Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

TanksAndSpartans wrote:

sluggermatt15 wrote: This comes down to the mentality of the voters. They need to understand that pre-1950 players are viable candidates as well. What's the best way? Inform them and emphasize their significance to the game.

Andy, Jay and I have discussed what you're suggesting. I do not think it makes a ton of sense to create special committees just to get super senior players into the HOVG. The drive and recognition needs to come from the voters. They have to understand and voice that the players belong. Trust me, you are not the only member who feels this way.

Thanks @sluggermatt15. I definitely appreciate that you guys discussed it.

I personally don't see anything changing. Maybe Latone gets in this decade, but there are a lot of solid pre-war candidates not named Latone. I posted one today. I'll keep posting them. We'll find out in 2030.

Continue to push for their recognition. Keep posting. Write about them also. The more attention, the more votes and consideration. I have seen some of your posts, they are very interesting and decisive candidates.

It continues to amaze me how much better us armchair analysts are at voting dudes into a "hall of something" than the people the actual NFL hires to do it. Another "Very Good" class! Sterling first ballot?

Its strange that someone who makes the HOF, Jim Covert, doesnt get elected to this HOVG. Is there a silent protest going on or he simply isnt better than the players selected ?

I understand, completely.

Brian wolf wrote:Its strange that someone who makes the HOF, Jim Covert, doesnt get elected to this HOVG. Is there a silent protest going on or he simply isnt better than the players selected ?

I understand, completely.

1. The HoVG is to recognize players the Hall of Fame passed over.
2. To be eligible for the HoVG a player must be past consideration for the regular Hall of Fame vote... which means they must have been retired for at least 25 years ("Senior" candidates only).

As Covert last played in 1990 he was eligible for the HoVG for "only" a few seasons before he was elected to the HoF.
In that time he was not voted in by members of the PFRA (only PFRA members can nominate and elect people to the HoVG).
Of course, the Hall of Fame chose to not recognize him for much longer... he finally made it in as a member of the Centennial "make-up" class of 2020.

Thanks, Juggernaut for the clear-up ...

Brian wolf wrote:Its strange that someone who makes the HOF, Jim Covert, doesnt get elected to this HOVG. Is there a silent protest going on or he simply isnt better than the players selected ?

I understand, completely.

You may notice on the PFRA HOVG site, many players were in the HOVG prior to election into the PFHOF.