
Woodson is the only player in NFL history with 20 or more sacks and 50 or more interceptions. Often overshadowed by owner Al Davis, Flores had a 23-15 record against other Hall of Fame coaches. Flores won two Super Bowl rings as coach and also broke barriers as the first Hispanic quarterback in the NFL. Vic Tafur, Raiders beat writer: Woodson and Flores are two fan favorites, and it's especially gratifying for Flores to finally get in after a long and sometimes frustrating process. What does it mean to the Raiders to get both Woodson and Flores elected?

As is, his career almost transcends his final numbers. Had Johnson played another three or four years, he likely would have landed in the top 10 for all-time receiving yardage. His 1,946-yard showing in 2012 still stands as the league's single-season receiving record. But for at least the last eight of those seasons, Megatron was as physically dominant a wide receiver as the NFL has ever seen.įrom 2010 until his finale in 2015, Johnson averaged 1,425 yards and double-digit TDs per season, and it felt like the majority of that production came on highlight-reel plays. He’s what the Hall should be for: the best of the best of the best.Ĭhris Burke, Lions beat writer: The only question was whether voters would make Johnson wait because he played "just" nine years before his sudden retirement. Who do defensive coordinators double or roll coverages toward? Johnson, without question. Put Reggie Wayne or Torry Holt on the other side. Megatron was clearly one of the top five in this class. I personally vote for the most dominant players regardless of how long they’ve been eligible. Mike Sando, senior NFL writer: Some of my fellow selection committee members think we enshrine too many candidates on the first ballot. Why Johnson was worthy on the first ballot That he returned to put up the best single-season stats of his career (in 2013), win another MVP award and play in two Super Bowls is truly incredible. When looking at Manning’s legacy, it’s critical to remember just how many questions he faced when he joined the Broncos in 2012 No one, including Manning, knew how he would play after spinal fusion surgery.

He formally retired in March 2016, and the countdown to Canton was on. This moment was a mere formality from the minute he stepped off the stage at Super Bowl 50 five years ago clutching his second Lombardi Trophy.
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He began writing his own chapter in that story nearly 20 years ago, and now, he will be officially enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Lindsay Jones, senior NFL writer: There may never have been an NFL player who revered NFL history - and particularly the history of quarterback play - more than Peyton Manning. He is the first true scout to reach the Hall.Īlan Faneca, Bill Nunn elected to Hall of Fame as Steelers prepare to party Nunn spent 45 years with the Steelers, helping the team scout and draft Hall of Famers John Stallworth, Jack Lambert, Mel Blount and Donnie Shell in building Pittsburgh’s dynasty in the 1970s. He was the second Hispanic coach in the NFL and the first to win the Super Bowl.
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Pearson, a former undrafted free agent, spent all 11 seasons with the Cowboys and is a member of the 1970s All-Decade Team.įlores, who went 105-90 as a coach of the Raiders and Seahawks, won two Super Bowls with the Raiders. Faneca, a nine-time Pro Bowler and six-time first-team All-Pro who played 10 seasons for the Steelers, was in his sixth year as a finalist. He twice led the NFL in receiving yards, including with a record 1,964 in 2012.Ī nine-time Pro Bowler with the Bucs and Broncos and the current 49ers GM, Lynch broke through in his eighth consecutive year as a finalist. Johnson played only nine seasons but totaled six Pro Bowl nods, three first-team All-Pro selections, 11,619 receiving yards and 83 TDs. He totaled 65 interceptions (tied for fifth in NFL history) and 13 defensive touchdowns (tied for the most ever) and won Defensive Player of the Year with Green Bay in 2009. Woodson, who coincidentally beat out Manning for the 1997 Heisman Trophy, starred for the Raiders and Packers. He also claimed a record five MVP awards in 17 seasons.

Manning, a 14-time Pro Bowler and seven-time first-team All-Pro, won two Super Bowls, one each with the Colts and Broncos. (one), linebacker Sam Mills (two), defensive lineman Richard Seymour (three) and linebacker Zach Thomas (two). Others were defensive end Jared Allen (one year as a finalist), cornerback Ronde Barber (one), offensive tackle Tony Boselli (five), safety LeRoy Butler (two), wideout Torry Holt (two), linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. Manning’s former Colts teammate Reggie Wayne missed out as a finalist for the second straight year.
