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Players and NFL executives who deserve to be in Hall of Fame

  • Originally published August 7, 2010 at 4:49 p.m., updated August 7, 2010 at 5:49 p.m.

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By Bob Glauber

Newsday

(MCT)

With Sunday's Class of 2010 Hall of Fame induction, a quick look at 10 players and executives who deserve to be enshrined in Canton but aren't:

Cris Carter, WR, Eagles, Vikings, Dolphins. Finished with 13,899 yards and 130 touchdowns had eight straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons from 1993-2000. One of the most agile players at keeping his feet in bounds. Had combined 65 TD catches from 1995-99.

Shannon Sharpe, TE, Was NFLs all-time yardage leader among tight ends until Tony Gonzalez surpassed him. First tight end to surpass 10,000 receiving yards. An eight-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time first team All Pro.

Bob Kuechenberg, G/T/C, Dolphins. Standout career from 1970-83, including undefeated 1972 team. A Hall of Fame finalist from 2002-09 Six-time Pro Bowler and one-time All Pro. One of the most versatile linemen in NFL history.

Richard Dent, DE, Bears. Had 137 career sacks, including 124 in 12-year career with Bears. Part of an 85 Bears defense considered the best unit of all time. Had 121 sacks from 1984-93.

Charles Haley, DE, 49ers, Cowboys. Only player in NFL history to win five Super Bowl championships One of the quickest pass rushers off the line, despite being undersized at 252 pounds. Always elevated the play of those around him. Finished with 100 sacks.

Joe Klecko, DE/DT/NT, Jets. Part of the vaunted New York Sack Exchange. Amazingly versatile lineman, Klecko was the first player to be selected for the Pro Bowl at three different positions (DE/DT/NT). Hall of Fame C Dwight Stephenson said Klecko was one of the two best interior linemen he ever faced. Hall of Fame T Anthony Munoz likened Klecko to Bruce Smith and Lee Roy Selmon.

Dan Reeves, coach, Broncos, Giants, Falcons. Brought four teams to the Super Bowl three in Denver, one in Atlanta. Probably not in the Hall of Fame because he didn't win any championships, but that didn't stop four-time Super Bowl losers Bud Grant and Marv Levy from getting in.

Paul Tagliabue, NFL commissioner. Vastly underrated executive who succeeded Pete Rozelle and brought labor peace to the NFL for nearly two decades. After the league endured two strikes in the 1980s, Tagliabue's signature Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL Players Association became the standard for all sports.

George Young, Giants general manager. Was instrumental in leading the Giants to their first two Super Bowl titles. Drafting of Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms, and hiring of Bill Parcells were his most critical achievements. Before his arrival in 1979, Giants were a losing franchise on the field, and were hamstrung by intractable ownership issues.

Ron Wolf, Packers general manager. Hiring of Mike Holmgren and trade for Brett Favre set the stage for a Packers renaissance after decades of post-Lombardi floundering. Signing of free agent Reggie White in 1993 precipitated the team's first Super Bowl win since Super Bowl II.

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