Worst NFL Hall of Famers

They were good. But were they all-time greats?

Worst NFL Hall of Famers

Bob Hayes was fast, but does he belong in Canton?

The Pro Football Hall of Fame requires four to eight candidates to be inducted each year. That’s known as a quota system, folks, and it’s a crummy way to determine the most prestigious individual honor in the game. The system guarantees lots of revenue come induction time in Canton, Ohio, and what is the NFL about except money?

Problem is, not all eras are created equal. Some produce an abundance of worthy candidates who have to wait forever to gain admittance. Others have a shortage, and too many of them receive Hall passes based on politics and/or reputation, if not out of sheer desperation, rather than actual performance.

Like some of these players.

25. Marcus Allen

Position: Running back

Career: 1982-97 (16 seasons)

Teams: Los Angeles Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs

Statistics/16 games: 260.1 RUSH-PASS TOUCHES, 4.9 YDS/TOUCH, 10.5 TDS

Year inducted: 2003

Career Highlights: Marcus Allen

Kansas City Chiefs running back Marcus Allen — Marcus Allen played 16 seasons in the NFL.

Super Bowl champion (1984)
Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (1984)
NFL Most Valuable Player (1985)
NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1985)
Three-time NFL All-Pro (1982, 1984, 1985)
Six-time Pro Bowl (1982, 1984-87, 1993)
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1982)
NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1993)

Bottom Line: Marcus Allen

Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen fends off Los Angeles Rams cornerback LeRoy Irvin — Marcus Allen was the MVP of Super Bowl XVIII.

Had head coach Tom Flores not called his number until the wheels wobbled, the one-time league Most Valuable Player almost certainly would have produced more than three Hall of Fame-caliber seasons.

In 1985 alone, he rushed for 1,759 yards and touched the ball an insane 472 times from scrimmage, playoffs included. That’s nearly 28 per game. Remember, he was only 6-foot-2, 210 pounds.

But Allen never got close to those rushing numbers again. Then the Raiders added Bo Jackson in 1987, and Al Davis put the freeze on Allen. He survived in the NFL until 1997, but he wasn’t close to his once-dominant self again.

In Their Own Words: Marcus Allen

"You've got to be extremely careful, because you could be with a great team, and you could be the product of a great team. There are some players that stand out despite the teams that they play on, and there are some players that are good because of the team that they're with." —Marcus Allen

24. Joe Namath

Positions: Quarterback

Career: 1965-77 (13 seasons)

Teams: New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams

AFL-NFL statistics/16 games: 3,161.5 YDS, .501 CMP%, 19.8 TDS

Year inducted: 1985

Career Highlights: Joe Namath

New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath — Joe Namath made his NFL debut in 1965 after playing at Alabama.

Super Bowl champion (1969)
Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (1969)
Pro Bowl (1972)
NFL All-Pro (1972)
NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1974)

Bottom Line: Joe Namath

Joe Namath throws pass — Joe Namath was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

Who can forget Super Bowl III, the epic encounter that legitimized the AFL-NFL merger, when the playboy quarterback guaranteed victory, then threw four touchdown passes? Wait — he didn’t throw any? Oh.

Sadly, we rarely saw the real "Joe Willie" because of his two bum knees. Stats-wise, he was the definition of average — 62-63-4 record, .501 pass completion percentage.

He’s one of the first inductees in the Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Hall of Fame. After his playing days, Namath became more reflective about his career and getting his bell rung on the field.

In Their Own Words: Joe Namath

Hall of Famer Joe Namath — Joe Namath was the MVP of Super Bowl III.

"When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things." —Joe Namath

23. Paul Hornung

Positions: Halfback-fullback-placekicker

Career: 1957-62, 1964-66 (9 seasons)

Teams: Green Bay Packers

Statistics/16 games: 157.4 RUSH-PASS TOUCHES, 5.1 YDS/TOUCH, 9.5 TDS

Year inducted: 1986

Career Highlights: Paul Hornung

Green Bay Packers running back Paul Hornung — Paul Hornung was NFL MVP in 1961.

Super Bowl champion (1967)
Four-time NFL champion (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966)
NFL Most Valuable Player (1961)
Three-time NFL All-Pro (1959-61)
Two-time Pro Bowl (1959, 1960)
NFL 1960s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Paul Hornung

Green Bay Packers halfback Paul Hornung plunged over line — Paul Hornung scored 50 touchdowns in his career.

At 26, "The Golden Boy" was on a Hall of Fame path. He scored 322 points (in 24 games) in the 1960-61 seasons alone.

Yet because of hip/knee/neck injuries, frequent early-morning forays and a one-year suspension, he never came close to that standard thereafter.

