Marshall Faulk Headlines 2011 Hall of Fame Inductees
NFL Hall of Fame weekend didn’t seem the same without the game. The seven inductees were there in Canton, Ohio Saturday along with the presenters – the only thing missing was the fans.
Only 13,800 people showed up, about half of the amount usually on hand to see the newest members of the Hall of Fame get their busts. With the Sunday night game at Fawcett Stadium canceled due to the lockout, the fans chose to stay home and watch the ceremonies on TV. The Hall of Fame game usually marks the official start of the NFL campaign.
It’s behind us now and we don’t have to worry about it for the next decade. The free agent signing and trading period has been condensed into a two week frenzy.
Despite the fact that there was no action on the field, there are seven new members of the Hall and they shouldn’t be ignored. Here’s a look at the newest inductees.
Richard Dent: DE, 6-5, 265, 1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears; 1994 San Francisco 49ers; 1996 Indianapolis Colts; 1997 Philadelphia Eagles.
Dent may have spent time with four teams but make no mistake he is best remembered for being a key figure on that ferocious Bear defense that won a Super Bowl in 1986. Dent was the Super Bowl MVP as the Bears crushed New England 46-10. Dent was third all-time in career sacks with 137 ½.
Marshall Faulk: RB, 5-10, 208, 1994-1998 Indianapolis Colts; 1999-2005 St. Louis Rams.
Raise your hand if you remember him running past USC when he played at San Diego State in college. Then Faulk was on to bigger and better things as he rushed for 1000 yards in seven of his first eight seasons. Faulk became the second player in NFL history to gain over 1000 yards rushing and receiving in 1999. He also was named NFL offensive player of the year three straight times – 1999-2001. He also was the first player in NFL history to gain over 2000 yards from scrimmage in four straight years (1998-2001).
Chris Hanburger: LB, 6-2, 218, 1965-1978 Washington Redskins.
An integral part of the Redskins teams in the 1970s, he was selected first team all NFL four times in a five year span (1972-1976). Hanburger was voted to nine Pro Bowls overall and helped the Skins to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1972.
Les Richter: LB, 6-3. 288, 1954-1962 Los Angeles Rams.
Probably a little too far back for people to remember but if you grew up a Ram fan you should have read about him. Richter was selected to eight straight Pro Bowls, missing only his final season in 1962. He also saw time at center and handled the place kicking duties as well early in his career. And you’ll love this: he never missed a game.
Ed Sabol: Founder/President/ Chairman NFL Films 1964-1995.
Sabol literally started NFL Films. He turned a drama background at Ohio State into an idea to create the most successful football film operation ever. Firsts in film include microphones on coaches, referees, and players; use of reverse-angle replay and adding popular music to footage.
Deion Sanders: CB/Kick and Punt returner, 6-1, 195, 1989-1993 Atlanta Falcons, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1995-1999 Dallas Cowboys, 2000 Washington Redskins, 2004-2006, Baltimore Ravens.
“Neon” Dejon had six touchdowns on punt returns and three on kick returns. Also had nine interceptions for scores in his career. What is sometimes forgotten is that he also had 60 receptions for 784 yards and three TDs.
Shannon Sharpe: TE, 6-2, 230, 1990-1999, 2002-2003, Denver Broncos, 2000-2001 Baltimore Ravens.
A big part of Super Bowl champions in Denver in 1998 and 1999 and Baltimore in 2001. His 815 receptions, 10,060 yards and 62 TDs were all career records for a tight end at the time of his retirement.
Sharpe tied an NFL single postseason game record with 13 receptions vs. the Raiders in 1993.
That’s my principle.
Tim can be reached at tim@midvalleysports.com
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