theoneandonly
Quality Starter
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Cliff Harris, safety
Team: Dallas Cowboys (1970-1979)
His case: Went undrafted in 1970 out of Ouachita Baptist (Ark.). Nicknamed “Captain Crash” for his propensity to deliver big hits. Became a three-time first-team All-Pro and one-time second-team All-Pro selection. Made six Pro Bowls and was a member of the Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII champions. Played in five Super Bowls. First-team member of the NFL’s 1970’s All-Decade Team. Recorded 29 interceptions and 18 forced fumbles during his career and made a number of big plays in the playoffs, getting six interceptions and four forced fumbles in 21 postseason games.
Why he didn’t make it: Was a finalist only once, in his last year of eligibility, and some of that likely had something to do with his position, as safeties have historically been underrated by the committee.
Gosselin’s take: “Along with Drew Pearson, he’s the only player from the first-team All-70s not to be in.”
Drew Pearson, wide receiver
Team: Dallas Cowboys (1973-1983)
His case: Three-time first-team All-Pro and one time second-team All-Pro selection who made three Pro Bowls and was a member of the Super Bowl XII champions. Member of the NFL’s 1970’s All-Decade Team. Led the NFL in receiving yards in 1977 and finished with more receiving yards (7,822) than a handful of other Hall of Famers of his era, including Bob Hayes (7,414) of the Cowboys, Lynn Swann (5,462) of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Also had more receptions (489) than Hall of Famer Paul Warfield (427) of the Miami Dolphins. His receiving touchdowns (48) are comparable with Swann’s (51). First Cowboy receiver to wear number 88 and make it special, a tradition that was built upon by Michael Irvin and Dez Bryant.
Why he didn’t make it: Has never been discussed as a finalist, even though he was first-team All-Decade in the 70s ahead of Swann, a 2001 inductee. While he had more receptions than Warfield, the other All-Decade first-team receiver in the 70s, Warfield scored 37 more receiving touchdowns in his career.
Gosselin’s take: “How did Drew Pearson slip through the cracks and never get discussed as a finalist, when the two second-team All-Decade receivers are in?”
Drew Pearson, Ken Anderson in running for Hall induction
Team: Dallas Cowboys (1970-1979)
His case: Went undrafted in 1970 out of Ouachita Baptist (Ark.). Nicknamed “Captain Crash” for his propensity to deliver big hits. Became a three-time first-team All-Pro and one-time second-team All-Pro selection. Made six Pro Bowls and was a member of the Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII champions. Played in five Super Bowls. First-team member of the NFL’s 1970’s All-Decade Team. Recorded 29 interceptions and 18 forced fumbles during his career and made a number of big plays in the playoffs, getting six interceptions and four forced fumbles in 21 postseason games.
Why he didn’t make it: Was a finalist only once, in his last year of eligibility, and some of that likely had something to do with his position, as safeties have historically been underrated by the committee.
Gosselin’s take: “Along with Drew Pearson, he’s the only player from the first-team All-70s not to be in.”
Drew Pearson, wide receiver
Team: Dallas Cowboys (1973-1983)
His case: Three-time first-team All-Pro and one time second-team All-Pro selection who made three Pro Bowls and was a member of the Super Bowl XII champions. Member of the NFL’s 1970’s All-Decade Team. Led the NFL in receiving yards in 1977 and finished with more receiving yards (7,822) than a handful of other Hall of Famers of his era, including Bob Hayes (7,414) of the Cowboys, Lynn Swann (5,462) of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Also had more receptions (489) than Hall of Famer Paul Warfield (427) of the Miami Dolphins. His receiving touchdowns (48) are comparable with Swann’s (51). First Cowboy receiver to wear number 88 and make it special, a tradition that was built upon by Michael Irvin and Dez Bryant.
Why he didn’t make it: Has never been discussed as a finalist, even though he was first-team All-Decade in the 70s ahead of Swann, a 2001 inductee. While he had more receptions than Warfield, the other All-Decade first-team receiver in the 70s, Warfield scored 37 more receiving touchdowns in his career.
Gosselin’s take: “How did Drew Pearson slip through the cracks and never get discussed as a finalist, when the two second-team All-Decade receivers are in?”
Drew Pearson, Ken Anderson in running for Hall induction