The one-time league MVP failed to gain as many as 1,000 total yards in any season.

In Their Own Words: Paul Hornung

Hall of Famer Paul Hornung — Paul Hornung played nine seasons in the NFL.

"I made a terrible mistake. I am truly sorry." —Paul Hornung, after getting suspended from the NFL for a year in 1963 by commissioner Pete Rozelle for betting on NFL games

22. Ken Stabler

Positions: Quarterback

Career: 1970-84 (15 seasons)

Teams: Oakland Raiders, Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints

Statistics/16 games: 2,429.4 YDS, .598 CMP%, 16.9 TDS

Year inducted: 2016

Career Highlights: Ken Stabler

Quarterback Ken Stabler — Ken Stabler was a two-time All-Pro.

Super Bowl champion (1977)
NFL Most Valuable Player (1974)
Two-time NFL All-Pro (1974, 1976)
Four-time Pro Bowl (1973, 1974, 1976, 1977)

Bottom Line: Ken Stabler

Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler looks downfield — Ken Stabler led the Raiders to a Super Bowl title in the 1976 season.

The "Snake" was inducted on the strength of four peak seasons and one Super Bowl title in his late 20s-early 30s, but it had more to do with the Raiders' mystique than anything.

Per Football Reference, names such as Jay Cutler, Matt Hasselbeck, Ron Jaworski and Norm Snead appear on the list of quarterbacks with the highest similarity scores to Kenny Stabler, the ultimate rebel/leader.

But only three-time Super Bowl champion Troy Aikman has a bust in Canton among them.

In Their Own Words: Ken Stabler

Ken Stabler after his playing days — Ken Stabler epitomized the marauding Raiders of the 1970s.

"Everybody’s metabolism is different. Some people need eight hours. Some people need three hours. I don’t really need an awful lot of sleep." —Ken Stabler

21. Lynn Swann

Positions: Wide receiver

Career: 1974-82 (9 seasons)

Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers

Statistics/16 games: 46.3 REC , 16.3 YDS/REC, 7.0 TDS

Year inducted: 2001

Career Highlights: Lynn Swann

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann — Lynn Swann won four Super Bowls with the Steelers.

Four-time Super Bowl champion (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980)
Super Bowl MVP (1976)
Three-time NFL All-Pro (1975, 1977, 1978)
Three-time Pro Bowl (1975, 1977, 1978)
PFWA All-Rookie Team (1974)
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Lynn Swann

Lynn Swann catches a pass in Super Bowl XIII — Lynn Swann made a lot of big catches.

Swaaaaan-ny, how we love you ... in the postseason. His Super Bowl X MVP performance belongs in the Smithsonian for sure. It’s those regular-season numbers that fall short of Hall of Fame standards, though, largely because of four wasted seasons in a run-heavy offense.

When the rules became far more pass-friendly, his performance went to another level, but he didn’t play long enough to pad his stats.

We’ve got a better place for him — the Super Bowl Hall of Fame.

In Their Own Words: Lynn Swann

Lynn Swann in his Hall of Fame yellow jacket — Lynn Swann was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

"I tried to intellectualize how this was going to be, what it was going to feel like if it ever happened, but it didn't work. As soon as I heard the announcement, I tried to take a real deep breath, but I could only cry." —Lynn Swann on getting the call that he made the Pro Football Hall of Fame

20. Ray Nitschke

Positions: Linebacker

Career: 1958-72 (15 seasons)

Teams: Green Bay Packers

Career statistics: 190 G, 25 INT, 23 FR

Year inducted: 1978

Career Highlights: Ray Nitschke

Green Bay Packers linebacker Ray Nitschke — Ray Nitschke played his whole career with the Packers.

Two-time Super Bowl champion (1966, 1967)
Three-time NFL champion (1961, 1962, 1965)
Pro Bowl (1964)
Seven-time All-Pro (1962-67, 1969)
NFL 1960s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Ray Nitschke

Ray Nitschke at practice — Ray Nitschke played in 190 career games.

This may come as a shocker, but "Wildman" played in all of two Pro Bowl games. He was All-Pro one time.

Then again, he had to contend with Dick Butkus, Joe Schmidt, Sam Huff and Tommy Nobis in a decade that was loaded at the middle linebacker position.

If Ray Nitschke had kicked butt with a good team and not a dynasty, would he be in Canton? Discuss.

In Their Own Words: Ray Nitschke

Green Bay Packers legend Ray Nitschke — Ray Nitschke was one of the most intimidating linebackers in NFL history.

