Miami Dolphins in midseason when injuries decimated teams receiving corps
Was first- or second-team All-Pro 1994, 1995, and 1999
Selected to play in eight Pro Bowls (1994-2001)
Born November 25, 1965, in Troy, Ohio. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
CURLEY CULP
Defensive Tackle
6-2, 265
Arizona State
1968-1974 Kansas City Chiefs, 1974-1980 Houston Oilers, 1980-81 Detroit Lions
14 seasons, 179 games
Selected in 2nd round (31st player overall) in 1968 draft by Denver Broncos
Denver attempted to switch him to offense before trading him to Chiefs during training camp
Fit in perfectly with Chiefs dominating defense
Member of teams Super Bowl IV championship team in second season,
Started at left defensive tackle in Super Bowl win over Vikings and registered three tackles, one assisted tackle
Dealt to Houston Oilers in blockbuster trade during 1974 season
Key veteran leader with 11.5 sacks to help Oilers to 10-4-0 record in his first full season with club
Winning record in 75 was Oilers first winning season in eight years and just second in 13 seasons
. Named NFLs Defensive Player of the Year by Newspaper Enterprise Association, 1975
Culp led defense that helped Oilers earn back-to-back appearances in AFC championship game, 1978-79
Named All-Pro, 1975
All-Pro Second Team 1971, 1977, 1978, and 1979
. First- or second-team All-AFC five times
Elected to six Pro Bowls
Born March 10, 1946 in Yuma, Arizona. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
EDWARD J. DEBARTOLO, JR.
Owner
Notre Dame
1977-2000 San Francisco 49ers
Purchased 49ers in 1977 with vision to create top-notch organization, on and off field
Known as a "players owner, led franchise to unprecedented winning during tenure
In 1979, hired Bill Walsh as teams head coach, drafted quarterback Joe Montana, and created atmosphere conducive to winning
Fortunes of franchise changed soon thereafter
In 1981, 49ers finished 13-3 to claim NFC Western Division title and won hard fought playoff battles with New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys and capped the year with a thrilling 26-21 victory over Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XVI
DeBartolo infused team roster with talent that resulted in San Francisco enjoying amazing string of winning seasons
Team averaged 13 wins per season, including playoffs, during a span from 1981 to 1998 (not including strike-shortened 1982 season). During DeBartolos ownership team claimed 13 division titles, made 16 playoff appearances, advanced to NFC championship game 10 times, and was first franchise ever to win five Super Bowls (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV, XXIX)
Franchise posted the best winning percentage in NFL in both the decades of the 1980s and 1990s
Was named NFL Man of the Year by Football News, 1989 as the nations top sports executive
DeBartolo was also highly respected inside NFL circles and served on leagues realignment and expansion committees
Born November 6, 1946 in Youngstown, Ohio. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
KEVIN GREENE
Linebacker/Defensive End
6-3, 247
Auburn
1985-1992 Los Angeles Rams, 1993-95 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1996, 1998-99 Carolina Panthers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers
15 seasons, 228 games
Selected by Rams in 5th round (113th player overall) in 1985 draft ... Played primarily on special teams as rookie, only season he didnt register a sack
Did not have any starts in second season, but played in all 16 games and managed seven sacks
Added 6.5 sacks in 1987 and by fourth season was bona fide pass rusher for Rams, registering career-high 16.5 sacks, including career-best 4.5 sacks in win over 49ers in season finale that clinched playoff spot for Rams
Following year matched his 16.5 sacks total
Had double-digit sack totals 10 times, second in record book at the time
Only time missed recording 10 sacks in any of last eight seasons was 1995 when he had team-leading nine sacks for Steelers
Named to Pro Bowl five times (once with the Rams, twice with Steelers and Panthers)
Selected first-team All-Pro, 1989 with Rams, 1994 with Pittsburgh and 1996 with Carolina
Captured league sack title twice, 1994 and 1996
A member of NFLs All-Decade Team of 1990s
Played in six conference championship games and one Super Bowl
Led team in sacks 11 times and amassed 160 total sacks, third all-time at time of retirement
