My Pro Football Hall of Fame Ballot

This Saturday, members of the media who have never played football before will get together in a room and determine who they think is most worthy of enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I have a love/hate relationship with the HoF. First, the fans and the players have no vote, and that is insane. When this happens, you get morons like SI's Paul Zimmerman aka Dr. Z who actively campaign for years against worthy candidates (in his case, it was Syracuse legend and Redskins Hall of Famer Art Monk. Now Monk is in the Hall, and Dr. Z had a few strokes, and is unable to talk or write. Karma? You decide). Well, if they are qualified to put players in just because they watch football, then I am too, right? First off, let's meet the 15 Modern Era semifinalists that are eligible:

Jerome Bettis, RB
Tim Brown, WR
Crist Carter, WR
Dermontti Dawson, C
Edward DeBartolo Jr, Owner
Chris Doleman, DE/LB
Kevin Greene, DE/LB
Charles Haley, DE/LB
Cortez Kennedy, DT
Curtis Martin, RB
Bill Parcells, Coach
Andre Reed, WR
Willie Roaf, OT
Will Shields, OG
Aeneas Williams, CB/S

Along with these men are the two Veteran Committee nominees, Jack Butler, CB; and Dick Stanton, OG.

As with the actual ballot, only 5 modern era candidates can be inducted, along with the two Vet nominees, making the maximum class 7. This limits who I would put in this year, but nonetheless, here are my picks for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012:

1. Jerome Bettis, RB, LA/St Louis Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers.
One of the most physical and dominant RBs I have ever watched. He ran people over. He was also unselfish, willing to move into a niche goalline role when called upon late in his career. He finished ranked #6 on the all-time rushing list and #10 in rushing touchdowns.


2. Jack Butler, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers.
Veteran Committee members are subject to a simple yes or no vote. They always say yes.

3. Curtis Martin, RB, New England Patriots, New York Jets
No other running back I have ever seen was the model of consistency that Curtis Martin was. He just went out there and did his job at the highest level. He finished as the #4 rusher of all time, and 12th in touchdowns.

4. Andre Reed, WR, Buffalo Bills. Washington Redskins
The WR position is packed, and all are worthy. What makes me choose Andre Reed over Tim Brown and Cris Carter? Well, it could be that he was on one of the most dominant teams of all time, the turn of the 90s Buffalo Bills, and was the premier receiver on that team. It could be that Brown and Carter played in one combined Super Bowl while Reed played in 4. Or it could be because two of my best friends are Bills fans that will get angry if I don't pick him. Really, all 3 should get in at some point. I could see Curtis Martin waiting another year and two WRs getting in this vote. I'd say Tim Brown would be the other. Sorry Cris.

5. Willie Roaf, OT, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs
A dominant tackle that was named to the all decade team of both the 1990s and the 2000s. The real shame was that he didn't get in last year.


6. Will Shields, OG, Kansas City Chiefs
Arguably the best guard of all time. It isn't a glamor position, but it is one of the most important in football. He helped anchor an offensive line that turned Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson into dominant rushers. He blocked for 5 1000-yard rushing seasons and 4 4000-yard passing seasons.

7. Dick Stanfel, OG, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins
The other Vet nominee. In he goes.


Why won't this be the Class of 2012? Well, only one defensive player, no owner or coach, heavy on the O-line, and two RBs at the same time. We will see Saturday. But in my opinion, these are the 7 men that should hear their name called this weekend.