Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Johnny Unitas and Sandy Koufax -- They epitomized the ultimate performances of their position. Besides the long-career/short-career difference between the two, there's the issue of Koufax and "ultimate performance" as a pitcher. No question Koufax was a fine pitcher for a short period (an...

I wonder what pitcher would compare to Kurt Warner, that being said, to have two peeks late on his career with two different teams. Hall of Famer Dazzy Vance starred late for the Brooklyn Dodgers, posting great numbers after being in the minor leagues for the early part of his career, but he didn't...

I'd support Speedie and Stanfel for the HoF, though you have to be okay with short career guys here -- which I am, especially for those from the 50s and before. Watching film on Stanfel I'd say he was more good than great. His 'honors' don't really match what you see (and obviously you're aware of ...

Speedie was nominated in 1983, but obviously didn't get elected, the only senior candidate from 1981-87 to suffer that fate. Since Paul Brown was still around in a prominent role with the Bengals, I wondering if his still-raging animosity toward Speedie was enough to sway enough voters. Here are th...

Tyrer has never been a finalist, though he may have been under consideration at some point. That may have been just to avoid having to hear about how they were pre-judging him on (notorious) off-the-field issues. The way Shrevedude is using the word "finalist" in his initial post, Tyrer w...

Also, was Jim Tyrer really a finalist in 2012? I remember seeing the list of finalists, and I don't recall his name being on there. I am shocked the HOF would have any interest in inducting him, due to the way he ended his life. If memory serves, Tyrer has been a Senior finalist before, though I do...

I really feel like it's Troy, Ed Reed. Then a gap, then Brian Dawkins, then a gap, then your Lynch's. And I really feel that the HOF line is between Dawkins and Lynch. The latter being neither a game changer (as the first two were) or the defensive glue of a team (as Dawkins was). As to the gap, I'...

Good thinking, Rupert.

Between Polamalu, Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins, and perhaps John Lynch, we may see a rare glut of safeties voted in. After the 80s-90s with only Ronnie Lott in (maybe Steve Atwater down the road), that would be a huge voting pattern change.

Several sources list Troy Polamalu will retire. Add him to Patrick Willis as a first-time HoF eligible in 2020

My guess is he gets elected after a bit of a wait (5/8/00s profile).

Joe Fortunato was overshadowed at the Bears by George Connor, Bill George and then Dick Butkus, but was a 5-time Pro Bowler and 3-time All-Pro. 16 career Ints and 22 FRs. I'm fine with Fortunato (3/5/50s) for the HoF. I have him 4th on the Senior OLB depth chart behind Chuck Howley (5/6/none), Maxi...