"Ray didn't even acknowledge his silverware. T-bone steak, baked potato, corn on the cob, and mix greens salad. He had two steaks, two bakers, and too much corn to count all with his bare hands. My grandpa said that Nitschke ate everything on his plate except the corn cobs, the bone, and his salad wasn't even touched." —PackerForum.com

19. Russ Grimm

Positions: Guard-center

Career: 1981-91 (11 seasons)

Teams: Washington Redskins

Career statistics: 140 G, 7 FR

Year inducted: 2010

Career Highlights: Russ Grimm

Washington Redskins lineman Russ Grimm — Rus Grimm was one of the Redskins' legendary "Hogs."

Three-time Super Bowl champion (1983, 1988, 1992)
Four-time NFL All-Pro (1983-86)
Four-time Pro Bowl (1983-86)
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Russ Grimm

Russ Grimm (No. 68) with other teammates — The "Hogs" were, from left, guard Mark May, assistant head coach-offense Joe Bugel, center Jeff Bostic, tackle George Starke, guard Russ Grimm and tackle Joe Jacoby.

This Hog had four stellar seasons in the Redskins' glory days.

By the time Russ Grimm turned 28 years old, however, a damaged left knee had reduced him to part-time status.

So if he has a bust in Canton, Ohio, then why not teammate Joe Jacoby, too? The tackle played longer and about as well.

In Their Own Words: Russ Grimm

Hall of Famer Russ Grimm — Russ Grimm won three Super Bowls.

"The hot dog story — I'm not going to say it's false. It's a little embellished, but it's probably 60 to 65 percent true. There's some wrinkles in it, but I'll just leave it at that." —Russ Grimm on throwing up a hot dog during practice and then eating it

18. Tom Fears

Positions: Offensive-defensive end-placekicker

Career: 1948-56 (9 seasons)

Teams: Los Angeles Rams

Statistics/16 games: 73.6 REC , 13.5 YDS/REC, 7.0 TDS

Year inducted: 1970

Career Highlights: Tom Fears

Los Angeles Rams Elroy Hirsch and Tom Fears — Tom Fears played with Elroy Hirsch on the Los Angeles Rams.

Three-time NFL champion (1951, 1962, 1965)
NFL All-Pro (1950)
NFL receiving yards leader (1950)
NFL 1950s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Tom Fears

Tom Fears chases Sid Luckman — Tom Fears of the Los Angeles Rams (55) chases Sid Luckman of the Chicago Bears (42) during an NFL game.

Tom Fears got to Canton on the strength of two sensational seasons and a 73-yard game-winner in the 1951 NFL Championship Game.

In 1949, he led the league in pass and touchdown receptions. One year later, he set a league record with 84 catches and made his only Pro Bowl appearance. But he flamed out quickly, partly because of contract disputes, partly because of two fractured vertebrae.

If extended excellence is part of the criteria for Canton, then he falls short of the mark. But he still won the respect of his peers. "What made Tom great as a player was his determination, his desire to win at anything," said Danny Abramowicz, who played for Fears when he coached the expansion New Orleans Saints.

In Their Own Words: Tom Fears

Jack Christiansen, Tom Fears and Pete Pihos — Tom Fears, center, holds his Hall of Fame bust with fellow Hall of Famers Jack Christiansen and Pete Pihos.

"I am very happy, extremely happy. I am also very nervous. I think I'm the first coach that's enshrined when he has a team to field out there in another hour and a half. I'm certainly honored. ... I want to thank the good people of Canton, and I hope we give you a real good game here this afternoon." —Tom Fears in his Hall of Fame speech. Fears coached the Saints for four seasons from 1967 to 1970, and his team beat the Vikings 14-13 in the 1970 Hall of Fame Game.

17. Frank Gatski

Positions: Center

Career: 1950-57 (8 seasons)

Teams: Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions

Career statistics: 144 G, 3 FR

Year inducted: 1985

Career Highlights: Frank Gatski

Cleveland Browns center Frank Gatski — Frank Gatski was as tough as they come.

Four-time NFL champion (1950, 1954, 1955, 1957)
Four-time NFL All-Pro (1951-53, 1955)
Pro Bowl (1956)

Bottom Line: Frank Gatski

Frank Gatski in action — Frank Gatski (22) played eight seasons in the NFL.

The longtime bodyguard for quarterback Otto Graham spent his prime in the old All-America Football Conference, an exceptional pass-blocker in a run-dominated era.

Frank Gatski was durable. He never missed a practice, but he was 33 when he was selected NFL All-Pro for the first of three times, 37 when he played in his only Pro Bowl game.

Twenty-eight years after retirement, he was inducted as a senior member.

