Notes on a trip to the Super Bowl.The Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee will choose the Hall's new members on Saturday, and I've been operating under the assumption that one player, former Redskins cornerback Darrell Green, is a lock to get in.
Well, he isn't. Two members of the selection committee, John Clayton of ESPN and Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated, told me that they don't think Green is a sure thing. Another member, who asked that I not use his name, told me he's leaning against voting for Green.
I find it absolutely baffling. Green was one of the best players in the league in his 20s, and he was still a productive player into his 40s. How is it possible that anyone can vote against him?
My guess is they won't. Once the selection committee meeting starts, someone will make a solid case on Green's behalf, and the rest of the voters will realize he belongs in the Hall of Fame. But it's surprising that the case even needs to be made -- wasn't the case Green made on the field for 20 years enough?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-31-2008 @ 8:55AM
ronthesportsman said...
once again peter king is add it again he never like the redskins and his voting right should taking away from him.....
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1-31-2008 @ 9:35AM
Colt said...
This is a prime example of how stupid all these "voters" are. The elect a guy like Rayfield Wright, a Offensive lineman from the 70's Dallas teams; and NOT Art Monk who was 3-times Super Bowl champ and NFL's all-time reception leader. Monk was a huge part of one the NFL's dynasty teams. Why is he not in the hall? Darrell Green is one of the top 5 Conerbacks in history. In 1998 at age 38 he held rookie Randy Moss to 1 catch 7 yards, as the Vikings destroyed his team 41-10. Green won numerous fastest man competitions and still had 4.4 speed at age 42! If he is not elected firt ballot, then sadly the Hall of Fame has become the Pro Bowl. And all the HOF "voters" or "experts" need fired. Good luck Darrell, you already are Hall of Fame.
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1-31-2008 @ 12:37PM
mike041873 said...
There is no question he is HOF material. I don't understand how Art Monk has not been voted in as well.
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1-31-2008 @ 12:41PM
Hank Browne said...
Time and time again some great RB or WR would break into the clear and appear headed for a sure touchdown, only to be run down or just tripped up enough to go down after number 28 came racing out of nowhere. Blinding speed and never-say-die hustle that I feel is the hallmark of Redskin teams, especially Gibbs-led Redskin teams. (And the Redskins aren't even my team.) Don't worry, if Green doesn't get in I will be shocked.
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1-31-2008 @ 12:41PM
Hank Browne said...
Time and time again some great RB or WR would break into the clear and appear headed for a sure touchdown, only to be run down or just tripped up enough to go down after number 28 came racing out of nowhere. Blinding speed and never-say-die hustle that I feel is the hallmark of Redskin teams, especially Gibbs-led Redskin teams. (And the Redskins aren't even my team.) Don't worry, if Green doesn't get in I will be shocked.
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1-31-2008 @ 1:49PM
Bwana said...
Fact is that Darrell has all the postive aspects of Art Monk's record with none of the negatives (too few pro-bowl's, not signature plays, not the #1 threat), etc. If these jamoches are sincere on their reasons for not admitting Monk, then they really have to admit Green.
The problem, I think, is Dan Snyder. The writers think he is a joke, but there is no way they can cut him beyond their stories...unless they vote against the 'Skins HOF nominees...
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1-31-2008 @ 4:19PM
jason said...
The only reason Darrell Green will not get into the Hall of Fame this
year is that the voters are Redskin haters. Green is a 7 time pro
bowler the last year he went he was 37 years old. He played at a high
level for his entire career. I saw a quote from Phill Simms from back
in the 80's that said. Bill Parcells and I were on the football field
on gameday watching Darrell Green and he told me if I threw one ball
in his direction that he would yank me out of the game. Now thats not
a direct quote but close enough. John Madden called him one of the
greatest to play the game and he was a true shut down cornner. I just
don't understand what you have to do to make it into the Hall of Fame.
The guy has respect from his peers and was elected to the all decade
team in the 90's. Last time I looked thats 10 years of playing
excellent and the guy did it for 20years with one team. Sonny
Jerguson gets in 0 Super Bowl wins. Art Monk and Russ Grimm 3 Super
Bowls wins and Darrell Green 2 wins and there is a possibility of
them not getting in. I honestly don't understand it and the people
that vote should have to explain their resoning for it. I would love
to hear it. How many players from the Joe Gibbs era have been elected
besides John Riggins. I think zero. And the coach gets elected right
after retirement. I am dumbfounded.
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1-31-2008 @ 6:21PM
Budo said...
Many of these "voters" have been proved to be dolts and buffoons. It is time to change that immediately. Green was one of the greatest EVER to play the game with his talent and soul. Monk was the best receiver of his day and always reliable. He alone is a tragedy not to be in the Hall. By Green possibly being shut out would be too much to take. The two of them should be elected together. Rayfield Wright, Irvin, get out of here!!!
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1-31-2008 @ 6:23PM
jason said...
AOL sports page states that Green had a "non-eyepopping" 54 career ints. Barry Wilborn led the NFl in ints that year with 9 and he was a Redskin. Do you wonder why he had so many. Green went to the Pro Bowl that year with I think 2 picks. You can't intercept a ball that is not thrown in your direction. Miss informed voters will not vote for someone that is only known for being with the same team for 20 years and being fast. The guy was great in coverage and feared by other teams. And he would tackle. Deion wouldn't and played half a year of football the first years of his career because he wanted to be a baseball player too and have his name in the media. But Deion will be first ballot because he was all over the media. And they are who votes (media). Sad if Darrell dosn't make it. If only he was busted for drugs or had a shoe deal maybe he would be in.
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1-31-2008 @ 6:25PM
jason said...
That year was 1987 Green went to the pro bowl over Wilborn sorry about not stating that.
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2-01-2008 @ 9:36AM
louie said...
Darrell was not only a great player but also an example of what all rookies should aspire to be and a great role model.
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2-01-2008 @ 5:48PM
teaser222000 said...
The Football HOF voters are full of cranky old phogies who are obsessed with anyone who played in the Seventies. It's amazing some of the average players who get voted in (Rayfield Wright, Charlie Sanders, etc.), but the likes of Art Monk, Russ Grimm, and Gary Zimmerman who were GREAT over a long period of time, aren't in yet.
If they screw Green over here, it will be a travesty. I will say this about Monk; there were several years he wasn't even the best receiver on his team. Gary Clark was. But the body of work is truly hall of fame worthy.
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