Pro Football HOF Semi-finalists

[sport historian]

For this year there are 28 semi-finalists up for the HOF selection which will be announced Super Bowl weekend. I think all 28 are black. Years ago Don wrote that from now on the HOF selection and ceremony will usually be a "blackfest" aside from an occasional QB.

There might be a White selectee from the Senior bracket.

 

[Don Wassall]

Three of the 28 are White: Jared Allen, Joe Thomas and Zach Thomas. But it's certainly very thin gruel, just over 10% of the nominees.

And it's not going to change. White receivers such as Jordy Nelson and Wes Welker are unlikely to get in due to their prolonged racial apprenticeships, same with Julian Edelman. There will be the occasional offensive or defensive lineman or linebacker to go with a handful of quarterbacks, other than that the annual Hall of Fame ceremony will remain a black thang well into the future.

 

[Bucky]

The 3 honkeys nominated were elite players! Enjoyed watching them tremendously. As a kid I always liked Allen's Mullet and his cattle tie up sack celebration.

 

[Warhawk_46]

It makes me sick how discriminated against white players are. And how the racial apprenticeship hurts their overall production which can warrant HOF entry.

Nelson didn’t start for his first three years and then unceremoniously dumped by GB when all they had was Adams.

Welker also wasn’t given a chance to truly shine until in NE. Edelman had to sit a few years and also play defense before he became a starter in NE. Thielen has been phased out in MN once they drafted Jefferson. I honestly thought there would have been a better connection between Thielen and Cousins.

Clay Matthews, after posting 8 sacks in 10 games in LA, was not resigned by anyone!

 

[HaywoodZarathustra]

Took a look at those 28 guys. I will say I liked Hines Ward. That guy put a fear into defensive backs as he was just as happy to block as catch a pass. I'd have him on my team any day.

 

[Warhawk_46]

Took a look at those 28 guys. I will say I liked Hines Ward. That guy put a fear into defensive backs as he was just as happy to block as catch a pass. I'd have him on my team any day.

Agreed about Ward! His downfield blocking sprung many a runner for big gains throughout his career.

 

[footballenthusiast]

The Devin Hester hall of fame push is ridiculous. He was a specialist with a short peak ('06 and '07) who contributed almost nothing as a receiver. At this point he's become something of a mascot. There's not one logical reason that he should make the hall, let alone in place of a historic player like Wes Welker.

 

[Warhawk_46]

The Devin Hester hall of fame push is ridiculous. He was a specialist with a short peak ('06 and '07) who contributed almost nothing as a receiver. At this point he's become something of a mascot. There's not one logical reason that he should make the hall, let alone in place of a historic player like Wes Welker.

He was a dominant return specialist - can’t argue that. His work as a receiver has nothing to do with his inclusion in the HOF.

That being said, it is absolutely criminal a guy like Mike Alstott has not made the HOF. He is the premier FB of the last 30 years! FB used to be a very important part of the offense in the 1990s and early 2000s when he played. Team were running the ball more and the FB, especially a guy like Alstott, was a big weapon.

 

[white is right]

Nobody started a thread for Pro football hall of fame newly elected members. Joe Thomas, Zack Thomas were elected in the modern category, Joe Klecko and Chuck Howley were elected as senior candidates. This year more defensive players were elected than offensive players which is a rarity in the annual voting process. Here's the ceremony...