Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Curious what people think about Gary Green's candidacy for the Hall of the Very Good. He was with the Chiefs from 1977 to 1983, then finished up with the Los Angeles Rams in 1984 and 1985. Nine seasons - I think five times All-Pro, Chiefs Hall of Fame. Is he an overlooked candidate? Thanks

A feisty underrated cornerback for the Chiefs. I remember reading about him in early 80s, Football Digest, who loved him as a player. People would write in saying the magazine got his name confused with Gary Barbaro, to show how little known he was outside the Chiefs. Tough corner who got more recognized with the Rams. I believe he and Barbaro have HOVG cases ...

Brian wolf wrote:A feisty underrated cornerback for the Chiefs. I remember reading about him in early 80s, Football Digest, who loved him as a player. People would write in saying the magazine got his name confused with Gary Barbaro, to show how little known he was outside the Chiefs. Tough corner who got more recognized with the Rams. I believe he and Barbaro have HOVG cases ...

I agree, but Barbaro went to the USFL in 1983, shortening his career. He was the AFC's Nolan Cromwell in the early 80s.

Teo wrote:I agree, but Barbaro went to the USFL in 1983, shortening his career. He was the AFC's Nolan Cromwell in the early 80s.

Yeah, Barbaro's career got derailed.

"In November 1983, after sitting out the entire NFL season in a contract dispute, Barbaro signed a three-year contract with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL.[1] In his only USFL season (1984), he was named to The Sporting News USFL All-Star Team. Barbaro tore his ACL in his left knee earlier in the season and missed four games, came back to play in the Generals' July 1984 USFL playoff loss to the Philadelphia Stars where he further injured the knee, ending his career.[1]"

He was kind of an athletic freak...he was the first player drafted from Nicholls and was the tallest safety in the NFL. Had a 102-yard INT TD return. Some big INT seasons, too.

Cant blame Barbaro for going after the money but had he stayed in the NFL, probably with another team, might have made the HOF but several Chiefs have cases like Cherry, Lewis and Ross. If only Blackledge could have played to his potential at QB ...

Halas Hall wrote:Curious what people think about Gary Green's candidacy for the Hall of the Very Good. He was with the Chiefs from 1977 to 1983, then finished up with the Los Angeles Rams in 1984 and 1985. Nine seasons - I think five times All-Pro, Chiefs Hall of Fame. Is he an overlooked candidate? Thanks

Green was forced into an early retirement due to a neck injury. He wasn't big or fast, but he was tough, smart and seemed to benefit from a better supporting cast with the Rams. I would say he's an overlooked candidate, because if he hadn't retired early he could have played a few more years at a high level.

Brian wolf wrote:A feisty underrated cornerback for the Chiefs. I remember reading about him in early 80s, Football Digest, who loved him as a player. People would write in saying the magazine got his name confused with Gary Barbaro, to show how little known he was outside the Chiefs. Tough corner who got more recognized with the Rams. I believe he and Barbaro have HOVG cases ...

Nominate him this year and see what the HOVG committee thinks.

Brian wolf wrote:Cant blame Barbaro for going after the money but had he stayed in the NFL, probably with another team, might have made the HOF but several Chiefs have cases like Cherry, Lewis and Ross. If only Blackledge could have played to his potential at QB ...

agreed brian my question is who has the better case cherry lewis or ross?

Robert, I think its Lewis ... when he left the Chiefs in 1994, the defense was affected. Ross, Barbaro and Cherry are underrated. Lewis and Wright for Denver, deserve the HOF in my opinion.

and im completly on the lewis train too brian