In Their Own Words: Frank Gatski

Hall of Famer Frank Gatski — Frank Gatski was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

"Just being there. Just winning all those games. That's what it was all about for me." —Frank Gatski

16. Ace Parker

Positions: Quarterback-tailback-defensive back-kick returner-punter-placekicker

Career: 1937-41, 1945-46 (7 seasons)

Teams: Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants

Statistics/16 games: 1,105.4 PASS YARDS, .467 PASS COMP PCT, 7.1 PASS TDS

Year inducted: 1970

Career Highlights: Ace Parker

Ace Parker putting on his uniform — Ace Parker played pro football and baseball.

NFL Most Valuable Player (1940)
Four-time NFL All-Pro (1937-40)
NFL interceptions leader (1940)
NFL passing yards leader (1938)

Bottom Line: Ace Parker

Clarence "Ace" Parker stiff-arms Carl Brumbaugh — Ace Parker played a lot of positions.

Among old-timers, the 1940 MVP is a frequent pick as one of the top 10 quarterbacks of the pre-World War II era. Really, how can anyone not like a player named Ace?

Yet he led the league in only one major category (pass yards) and played with a bunch of ordinary teams. We’ve got him in the Nickname Hall of Fame.

Ace fun fact: He was the first NFL Hall of Famer to live to be 100. He also played Major League Baseball with the Philadelphia A's and hit a home run in his first major league at-bat.

In Their Own Words: Ace Parker

Hall of Famer Ace Parker — Ace Parker was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1970.

"This is the greatest thrill of all my life. I’ve had a number of thrills ... . A number of great things have happened to me throughout the years, but when I was selected and when I was called on the phone to say that I had been selected as a member of the Pro Hall of Fame, it was like the first time I went to bat in the major leagues and hit a home run. When I rounded second base, my knees gave way, and I realized what had happened. Well, this is what happened over the phone when I received the call. My knees kind of buckled just a little. But it is indeed a thrill, and I’ll say that I’m honored to be placed among the greats in the Pro Football of Fame." —Ace Parker in his Hall of Fame speech

15. Fred Dean

Positions: Defensive end

Career: 1975-85 (11 seasons)

Teams: San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers

Career statistics: 141 G, 13 FR, 28.0 SK (incomplete)

Year inducted: 2008

Career Highlights: Fred Dean

Jim Zorn, Fred Dean — Fred Dean wasn't easy to block.

Four-time NFL champion (1950, 1954, 1955, 1957)
Four-time NFL All-Pro (1951-53, 1955)
Pro Bowl (1956)

Bottom Line: Fred Dean

Fred Dean sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Steve Bartkowski — Fred Dean won two Super Bowls.

Because sack totals are unavailable for his prime seasons, it’s difficult to gauge the dominance of this pass-rush specialist.

Save for the 1981 season, when Fred Dean helped lead the Niners to a Super Bowl victory after a contract dispute prompted a late-season trade, his Average Value numbers weren’t overly impressive.

What’s more, durability was an issue throughout his career — he started every game in only one season. Of the 10 players most similar in size and quality, none is a Hall of Famer at the moment.

In Their Own Words: Fred Dean

"You see, God put people in your life that have an impact on it. Both spiritually and physically. For me, mom and dad were two of those people. See, I was a little boy, when I was born in Arcadia, Louisiana. But I grew up in Ruston, Louisiana. A time during the change in our country. Lincoln High School, an all-Black school, was my first attendance. And you know I was small in size. And being small in size, I know that there are a lot of ... bullies around you sometimes. And they want to take advantage of a situation. But I'm here to tell you now, even though I was small, I got into a few incidents. And one day a coach walked up to me. And his name happened to be Coach Robert Smith. And he said to me, why don't you take some of that energy to the field? And I proceeded to take the energy to the field, as he had asked. I think the coach liked what he saw, but I don't know that he had other plans for me because those were some pretty big guys. But the bottom line is it all worked out for the best. Thank you, Coach." —Fred Dean in his Hall of Fame speech

14. Dave Robinson

Positions: Linebacker

Career: 1963-74 (12 seasons)

Teams: Green Bay Packers

Career statistics: 155 G, 27 INT, 12 FR

Year inducted: 2013

Career Highlights: Dave Robinson

John Mackey and Dave Robinson — Dave Robinson, right, with John Mackey.

Three-time NFL champion (1965-67)
Two-time Super Bowl champion (1967, 1968)
Three-time NFL All-Pro (1967-69)
Three-time Pro Bowl (1966, 1967, 1969)
NFL 1960s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Dave Robinson

Green Bay Packers Dave Robinson chases Chicago Bears running back Gale Sayers — Dave Robinson played 155 games in his career.

