My 2015 NFL Hall of Fame Ballot

Hello there friends.  Welcome back.  The 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame class will be revealed tonight at the NFL Awards show.  I felt it was a bit necessary for me to share my ballot for the Modern Era players.  I say players because I do not like that the coaches are put into the same group.  They should have their own spot, or be in with the contributors like GMs and owners.  My ballot will feature no coaches, since there are an abundance of deserving players.  So, here are the 5 I have chosen:

- Junior Seau, LB, Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots
Seau is the only sure fire slam dunk of the class.  He is easily one of the best defensive players of the 1990s, and made a continuous impact all the way until he retired in 2009.  Sadly, he took his own life, the result of depression from numerous concussions.  I am sure his family will give a wonderful speech on his behalf.

- Orlando Pace, OT, Rams/Bears
It is surprisingly rare that a #1 Overall pick actually pans out, much less becomes a Hall of Famer.  Over the past 20 years, there have been more than a few busts, and a few that will never reach Canton.  But in 1997 the Rams drafted Orlando Pace, who anchored their line and allowed the Greatest Show on Turf to flourish.  The 5-time All Pro shouldn't have to wait a year to get into the Hall.

- Jerome Bettis, RB, Rams/Steelers
I am not entirely sure why Bettis has yet to get into the Hall of Fame.  He was a dominant running back, a 6-time Pro Bowler, and is #6 on the all-time rushing list.  Plus, he was the leader and inspiration of the Steelers team that won Super Bowl XL. It is time to let The Bus drive to Canton.

- Tim Brown, WR, Raiders/Buccaneers
Tim Brown has to get in this year.  He is the current biggest snub, and his time has come.  Cris Carter is in, Andre Reed is in.  Brown is a member of the 1990s All-Decade team, he is 5th in receiving yards, and was a 9-time Pro Bowler.  He did all of that with the likes of Jeff Hostetler, Jeff George and Jay Schroeder throwing to him.  This is Tim Brown's year.

- Will Shields, OG, Chiefs
Guards don't get the love they deserve.  It isn't easy blocking every play, especially when you have to face tackles, blitzing linebacks, and occasionally pull on running plays.  Will Shields is one of the greatest guards of all time.  A 12-time Pro Bowler, he spent his entire 14-year career with the Chiefs, starting 223 of a possible 224 games with the franchise.  He is a member of the 2000s All-Decade team.  I don't know why he has had to wait, because it is very clear he belongs in the Hall of Fame.


These are my 5.  I am not saying that there are other players that do not deserve to be enshrined in Canton.  There most certainly are.  But, for this year, I will take these 5 legendary players over the rest.

Enjoy the Awards show, and I will be back later with my Super Bowl prediction.