Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Several sources say that Al Wistert died yesterday at age 95.

I guess that makes him a favorite for the Hall of Fame class of 2017.

http://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/ ... great.html

Sunday, March 6, 2016
A Few Notes on Al Wistert, An Eagle Great
PERSEPCTIVE
By John Turney

by Bob Gill » Sun Mar 06, 2016 7:40 pm
"I guess that makes him a favorite for the Hall of Fame class of 2017."

Based on recent enshrinements, that seems quite likely. They could do a lot worse - and have.
Actually, with the tendencey to create categories, that might not be a bad one.
The "Yearly Beloved" - an otherwise qualified candidate who has passed since the last selections.
It could be a minor aid to helping clear the backlog and often open the door for another senior candidate.
It wouldn't be lowering the bar again unless they knowingly made it so. And, they have done that too.

Bob Gill wrote:I guess that makes him a favorite for the Hall of Fame class of 2017.

He didn't die at the right time of year, though. He needed to die in the May-July timeframe to get fast-tracked to the HOF.

Should mention that Wistert is now tied for the best score at Ken Crippen's website. He, Johnny Robinson, and Lavvie Dilweg are currently at 8.0.

Wistert also has a profile of 6/1/40s, which is excellent for someone who played mostly pre-pro bowl.

bachslunch wrote:Should mention that Wistert is now tied for the best score at Ken Crippen's website. He, Johnny Robinson, and Lavvie Dilweg are currently at 8.0.

Wistert also has a profile of 6/1/40s, which is excellent for someone who played mostly pre-pro bowl.

Ken is a nice man and pride remains in having nominated him for his present position but we must keep in mind
his web site, although interesting, is not the source looked upon by the incompetents among the selectors.
A few of the more intelligent species, perhaps - but not the vast majority.
So, chirpings of that nature are likely to fall on sightless eyes.
The focus is on the squeaky wheel and, lately, the tearful trail.
It might be better done with frequent mutterings of such a great old talent lost and maybe encouragement
for active promotion by the Eagles organization.
Surely the strength of the PFRA in the Philadelphia area can bring about such support.
Try the task that can work - not the repeat of what has consistently failed.

Johnny Robinson DEFINITELY belongs in the HOF. Consequently, Harry Carson does not. Prior to Lawrence Taylor suiting up for the NYG, Carson was mediocre at best. I've been watching films of Carson during the entire latter half of the decade of the 1970s, and believe me, one thing that he was very good at was allowing a wide variety of running backs to break his tackles.

Just my two cents worth, adjusted for inflation.

Joe Zagorski

Joe Zagorski wrote:Johnny Robinson DEFINITELY belongs in the HOF. Consequently, Harry Carson does not. Prior to Lawrence Taylor suiting up for the NYG, Carson was mediocre at best. I've been watching films of Carson during the entire latter half of the decade of the 1970s, and believe me, one thing that he was very good at was allowing a wide variety of running backs to break his tackles.

Just my two cents worth, adjusted for inflation.

Joe Zagorski

I did not find Carson to be great either. He was a good player. I even liked Carl Banks more than Carson.

Richmond Webb, Ben Coates, Gino Cappelletti ... so many good candidates, so little room ...