The linebacker position is a toughie for Hall of Fame voters, what with the slew of candidates there.

The vast majority deserve to be in Canton more than Robinson, whose Average Value met the standard in only two seasons.

There is a David Robinson who is Hall-worthy. Just not this one.

In Their Own Words: Dave Robinson

"I know people think I'm crazy, but if you had to pick between (Ray) Nitschke and Dave Robinson, I'd take Dave Robinson." —Former Green Bay Packers defensive coach Dave Hanner during the Vince Lombardi era

13. John Henry Johnson

Positions: Fullback-halfback

Career: 1948-56 (9 seasons)

Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Oilers

AFL-NFL statistics/16 games: 196.6 RUSH-PASS TOUCHES, 4.7 YDS/TOUCH, 6.2 TDS

Year inducted: 1987

Career Highlights: John Henry Johnson

John Henry Johnson running with ball — John Henry Johnson had serious speed.

NFL champion (1957)
Two-time NFL All-Pro (1954, 1962)
Four-time Pro Bowl (1954, 1962-64)

Bottom Line: John Henry Johnson

John Henry Johnson in action — John Henry Johnson (35) played on four NFL teams.

In his prime years, J.H.J. was stuck behind future Hall of Famers Hugh McElhenny and Joe Perry in the so-called "Million Dollar Backfield."

It wasn’t until he landed in Pittsburgh that his career took off at 31 years of age. The golden oldie produced a pair of remarkable 1,000-plus-yard seasons, but by then, it was too late to put up impressive career numbers.

He deserves to be in the 30-and-Over Hall of Fame, though.

In Their Own Words: John Henry Johnson

John Henry Johnson Hall of Fame bust — John Henry Johnson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

"People make it to the Hall of Fame because they take their God-given talent add that to what they have been taught by people with experience, the old-timers. ... They are the ones who know what it takes." —John Henry Johnson in his Hall of Fame speech

12. Dave Wilcox

Positions: Linebacker

Career: 1964-74 (11 seasons)

Teams: San Francisco 49ers

Career statistics: 153 G, 14 INT, 12 FR

Year inducted: 2000

Career Highlights: Dave Wilcox

San Franciscon 49ers linebacker Dave Wilcox — Dave Wilcox was a seven-time Pro Bowler.

Four-time NFL All-Pro (1967, 1971-73)
Seven-time Pro Bowl (1966, 1968-73)

Bottom Line: Dave Wilcox

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dave Wilcox takes down Minnesota Vikings running back Clinton Jones — Dave Wilcox (64) was nicknamed "The Intimidator."

"The Intimidator" was more aggressive than a hungry hippo, tougher than butt steak.

He also was a notch below Bobby Bell, Jack Ham and Ted Hendricks at the strong-side position.

All were picked ahead of him for the 1970s All-Decade Team honors.

In Their Own Words: Dave Wilcox

"You have to have enough pride to want to be the best." —Dave Wilcox

11. Charlie Sanders

Positions: Tight end

Career: 1968-77 (10 seasons)

Teams: Detroit Lions

Statistics/16 games: 42.0 REC, 14.3 YDS/REC, 3.9 TDS

Year inducted: 2007

Career Highlights: Charlie Sanders

Detroit Lions tight end Charlie Sanders made the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team.

Three-time NFL All-Pro (1969-71)
Seven-time Pro Bowl (1968-71, 1974-76)
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Charlie Sanders

Charlie Sanders catches a pass at the goal line — Charlie Sanders made many great catches in his career.

True, Charlie Sanders was a Pro Bowler in seven of his 10 seasons. He also was a willing, if not robust, blocker. Fact is, "Charlie Deep" was the best of a shallow pool of tight ends at a time when Mike Ditka and John Mackey were near the end of the line.

Sanders never won more than 10 games, never caught more than 42 balls, and only once gained more than 544 yards in a season.

In his only playoff appearance, he was blanked in a 5-0 stinker against the Cowboys in Dallas. That’s not a typo — 5-zip. Does any of this scream "Hall of Famer!" to you?

In Their Own Words: Charlie Sanders

Hall of Famer Charlie Sanders — Charlie Sanders was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

"I am not that self-proclaimed Hall of Famer who desired to be in sports. I am a guy that liked a challenge, and challenged myself with the understanding that winning is finishing." —Charlie Sanders in his Hall of Fame speech

10. Jan Stenerud

Positions: Placekicker

Career: 1967-85 (19 seasons)

Teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings

Career statistics/16 games: 22.7 FG, .668 FG PCT

Year inducted: 1991

Career Highlights: Jan Stenerud

Green Bay Packer Jan Stenerud — Jan Stenerud grew up dreaming of becoming a ski jumper.

