NFL Notebook: Hall of Fame Weekend in Canton

8/1/2014

Johnny Sunchips

With training camp in full swing the NFL takes time to honor it's class of 2014. Saturday's sure to be emotional ceremony will be followed by Sunday's annual exhibition between the Giants and Bills. Let's take a glance at this years inductees.

Ray Guy - In 1973 the Oakland Raiders made Guy the first ever punter to be drafted in the first round. He spent 14 seasons in the league, and in 13 of those he averaged over 40 yards a kick. The 3 time Super Bowl winner was voted to the NFL's 75th Anniversary All Time Team, and the leagues All Century Team as well. In 1,049 career attempts, only 3 kicks were blocked. The term "hang time" was pioneered by this great as he would often out kick his coverage.

Claude Humphrey - This five time first team all pro defensive lineman is the first "true" Atlanta Falcon to be enshrined in Canton. In 14 seasons the 6'4" behemoth amassed a total of 126.5 career sacks. Moving to the Philadelphia Eagles his final two seasons, he helped them reach Super Bowl XV in 1980 totaling 14.5 sacks. Humphrey was born in Memphis and attended Tennessee State University.

Derrick Brooks - Drafted by Tampa Bay in 1995, the Florida State Stud played 14 seasons in the NFL, voted to the pro bowl in 11 of those years. Considered a revolutionary of the outside linebacker position, he is tied for most career interceptions returned for touchdowns with fellow HOF'er Bobby Bell with 6 apiece. The Buc's were anchored by Brooks along with fellow great Warren Saap and safety John Lynch to become one of the stingiest defense's of the late 1990's and early 2000's. Brooks is presently co-owner and president with the Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League.

Walter Jones - The former offensive tackle of the Seattle Seahawks was a quarterbacks dream lineman. In all 180 games in his 12 year career, all of which he started, he gave up a total of only 23 sacks. The Former 7 time all pro out of Florida state was voted to the NFL 2000's All Decade Team. He is just the third member of Seattle to have his number (71) retired, joining (80) Steve Largent and (96) Cortez Kennedy on that distinguished list. April 30th is considered "Walter Jones Day" in the state of Washington.

Andre Reed - Drafted in the 4th round in 1985 out of Kutztown University, Reed played 15 seasons in the league.
This 7 time pro bowler prided himself on his durability, competing in 234 games between 1985 and 2000. He ranks 10th all time with 951 career receptions, totaling 13,198 yards and 87 touchdowns. He was a major part of A Buffalo Bills team that went to 4 consecutive Super Bowls and is a member of the Bills 50th Season All Time Team.

Michael Strahan - At 6'5" and weighing 255 lbs., this "Giant" defensive end out of Texas Southern spent all of his 15 professional seasons in New York (New Jersey, actually) totaling 141.5 career sacks, placing him 5th all time in that category. He reached double digit put downs in 6 of those campaigns. This menace set the single season sack record with 22.5 in 2001 while gaining honors as the Associated Press Defensive Player of The Year. Strahan has appeared in 7 pro bowls and is a 4 time all pro. He has appeared in 2 Super Bowls, winning it in his final season in 2007.

More WBOB Sports

Comments