Also had three safeties, 26 opponent fumble recoveries, and five interceptions
Born July 31, 1962 in New York, New York. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
CHARLES HALEY
Defensive End/Linebacker
6-5, 242
James Madison
1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys
12 seasons, 169 games
Selected by 49ers in 4th round (96th player overall) in 1986 draft
Only player in NFL history to play on five winning Super Bowl teams (XXIII, XXIV, XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
Began career at linebacker and led 49ers in sacks in each of first six seasons
Recorded four double-digit sack totals with 49ers including 12 as rookie and career-high 16 in 1990
Moved to defensive end after trade to Dallas
Added two more double-digit sack seasons, 1994, 1995
Suffered serious back injury, limited to just five games, 1996
Retired after undergoing surgery
After a two-year hiatus, signed with 49ers as backup defensive end for two playoff games in 1998
In 1999 came back for final season, added three sacks to finish career with 100.5
Twice named NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1994), voted to five Pro Bowls, named All-Pro twice, once as linebacker, once as defensive end
Played in six NFC championship games over seven seasons
Starting at left outside linebacker in 49ers 1988, 1989, 1990 championship games; at right defensive end in Cowboys 1992, 1993, 1994 conference championships
Member of 10 division championship teams during his 12 seasons
Born January 6, 1964 in Gladys, Virginia. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
ART MODELL
Owner
1961-1995 Cleveland Browns, 1996-2011 Baltimore Ravens
Spent 43 seasons of full ownership in NFL
Purchased Browns in 1961 for unprecedented $4 million
By 1964, club won NFL championship with dominating 27-0 victory over Baltimore Colts
Also played in league championship in 1965, 1968, 1969
Served as NFL President, 1967-69
Integral in breaking impasse for realignment after AFL-NFL merger
Influential chairman of the NFLs Broadcast Committee for 31 years (1962-1993)
Negotiated major network contracts that set standard for all of professional sports
Integral in establishing Monday Night Football series, 1970
Cleveland earned seven playoff berths during 1980s
Advanced to AFC championship game three times in four seasons, 1986-89
Relocated team to Baltimore, 1996; franchise remained in Cleveland
Five seasons later, Ravens defeated New York Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV
In all, Browns made seven NFL/AFC championship game appearances; Ravens played in three AFC championship appearance during Modells tenure
Sold majority ownership of Ravens in 2004, stayed part of ownership group until his death
Born June 23, 1925 in Brooklyn, New York
Died September 6, 2012, at age of 87. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
JONATHAN OGDEN
Tackle
6-9, 345
UCLA
1996-2007 Baltimore Ravens
12 seasons, 177 games
First-ever draft pick by Ravens
Taken in 1st round (4th player overall) in 1996 draft
Won Outland Trophy Award as top lineman in college
Instant starter for Baltimore, earned All-Rookie honors
Leader of offensive line that helped Ravens amass more than 5,000 yards of offense in back-to-back seasons, 1996-97
Noted as strong pass protector as well as effective run blocker
Led way for running back Jamal Lewis who became fifth player in NFL history to rush for 2000 yards in a season, 2003
Key blocker for Lewis then-record 295 rushing yards versus Cleveland Browns, Sept. 14, 2003
Started at left tackle in Ravens 16-3 win over Oakland Raiders in 2000 AFC Championship Game and 34-7 victory over New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV
NFL Alumnis NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year, 2002
Named All-Pro in 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2006
Earned All-AFC honors nine times
Voted to 11 Pro Bowls
Selected to the NFLs All-Decade Team of 2000s
Born July 31, 1974 in Washington, D.C. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
BILL PARCELLS
Coach
Colgate, Wichita State
1983-1990 New York Giants, 1993-1996 New England Patriots, 1997-99 New York Jets, 2003-06 Dallas Cowboys
19 seasons, 303 games
Regular season record: 172-130-1
Postseason record: 11-8
Overall record: 183-138-1
Parcells reversed the fortunes of four NFL teams
After a 3-12-1 season (1983), he took Giants to playoffs twice as Wild Card
