- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,265,185
- Reaction score
- 59
For any player who puts on pads and a helmet, the idea of being a pro football player. From there, if that dream is achieved, the idea could then lead to talk of a second contract and more to lead a complete football life. For a very few, special players, there is the rainbow at the end that leads to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
This weekend, the latest class will be heading to Canton to be enshrined, led by two NFC South legends, Luke Kuechly and Drew Brees. But with all the celebrations centered around that, some folks have started to wonder who else could become a Hall of Famer.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell went through every NFL team and made some decisions on players who could be enshrined eventually. For the Vikings, he mentioned Harrison Smith as someone who would not make the cut.
He explained, "He racked up 39 interceptions and 21 sacks over those 14 seasons, which are solid totals, but consistency might actually hurt him. Smith never topped five interceptions or three sacks in any campaign, though he hit those figures in four different seasons. He might have earned additional All-Pro honors if he had produced more concentrated totals and put together a few seven- or eight-interception campaigns. Smith also made it as far as the conference championship only once, so he won't get a significant postseason boost."
It is a harsh idea to think he could be left out of the Hall of Fame, but the argument could be made for it. Just as easily, an argument could be made for him to make it. If he retires, we should have an answer in the next six to eight years.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: One Vikings fan favorite labeled as not being a Hall of Famer
Continue reading...
This weekend, the latest class will be heading to Canton to be enshrined, led by two NFC South legends, Luke Kuechly and Drew Brees. But with all the celebrations centered around that, some folks have started to wonder who else could become a Hall of Famer.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell went through every NFL team and made some decisions on players who could be enshrined eventually. For the Vikings, he mentioned Harrison Smith as someone who would not make the cut.
He explained, "He racked up 39 interceptions and 21 sacks over those 14 seasons, which are solid totals, but consistency might actually hurt him. Smith never topped five interceptions or three sacks in any campaign, though he hit those figures in four different seasons. He might have earned additional All-Pro honors if he had produced more concentrated totals and put together a few seven- or eight-interception campaigns. Smith also made it as far as the conference championship only once, so he won't get a significant postseason boost."
It is a harsh idea to think he could be left out of the Hall of Fame, but the argument could be made for it. Just as easily, an argument could be made for him to make it. If he retires, we should have an answer in the next six to eight years.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: One Vikings fan favorite labeled as not being a Hall of Famer
Continue reading...
