For those of you that still think Football is played with a stupid white and black ball and not a beautiful brown, leather ball with laces, the real football season is ramping up with training camps opening up this week (or over the past weekend for Bengals and Cowboy’s fans). Don’t get me started on Soccer. That’s right, it’s called Soccer. Not Football.
For most of the male nation out there, this is the time of year that really matters.
We are now less than two weeks away from the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony and the Hall of Fame Game on 08/07/10 (Dallas vs. Cincinnati). Why they didn’t pit San Francisco vs. Dallas is beyond me. Considering that Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith are going in this year. That would have been a nice tribute to the rivalry.
A look at the class of 2010:
2010 Electees At A Glance
RUSS GRIMM
Guard; 6-3, 273
Career: 1981-1991 Redskins. 11 seasons, 140 games
Of note: Originally pegged to play center, he moved to left guard, where he earned a starting role as a rookie. … Became a steadying force on Redskins’ offensive line that earned nickname “Hogs” … Appeared in five NFC championship games and four Super Bowls. … Selected to four straight Pro Bowls (1983-86) … Elected to NFL’s 1980s all-decade team.
RICKEY JACKSON Linebacker; 6-2, 243
Career: 1981-1993 Saints, 1994-95 49ers. 15 seasons, 227 games
Of note: One of key players that fueled New Orleans transition from perennial losers into contenders in late 1980s. … Made immediate impact as rookie when he led team with franchise rookie record eight sacks and was leading tackler. … Earned Jackson first of six trips to Pro Bowl. … First-team All-Pro 1986, ’87, ’92, ’93.
DICK LeBEAU
Cornerback; 6-1, 185
Career: 1959-1972 Detroit Lions. 14 seasons, 185 games
Of note: Senior nominee. Started 171 consecutive games, an NFL record for his position. … In 1960, began to make mark by intercepting four passes, starting string of 12 straight seasons with three or more interceptions. … In 1965, intercepted five passes and was voted to first of three consecutive Pro Bowls. … Finest season came in 1970 when he recorded NFC-leading nine interceptions for 96 yards. … In all, recorded 62 pickoffs for 762 yards.
FLOYD LITTLE
Running back; 5-10, 196
Career: 1967-1975 Broncos. 9 seasons, 117 games
Of note: Senior nominee. Selected by Denver in first round (sixth player overall) of 1967 AFL-NFL Draft. … Won 1971 NFL rushing title that year with 1,133 yards on 284 carries and 6 TDs. … Amassed more than 12,000 all-purpose yards and 54 TDs. … Gained 6,323 yards on 1,641 career carries, scored 43 TDs. … Added 215 receptions for 2,418 yards, 9 TDs.
JOHN RANDLE
Defensive tackle; 6-1, 278
Career: 1990-2000 Vikings, 2001-03 Seahawks. 14 seasons, 219 games
Of note: Recorded 137½ sacks during career. … Had eight consecutive seasons (1992-99) with 10-plus sacks and a ninth in 2001. … In 1997 had career best and league leading 15½ sacks, and career high 71 tackles (39 solo). … Named first-team All-Pro/All-NFC six consecutive years (1993-98) and once All-AFC with Seahawks (2001). … Selected to play in seven Pro Bowls (1994-99, 2002).
JERRY RICE
Wide receiver; 6-2, 200
Career: 1985-2000 49ers, 2001-04 Raiders, 2004 Seahawks. 20 seasons, 303 games.
Of note: Averaged 18.9 yards per catch on 49 receptions for 927 yards and 3 TDs as rookie. … In 1986 caught 86 passes for a league-leading 1,570 yards and led the NFL in touchdown catches with 15. … In 1987 set the NFL record for TD receptions in season with 22. … Earned three Super Bowl rings with 49ers and was named MVP in Super Bowl XXIII. … Named first-team All-Pro 11 consecutive seasons and voted to 13 Pro Bowls. … A member of NFL’s All-Decade Teams of 1980s and 1990s and NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team.
EMMITT SMITH
Running back; 5-9, 207
Career: 1990-2002 Cowboys, 2003-04 Cardinals. … 15 seasons, 226 games.
Of note: Rushed for 937 yards, 11 TDs to earn Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. … Second season rushed for league-leading 1,563 yards. … Won rushing crowns in 1991, ’92, ’93, ’95. … In 1995, recorded career highs for rushing yards (1,773), rushing TDs (25), and receptions (62). … Major contributor to Cowboys Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII, XXX victories. … Named first-team All-Pro 1992-95. … Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s.
— Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame
