Hall of Fame Class of 2012

[Leader In Sports]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

I'm kinda torn on the longevity argument. What's the average career, 2-3 years? Just because a guy doesn't play 10+ years shouldn't hold him back from consideration. If a guy's career falls short due to injury, but during his time in the league he was one of the top players, I think voters should give guys like that a closer look.

Sterling Sharpe was a hell of a WR, had he played another 3-4 seasons he would probably be a lock. Davis would also be a lock if he had played a few more seasons. I just think it's a shame some of these guys get discounted because their careers were cut short due to career ending injuries.

I agree to a point. We are projecting what they COULD have done had they played a full career. There are lots of guys who are close to being in the Hall of Fame if they had just played for a different team, a different system, had a teammate who could have relieved pressure from them etc, etc.

In the end you have to look at what the career actually was. Remember, there are more HOF quality players than there are slots. I was really disappointed not to see Maxie Baughan as a senior nominee this year. He is another 9 Time Pro Bowl linebacker who should be a lock. You see guys like that, it takes away from the guys that had short careers.