ATLFalcons
08-17-2009, 12:44 AM
I was thinking about what NFL players would be HOF'ers if their careers ended today. Check this article:
http://scrippsnews.com/content/jones-active-nfl-players-eying-hall-fame
LOCKS
-- Tom Brady
Beyond any stats, only one number matters with the Patriots QB: three, as in Super Bowls won. This is a no-brainer.
-- Peyton Manning
No quarterback has had more 4,000-yard passing seasons than Manning (nine). His 45,628 yards are seventh all time. His current QB rating (94.1) is second behind Steve Young. He has been to nine Pro Bowls, won three MVPs and a Super Bowl.
-- LaDainian Tomlinson
Only 30, the Chargers running back is tied for fourth with 141 touchdowns, and his 126 rushing touchdowns are second to Emmitt Smith. He holds the record for touchdowns and rushing touchdowns in a season. Plus, he has rushed for 11,760 yards, more than Hall of Famers O.J. Simpson and John Riggins.
-- Walter Jones
Offensive lineman is the hardest position to define for the hall. Usually, you go by what the players say -- as in Pro Bowl selections. The Seahawks tackle has made nine Pro Bowls, including eight straight from 2001-08. That's a Hall of Famer.
-- Randy Moss
Nine seasons of 1,000 or more receiving yards, eight seasons of at least 10 touchdowns. But let's go beyond numbers. How could you not consider him one of the league's best big-play receivers? If you were starting a team over the past 10 years, he would be your first pick at receiver.
-- Tony Gonzalez
If he quit right now, he would go down as perhaps the best tight end ever and the position's all-time leader in receptions (916), yards (10,940), touchdowns (76) and receptions in a season (102). In 12 seasons he has 10 Pro Bowl berths and has been an All-Pro nine times.
-- Ray Lewis
Just like Dick Butkus and Lawrence Taylor, the Ravens linebacker has been the dominant defensive player of his generation. Lewis is a 10-time Pro Bowl pick, six-time All-Pro, two-time defensive player of the year and a Super Bowl MVP.
http://scrippsnews.com/content/jones-active-nfl-players-eying-hall-fame
LOCKS
-- Tom Brady
Beyond any stats, only one number matters with the Patriots QB: three, as in Super Bowls won. This is a no-brainer.
-- Peyton Manning
No quarterback has had more 4,000-yard passing seasons than Manning (nine). His 45,628 yards are seventh all time. His current QB rating (94.1) is second behind Steve Young. He has been to nine Pro Bowls, won three MVPs and a Super Bowl.
-- LaDainian Tomlinson
Only 30, the Chargers running back is tied for fourth with 141 touchdowns, and his 126 rushing touchdowns are second to Emmitt Smith. He holds the record for touchdowns and rushing touchdowns in a season. Plus, he has rushed for 11,760 yards, more than Hall of Famers O.J. Simpson and John Riggins.
-- Walter Jones
Offensive lineman is the hardest position to define for the hall. Usually, you go by what the players say -- as in Pro Bowl selections. The Seahawks tackle has made nine Pro Bowls, including eight straight from 2001-08. That's a Hall of Famer.
-- Randy Moss
Nine seasons of 1,000 or more receiving yards, eight seasons of at least 10 touchdowns. But let's go beyond numbers. How could you not consider him one of the league's best big-play receivers? If you were starting a team over the past 10 years, he would be your first pick at receiver.
-- Tony Gonzalez
If he quit right now, he would go down as perhaps the best tight end ever and the position's all-time leader in receptions (916), yards (10,940), touchdowns (76) and receptions in a season (102). In 12 seasons he has 10 Pro Bowl berths and has been an All-Pro nine times.
-- Ray Lewis
Just like Dick Butkus and Lawrence Taylor, the Ravens linebacker has been the dominant defensive player of his generation. Lewis is a 10-time Pro Bowl pick, six-time All-Pro, two-time defensive player of the year and a Super Bowl MVP.