Super Bowl champion (1970)
Six-time NFL All-Pro (1970, 1971, 1974-76, 1984)
Four-time Pro Bowl (1970, 1971, 1975, 1984)
NFL 75th Anniversary Team
NFL 100th Anniversary Team
Two-time AFL All-Star (1968, 1969)
Three-time All-AFL Team (1967-69)

Bottom Line: Jan Stenerud

Green Bay Packers kicker Jan Stenerud — Jan Stenerud was the first exclusive placekicker inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The Norwegian sidewinder grew up dreaming of becoming an outstanding ski jumper. He became good enough at kicking a football to have three stellar seasons early in his NFL career. But so did a lot of other players.

Truth is, Jan Stenerud maxed out after his only All-Pro season. That was never more apparent than in the 1971 AFC championship game, when he bricked three field goals in a double-overtime loss.

On Christmas Day, no less.

In Their Own Words: Jan Stenerud

Hall of Famer Jan Stenerud — Jan Stenerud was named to the NFL's All-Time Team.

"The best thing about Jan is Jan the person. ... He was a total team player. He didn't have a prima donna bone in his body." —Former NFL coach Hank Stramm, presenting Jan Stenerud at the Hall of Fame

9. Bob Hayes

Positions: Split end

Career: 1965-75 (11 seasons)

Teams: Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers

Statistics/16 games: 45.0 REC, 20.0 YDS/REC, 8.6 TDS

Year inducted: 2009

Career Highlights: Bob Hayes

Super Bowl champion (1971)
Three-time Pro Bowl (1965-67)
Three-time NFL All-Pro (1966-68)

Bottom Line: Bob Hayes

Bob Hayes catches a pass — Bob Hayes brought Olympic gold-medal speed to pro football.

Bob Hayes had a habit of disappearing in big games such as the 1967 Ice Bowl, for instance. While his teammates played their hearts out in Arctic conditions, "Bullet Bob" went through the motions with his hands in his pants. Literally.

Although Hayes caught two passes in Super Bowl VI, George Andrie, Dan Reeves and the rest of the Cowboys deserved better.

But we still can't deny Hayes was fast.

In Their Own Words: Bob Hayes

Bob Hayes signing a football — Bob Hayes won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys in 1971.

"As fast as he once was, I'm surprised Death caught Bob Hayes. Now I've got a high opinion of Death's capabilities. But He must have tricked the Bullet Man, somehow. Only way to catch him." —Ralph Wiley, ESPN

8. Dick LeBeau

Dick LeBeu — Dick LeBeau played his entire career with the Detroit Lions.

Positions: Cornerback-safety

Career: 1959-72 (14 seasons)

Teams: Detroit Lions

Career statistics: 185 G, 62 INT, 9 FR

Year inducted: 2010

Career Highlights: Dick LeBeau

Detroit Lion Dick LeBeau — Dick LeBeau was a three-time All-Pro.

Three-time NFL All-Pro (1964, 1965, 1970)
Three-time Pro Bowl (1964-66)

Bottom Line: Dick LeBeau

Dick LeBeau tackles Minnesota Viking Dave Osborn — Dick LeBeau was a hard hitter.

The three-time Pro Bowler deserves a place in Canton, just not as a player.

Dick LeBeau's 62 interceptions ranked third in league history at the time of his retirement, but they came with an asterisk. Nearly half (28) were with Hall of Famer Dick "Night Train" Lane at the other side of the field. Rather than test their luck against one of the best cover cornerbacks ever, opponents picked on LeBeau often.

Yet let’s not forget that he went on to become one of the best defensive coordinators of his era. That, coupled with his accomplishments as a player, makes him Hall of Fame worthy.

In Their Own Words: Dick LeBeau

"As far as my playing ability, I was known as the guy who was just going to come to work every day, I was going to play hard every day. Might not always play good every play, but I was going to play the next play as hard. I learned that from London, Ohio, a small town about two hours from where we're standing. Honesty and hard work, that's about all they value down there. It sure has stood me in good stead." Dick LeBeau in his Hall of Fame speech in 2010. A decade later, he was Troy Polamalu's presenter for his Hall of Fame induction.

7. Emmitt Thomas

Positions: Cornerback-kickoff returner

Career: 1965-75 (11 seasons)

Teams: Kansas City Chiefs

Career statistics: 181 G, 58 INT, 7 FR

Year inducted: 2008

Career Highlights: Emmitt Thomas

Kansas City Chief Emmitt Thomas — Emmitt Thomas played his whole career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Super Bowl champion (1969)
Four-time NFL All-Pro (1969, 1971, 1974, 1975)
Five-time Pro Bowl (1968, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)

Bottom Line: Emmitt Thomas

Emmitt Thomas, Fred Biletnikoff, Daryle Lamonica — Emmitt Thomas (18) was a playmaker.