In 1986 led Giants to 14-2 record and defeated Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI
Led Giants to NFC Eastern Division title in 1989
In 1990 won second world championship with dramatic victory over Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV
Left coaching for two years, returning in 1993 with New England Patriots
Within two years led Patriots to playoffs after seven-year absence
Two years later, 11-5 Patriots were AFC representative in Super Bowl XXXI
In 1997 took over 1-15 New York Jets and led them to 9-7 record in 1997, 12-4 record and AFC championship game in 1998 for the best two-year turnaround of a 1-15 team in NFL history
Coached Dallas Cowboys from 2003 until 2006
Became first coach to coach four different teams into the playoffs when his 10-6 Cowboys played in the 2003 Wild Card Game
NFL Coach of the Year 1986, 1994
Born August 22, 1941 in Englewood, New Jersey. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
ANDRE REED
Wide Receiver
6-2, 190
Kutztown
1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins
16 seasons, 234 games
Selected by Buffalo in 4th round (86th player overall) of 1985 NFL Draft
Most prolific receiver in Buffalo Bills history
His 941 career receptions still Bills record and 266 more than number two on that list
His 13,095 career reception yardage, 36 games with 100-plus receiving yards, and 15 catches in a game are current team records
Known for his yards after catch
His 951 career receptions were third all-time in NFL history at the time of his retirement
His 13 seasons, including nine consecutive, with 50-plus receptions was exceeded only by Jerry Rice at time of Reeds retirement
Reed is tied with Bills running back Thurman Thomas for team best career touchdowns (87), most on passes from Jim Kelly
Kelly-Reed tandem held NFL record for career receptions (663) until 2004 when eclipsed by Peyton Manning to Marvin Harrison
Known for toughness as he made most of his receptions over the middle
A four-time All-AFC choice and three-time All-NFL second-team, was selected to play in seven consecutive Pro Bowls (1989-1995)
Added an additional 85 catches for 1,229 yards, including five 100-yard games in postseason play
Born January 29, 1964 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
DAVE ROBINSON
Linebacker
6-3, 245
Penn State
1963-1972 Green Bay Packers, 1973-74 Washington Redskins
12 seasons, 155 games
Selected in 1st round (14th player overall) by Packers in 1963 NFL Draft
Chosen in 3rd round (17th player overall) by San Diego Chargers in AFL Draft
Signed with Green Bay and quickly built reputation as big-play performer on Vince Lombardi-coached Packers dynasty
Started at left outside linebacker in three straight NFL championship wins, 1965-67
Starting OLB in Packers victories in Super Bowls I and II
Recorded two tackles, five assisted tackles, one fumble recovery and pass defensed in Green Bays 33-14 win over Oakland Raiders, Super Bowl II
Rebounded from Achilles tendon injury in 1970 to regain form as one of games finest linebackers
Intercepted 27 passes which he returned for 449 yards in career
Lone interception return for touchdown came in first season with Washington
Named All-Pro second-team in 1968 and 1969
First-team All-NFL selection three straight seasons, 1967-69
Elected to three Pro Bowls
Named to the NFLs All-Decade Team of the 1970s
Born May 3, 1941 in Mt. Holly, New Jersey. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
WARREN SAPP
Defensive Tackle
6-2, 300
Miami (FL)
1995-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2004-07 Oakland Raiders
13 seasons, 198 games
Selected in first round (12th player overall) by Tampa Bay in 1995 NFL Draft
Instant starter
Named to All-Rookie Team, 1995
Amassed 96.5 career sacks despite playing on interior of defensive line
Recorded double-digit sack totals four times
Had more than one sack in a game 23 times
Named 1999 NFL Defensive Player of the Year after helping lead Tampa Bay to first division title in 18 years
Registered 12.5 sacks, 54 tackles, three forced fumbles, and recovered two fumbles, 1999
Recorded career-high 16.5 sacks, 2000
Started in two NFC championship games, one Super Bowl
Recorded two tackles, one sack, two passes defensed, and forced fumble in Bucs 48-21 win over Raiders, Super Bowl XXXVII
Additional career statistics include four interceptions, two touchdown receptions
First-team All-Pro four straight times (1999-2002)
Second-team All-NFL in 1997, 1998
All-NFC five times
Selected to seven Pro Bowls
