All eyes are on the clock as the Super Bowl approaches, but there are other events this weekend as well. Some are even NFL-related, as the NFL announced on Saturday that Jerry Rice, Rickey Jackson, and Emmitt Smith, among others, will be inducted as members of the 2010 NFL Hall of Fame class.
The full list of 2010 NFL Hall of Fame inductees includes Jerry Rice, the NFL's career receiving and touchdowns leader, and Emmitt Smith, the league's all time top rusher, as well John Randle, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Floyd Little and Dick LeBeau. Little and LeBeau were elected as senior committee nominees.
Jerry Rice, one would hope, needs no introduction. The WR is considered the best of all time, and spent most of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, where he won 3 Super Bowls and once, the Super Bowl MVP. He had 1,549 catches for 22,895 yards, had 14 1,000-yard seasons and scored 208 touchdowns.
Emmitt Smith played most of his career for the Dallas Cowboys. He rushed for 18,355 yards and 164 touchdowns for Dallas and Arizona. Like Rice, he won 3 Super Bowls and was Super Bowl MVP once. He was also league MVP in 1993.
Rickey Jackson was a LB who spent most of his career in New Orleans. Ironically, he was named the day before the Saints make their first appearance in a Super Bowl. Unfortunately, he was introduced as Randy. He finished his 15-season career for New Orleans and San Francisco with 128 sacks, and was a six-time Pro Bowler.
Russ Grimm was a guard, and a member of the Washington Redskins' famed Hogs offensive line. He won three Super Bowl, and made four Pro Bowls. He was also selected to the all-decade team of the 1980s.
John Randle was a defensive tackle who played for Minnesota and Seattle. He had 137 1/2 career, tied for sixth overall and most for his position. In fact, a pass rushing DT is a rarity. He led the league with 15 1/2 sacks in 1997, and played in seven Pro Bowls.
The two Senior Committee members did not receive enough votes while eligible under normal consideration. The Senior Committee is similar to the Veteran's Committee in Baseball, considering players who have not been elected during normal eligibility.
Dick LeBeau was elected for his work as a CB for the Detroit Lions from 1959 - 1972. He is the current defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers. LeBeau finished his career with 62 interceptions, second among cornerbacks when he retired.
Floyd Little was a RB for the Denver Broncos. He led the NFL in rushing in 1971 with 1,133 yards and in touchdowns rushing in 1973 with 12.
Written by Michael Santo
HULIQ.com
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