If the Hall of Fame is so big on quotas, why does the 1969 Chiefs defense have six representatives in Canton — two linemen, two linebackers and two defensive backs? Six, people!

By comparison, the far more dominant "Steel Curtain" Steelers have a mere four members. Emmitt Thomas was often very good (he did intercept 58 passes in his career, after all), but he wasn’t an all-time great.

You, too, Curley Culp.

In Their Own Words: Emmitt Thomas

"They say I'm here because I played the game a certain way. They say I played the game with heart and determination. It has been written that I played the game with a lot of poise. Countless number of fans have told me I played the game with a high level of integrity. ... Maybe all these fine compliments are true, but one thing I can assure you, that every time I stepped on the field at Municipal Stadium and later at Arrowhead Stadium, I did it with the knowledge that I was representing the Kansas City Chiefs, and I knew what it meant to millions and millions of Americans across the world." —Emmitt Thomas in his Hall of Fame speech

6. Charlie Joiner

Positions: Wide receiver

Career: 1969-86 (18 seasons)

Teams: Houston Oilers, Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers

Statistics/16 games: 50.2 REC , 16.2 YDS/REC, 4.4 TDS

Year inducted: 1996

Career Highlights: Charlie Joiner

Charlie Joiner after practice — Charlie Joiner was a three-time Pro Bowler.

Three-time Pro Bowl (1976 1979, 1980)
Two-time NFL All-Pro (1976, 1980)

Bottom Line: Charlie Joiner

San Diego Chargers receiver Charlie Joiner gets hands ready to grasp ball — Charlie Joiner never won a Super Bowl.

When someone plays in three decades and doesn’t lead the league in a single category even once, it sets off air-raid sirens.

Truth is, Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts put Charlie Joiner in Canton. It wasn’t until the late-bloomer was dealt to the Chargers that he became a consistent threat in his early 30s.

In Their Own Words: Charlie Joiner

Hall of Famer Charlie Joiner — Charlie Joiner was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.

"Pass receiving is something I’ve been good at, but as far as mastering the art, it’s not something you think about that way. It is a skill that just sort of comes to you as a result of everything else." —Charlie Joiner

5. Ray Guy

Positions: Punter

Career: 1973-86 (14 seasons)

Teams: Oakland Raiders

Career statistics/16 games: 81.8 PUNT , 42.4 YDS/PUNT

Year inducted: 2014

Career Highlights: Ray Guy

Ray Guy and Al Davis — Ray Guy with Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis.

Three-time Super Bowl champion (1977, 1981, 1984)
Eight-time NFL All-Pro (1973-80)
Seven-time Pro Bowl (1973-78, 1980)
Golden Toe Award (1975)
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
NFL 75th Anniversary Team
NFL 100th Anniversary Team

Bottom Line: Ray Guy

Oakland Raiders punter Ray Guy kicks — Ray Guy's punts had serious hang time.

I'm convinced that Curt Gowdy had more to do with his Hall of Fame induction than anyone. Seriously, the NBC broadcaster couldn’t go more than 15 minutes without some mention of Ray Guy's hang time.

Except that 75 players own a better career mark than Guy and his 42.4-yard average, and, yes, a few even had — wait for it — hang time!

See, I got nothing against punters in Canton. I just got something against very-good-but-not-great ones there.

In Their Own Words: Ray Guy

Hall of Famer Ray Guy — Ray Guy played 14 seasons in the NFL.

"He changed the game, really. (Punter) was never a glamorous position until he came along." —Former NFL coach and Hall of Famer Tom Flores

4. Tony Canadeo

Positions: Halfback-tailback-kick returner-punter

Career: 1941-44, 1946-52 (12 seasons)

Teams: Green Bay Packers

NFL statistics/16 games: 150.9 RUSH-PASS TOUCHES, 4.4 YDS/TOUCH, 4.3 TDS

Year inducted: 1974

Career Highlights: Tony Canadeo

Tony Canadeo running — Tony Canadeo was on the NFL 1940s All-Decade Team.

NFL champion (1944)
Three-time NFL All-Pro (1943, 1948, 1949)
NFL 1940s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Tony Canadeo

Tony Canadeo running with ball — Tony Canadeo played 12 seasons in the NFL.

The first Packer to rush for 1,000 yards in a season wasn’t particularly big or strong or athletic. Rather, Tony Canadeo was a grinder who did a lot of things well but none of them great.

