The 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class is probably the best of this decade, top to bottom.
I took a look at the Hall of Fame classes (just the players not the contributors) since 2010 and put a number value on each player as far as where they would rank all-time.
Robert Brazile is a Top 15-20 linebacker all-time.
John McClain on Twitter
Robert Brazile arrives at his hotel in Canton with his parents, Robert Sr. and Ola Mae
Safety Brian Dawkins is Top 5-10 all-time at his position and probably the NFLs best safety in the past 25 years.
The Shadow League on Twitter
Brian Dawkins “was battling for his life with opponents named anger, alcohol, and depression, and it was a battle he almost lost.” https://t.co/9O6WgpWQbE
Jerry Kramer is a Top 10-15 offensive lineman at the guard position, maybe higher.
Chris Barriere on Twitter
Packers HCMM compared Jerry Kramer to Art Rooney (Steelers founding owner) says both guys have a similar presence. “That’s conversation you never forget.” #HOFWKND #HOF #NFL
Middle linebacker Ray Lewis and wide receiver Randy Moss are GOAT candidates at their respective positions, so that elevates the class to next levels.
Daniel Marica on Twitter
RayLewis #GOAT #52 https://t.co/qn88DVe80p
Scott Michael Hansen JR on Twitter
Growing up in a small town in #Wisconsin ppl gave me hell when I put on that 84 jersey. They even told me he had no chance of getting to the #HOF @RandyMoss is the #GOAT and I’m thankful for the show he gave us. Respect, and love for you big homie.
Brian Urlacher may not be a GOAT candidate, but hes definitely a Top 5-8 player at his position, one of the NFL’s most popular players while carrying on the tradition of elite Chicago Bears linebackers.
Bears Linebackers
Bears Linebackers
Terrell Owens is a Top 3-5 all-time wide receiver and a possible GOAT on a lot of lists.
ig: josinaanderson on Twitter
Our panel discussion on HOF inductee Terrell Owens who was appointment television with his show on and off the field. https://t.co/eKa2AqkYIh
The same personality flaws that kept T.O. out of the Hall of Fame longer than he should have been have resurfaced with his decision not to attend the HOF induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio. Despite his feelings towards a biased voting process, his anger about being “misunderstood” because of his TD celebrations, his confrontation with Donovan McNabb and his reputation as a locker room disrupter, T.O. should be attending the induction and taking his proper place among the greats.
Hes making it about himself again, instead of understanding that he’s now a cherished and respected part of a long, rich pro football history. He’s made it. No need to buck the system anymore.
Heres a breakdown of the NFL HOF classes since 2010 and how they compare to this crops star power.
Class 2010
The 2010 class that featured Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Dick LeBeau, Floyd Little, John Randle, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith has an abundance of Top 20 all-time talent at their respective positions, but the presence of Rice and Smith makes this class super special.
Both players could easily be ranked No. 1 at their position all-time and Rice is the NFLs all-time leader in most major statistical categories for wide receivers, including receptions, touchdown receptions, and receiving yards. Smith is the NFLs all-time leading rusher.
Class 2011
The 2011 class boasted Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, considered the greatest cover corner in history, a Top 10 tight end in Shannon Sharpe and a Top 5-10 running back in revolutionary dual-threat Marshall Faulk.
ESPNDallas on Twitter
Hall of Fame RB Marshall Faulk guides Ezekiel Elliott through NFL career https://t.co/M7SBn5bCso #Cowboys
Class 2012
The 2012 Class has a Top 5 center in Dermontti Dawson and some Top 10-20 all-time players at their respective positions in running back Curtis Martin and ill ’90s defensive beasts Cortez Kennedy and Chris Doleman.
Class 2013
The 2013 HOF Class has one potential GOAT in tackle Jonathan Ogden and a couple potential Top 5-10 ranked players like Cris Carter, guard Larry Allen and Warren Sapp.
