How old was Ted Washington last year with the Pats? He held up well. so did John Randle. My point is that Sapp really only had 3-4 noteworthy years, it would be unfair to not exclude others who've managed to keep their play up to par for much longer. Plus at 30-31-32, he completely fell off, to the point were no one really wants him anymore.
I never meant to exclude others. Didn't really think about whether or not Ted Washington deserves to make it. Now that I think about, Sapp isn't a HOFer at this point. You and Ripper were right he didn't have enough peak seasons, and his dropoff is pretty dramatic.
Take into the account the position he plays. DTs don't dominate for has long as QB, or DE does. Their careers are also more likely to be shorter than others, and peak years shorter has well.
It isn't the Hall of Stats, it's the Hall of Fame.
That's the problem i see Andre Reed, Irving Fryar, Thurman Thomas, Curtis Martin, and Jerome Bettis having. The stats are there, but nothing really stands out wit any of these guys.
Dusty Baker
Really. Robinson, Owens, and Louis. Robinson and Owens going into hostile and dangerous environments, and winning alot of crowd over by their performance. Like mentioned earlier, Louis had the support of the Nation against Schmeling.
Been done, but it's good conversation.
Whose a lock if they retire today, who's borderline, who still needs a few more years? What retired players will make it, but just aren't eligible yet?
Well almost every closer was a failed starter at some level. I do agree that Dempster should be given a chance at the job, since Hawkins one of the best RH setup men in baseball.