Named to NFLs All-Decade Teams of the 1990s, 2000s
Born December 19, 1972 in Orlando, Florida. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
WILL SHIELDS
Guard
6-3, 320
Nebraska
1993-2006 Kansas City Chiefs
14 seasons, 224 games
Selected by Chiefs in 3rd round (74th player overall) of 1993 draft
Placed into lineup in first NFL game after starting left guard suffered injury
Next week was inserted as starting right guard
Started every game from that point through retirement
Never missed a game during 14-season career, 224 games played, 223 starts are franchise records
As rookie helped Chiefs to an 11-5-0 mark and AFC Western Division crown, first division title for team since 1971
Chiefs won four division titles and made six playoff appearances during Shields career
Earned 12 straight Pro Bowl berths
Named first-team All-Pro in 1999, 2002, and 2003, picked as second-team All-Pro four times
Was All-AFC seven times including each of final six seasons
Chiefs led NFL in total yards gained in 2004 and 2005 and topped AFC in that category in 2003
Led NFL in points scored in 2002 and 2003 highlighted by running back Priest Holmes then-record 27 rushing touchdowns in 03
In 1994, Chiefs offensive line established a franchise record allowing a mere 19 sacks
A member of the NFLs All-Decade Team of the 2000s
Joined Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas in 1999 as only active players named to Chiefs 40th Anniversary Team
Born September 15, 1971 in Fort Riley, Kansas. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
MICHAEL STRAHAN
Defensive End
6-5, 255
Texas Southern
1993-2007 New York Giants
15 seasons, 216 games
Selected in 2nd round (40th player overall) in 1993 draft
Dominant pass rusher and also excellent at defending the run
Recorded 141.5 career sacks
Had 38 multi-sack games during career
Registered double-digit sack totals six times during nine-season span, 1997-2005
Suffered torn pectoral muscle in 2004 but rebounded following season by starting all 16 games and amassing 11.5 sacks
Named first-team All-Pro five times (1997, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2005)
All-NFC five seasons
Voted to seven Pro Bowls
Set NFL single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks, 2001
Also won NFL sack title in 2003 with 18.5 sacks
Named unanimous NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 2001
Started at left defensive end in two NFC championship game wins, two Super Bowls
Recorded two tackles, one assisted tackle, one sack and one pass defensed in Giants 17-14 win over Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, his last NFL game
Selected to the NFLs All-Decade Team of the 2000s
Born November 21, 1971 in Houston, Texas. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
AENEAS WILLIAMS
Cornerback/Safety
5-11, 194
Southern University
1991-2000 Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals, 2001-04 St. Louis Rams
14 seasons, 211 games
Selected in the 3rd round (59th player overall) of 1991 NFL Draft
One of finest defensive backs ever
Starred at cornerback for first 12 years of career before moving to safety
Earned Pro Bowl nods at both positions, seven times at cornerback and once as safety
Had first career pick and four deflected passes in NFL debut
Finished year tied for most interceptions in NFC with six, also recorded 17 passes defensed, 48 tackles
Named NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year by NFL Players Association
Earned Pro Bowl nod and All-NFC acclaim for first time in 1994 when he added another conference interception title with career-high nine interceptions
Named first-team All-NFC 1995, 1996, 1997, and 2001
Selected to NFLs All-Decade Team 1990s
Recorded interception in every season but last and had five or more picks in a season six times
Led Cardinals in interceptions seven times and Rams leading interceptor in 2003
In all, registered 55 interceptions for 807 yards
His nine pick-sixes tied him for second all-time at time of retirement
Shared NFL record for longest fumble return in upset victory over Redskins Nov. 5, 2000, 104 yards for a TD
Recorded interception in record four straight postseason games during span from 1998 to 2001
Started at left cornerback for St. Louis in 2001 NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl XXXVI
Born January 29, 1968 in New Orleans, Louisiana. FULL BIO | PHOTO GALLERY
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