While not in the class of Charlie Trippi, Steve Van Buren and Doak Walker as a pure runner, "The Gray Ghost of Gonzaga" did have one of the best nicknames of his time.

In Their Own Words: Tony Canadeo

"Small by pro standards, Canadeo was neither particularly fast nor elusive. Because he was prematurely gray, he was popularly known as 'The Gray Ghost of Gonzaga.' But Tony employed the attributes of most great athletes – determination, courage and tenacity – to attain Hall of Fame stature." —Pro Football Hall of Fame

3. Elvin Bethea

Positions: Defensive end

Career: 1968-83 (16 seasons)

Teams: Houston Oilers

Career statistics: 210 G, 16 FR, 1.0 SK (incomplete)

Year inducted: 2003

Career Highlights: Elvin Bethea

Houston Oilers defensive end Elvin Bethea was a third-round pick in 1968 AFL/NFL draft.

Eight-time Pro Bowl (1969, 1971-75, 1978, 1979)
Two-time NFL All-Pro (1975, 1979)

Bottom Line: Elvin Bethea

Elvin Bethea with the Oilers — Elvin Bethea played his whole career with the Houston Oilers.

The Oilers' lifer was one of the bright lights with mostly average-to-really-crummy teams.

Of the 10 players Elvin Bethea compares to most in his career, not one is in the Hall of Fame.

He’s among the many who belong in the Hall of Very Good, not the Hall of Fame. Still not bad for a third-round pick.

In Their Own Words: Elvin Bethea

"I was on the junior varsity squad, never knew what football was. I went out with a friend of mine. We said that we're going to go out for football. Had never played football, always played soccer up until my ninth year. That first day that I went out of the team. The next day, the coach says, 'You're on the varsity squad.' And, I'm saying, 'How did I make it onto the varsity squad after one day?' His answer was to me that he liked the way I hustled, he liked the way I moved around the field, and he liked my tenacity and toughness. So I think that has gotten me here today." —Elvin Bethea, in his Hall of Fame speech, on the start of his football career as a ninth-grader at Trenton Central in New Jersey

2. Jackie Smith

Positions: Tight end

Career: 1963-78 (16 seasons)

Teams: St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys

Statistics/16 games: 36.6 REC, 16.5 YDS/REC, 3.0 TDS

Year inducted: 1994

Career Highlights: Jackie Smith

St. Louis Cardinals tight end Jackie Smith — Jackie Smith started his career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Five-time Pro Bowl (1966-70)
Four-time NFL All-Pro (1966-69)

Bottom Line: Jackie Smith

Jackie Smith walks off the field in Super Bowl XIII — This is the agony of defeat.

Jackie Smith caught as many as 50 balls and scored more than four touchdowns in only one season.

He’s also the only Hall of Famer best known for a gaffe — the muffed pass that hit him squarely between the "8" and the "1" in Super Bowl XIII yet somehow bounced off his chest to the ground.

"Bless his heart — he’s got to be the sickest man in America," Cowboys broadcaster Verne Lundquist shared his pain.

In Their Own Words: Jackie Smith

Hall of Famer Jackie Smith — Jackie Smith bounced back from the drop.

"To make a big deal out of the drop, like it cost us the game, was ridiculous. There were so many other factors in us losing. And we lost to a really great team. I’ve always been sick about it. It’s just wrong that Jackie has taken any kind of blame." —Roger Staubach

1. Red Badgro

Positions: Offense-defensive end

Career: 1927-36 (10 seasons)

Teams: New York Giants

Statistics/16 games: 6.0 REC, 16.0 YDS/REC, 1.2 TDS

Year inducted: 1981

Career Highlights: Red Badgro

Red Badgro holding a football — Red Badgro was a three-time All-Pro.

NFL champion (1934)
Three-time NFL All-Pro (1931, 1933, 1934)

Bottom Line: Red Badgro

By all accounts, Morris "Red" Badgro was a solid two-way player in the leather helmet days.

He led the league in pass receptions (16) one year and scored the first touchdown in an NFL Championship Game before his retirement after the 1936 season.

Nearly a half-century elapsed before the 78-year-old became the oldest player to gain Hall of Fame induction. What did he do to convince the senior committee exactly?

Improve his 100-yard dash time? Excel in the cone drills test? Did someone discover dozens of touchdowns that he didn’t receive credit for decades earlier?

Uh, can we get a little help here, please?

In Their Own Words: Red Badgro

"A dollar was a dollar in those days and ballplayers weren't worrying about money. They were worrying about the game. ... We were grateful to have a job." —Red Badgro