Class 2014
The 2014 Hall of Fame Class featured some great Top 10-20 all-time talent; linebacker Derrick Brooks, wide receiver Andre Reed – Jim Kellys main receiving target who played in four Super Bowls. Then there’s NFL single-season sack record holder Michael Strahan and safety Aeneas Williams — who may even be ranked Top 5 on some lists and Walter Jones, definitely a Top 5 tackle all-time and possibly Top 3.
The 2015 HOF class is solid with Top 10-15 all-time talent. Jerome The Bus Bettis is a Steelers legend and one of the last great fullbacks. Wide receiver Tim Brown, DL/LB Charles Haley is a perennial winner and a pass rushing monster. Junior Seau is one of the best linebackers to ever grace the gridiron and guard Will Shields is the truth.
Class 2016 (Special Class)
The 2016 HOF group hits hard despite not having any bonafide GOAT candidates. Mythical players who were at the forefront of the NFLs rise to popularity define this unique class. I wouldnt consider Brett Favre a Top 5 all-time NFL QB, but definitely Top 10. However, there are an abundance of fans that would call him the GOAT. He was legendary and he had a captivating affect on people. He was a wild cowboy who took risks, led his team to Super Bowl glory and played with an old-school reckless abandon in Green Bay that personified football in the ’90s.
Minnesota Vikings on Twitter
@BrettFavre’s 500th career TD pass was caught by @RandyMoss. “Randy told me leaving the huddle to throw it up no matter what. For years I saw it time after time, so it was an honor to do it myself.” https://t.co/Wp7o52MCTB
Kevin Greene probably wont rank in anyones Top 5 all-time linebackers, but you have to put him in the Top 5 as far as all-time pass rushers go. He recorded 160 career sacks over 15 seasons, more than any linebacker in NFL history since the sack became an official stat in 1982. Hes also third on the all-time sacks list behind only Bruce Smith and the late Reggie White.
Marvin Harrison rode Peyton Mannings arm right into the HOF. He was the No. 1 target for a quarterback who is statistically the best to ever do it. His skills are legendary and he was right in the middle of some of the NFLs greatest moments.
Orlando Pace‘s legendary status was as colossal as his 6-foot-7, 324-pound frame. The five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection earned a championship ring protecting Kurt Warner with the Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV. He became the prototype for NFL tackles and was a giant among men on the field.
Ken “The Snake” Stabler, the legendary lefty, first played for Bear Bryant at Alabama and then he joined the Raiders and fit right in with the teams swagger and grit. He was Mr. Clutch, with an ability to scramble and was allowed to use his unique improvisational skills to play the game with a different flavor than other QBs. He took the Raiders to five consecutive AFC title games while helping Al Davis set the foundation for the Raider Nation explosion.
Last years class had one GOAT candidate in kicker Morten Andersen, one of the rare players to be named to two NFL All-Decade Teams (1980’s and 1990’s). No one has kicked field goals better and for a longer period than him. Terrell Davis made John Elways career. Kenny Easley hit harder than Mike Tyson, was built like a linebacker and contributed to the evolution of the safety in the NFL. Jason Taylor was a dope pass rusher. Workhorse LaDainian Tomlinson revolutionized the game and was one of the NFL’s all-time dual threats.
Travis on Twitter
@NFLfantasy @RandyMoss @Patriots @LT_21 + @Chargers + 2006 = Most legendary season in fantasy history. 1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego-2006: LT led the entire NFL with 1,815 rushing yds, added 508 yds as a receiver out of the backfield, scored a record 31 total TDs & finished w/ an incredible 419 fantasy pts.
Kurt Warner led the Greatest Show on Turf, arguably the greatest compilation of offensive talent ever. He overcame odds and made it from the Arena League to NFL legend. His story is one of the NFLs most inspirational.
There have been some dynamite and heavy-hitting NFL HOF classes over the past decade, but this years class has the chance to be epic. The best of the decade.
