GIF's Top Ten Best Tight Ends Not In The Hall Of Fame

Discussion in 'NFL General Discussion' started by BigBlueBruiser, Jul 11, 2010.

  1. Let's compile a list, in your opinion, of the top ten greatest tight ends who has yet to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame that are eligible (retired at least five years).

    The format for each post should contain the following:

    Player Pic
    Name
    Team(s)
    Seasons of Service
    Notable Achievements/Accolades
    Biography (optional)

    After the list is complied, we will have a healthy debate if you disagree with anyone on the list. If you want, you can make an honorable mention iyo who should be on this list.


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    Shannon Sharpe
    Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens
    1990-2003
    8x Pro Bowl Selection (1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998,2001)
    4x Associated Press First Team All-Pro Selection (1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
    1× Associated Press Second Team All-Pro selection (1995)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team Team All-Conference (1993)
    UPI First Team Team All-Conference (1993)
    Pro Football Writers First Team All-NFL (1993)
    Sporting News First Team All-NFL (1993)
    UPI Second Team All-Conference (1994)
    UPI Second Team All-Conference (1995)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-Conference (1996)
    UPI First Team All-Conference (1996)
    Pro Football Writers First Team All-NFL (1996)
    Sporting News First Team All-NFL (1996)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-Conference (1997)
    Pro Football Writers First Team All-NFL (1997)
    Sporting News First Team All-NFL (1997)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-Conference (1998)
    Pro Football Writers First Team All-NFL (1998)
    Sporting News First Team All-NFL (1998)
    3x Super Bowl Champion (XXXII, XXXIII, XXXV)
    NFL 1990's All-Decade Team
    Denver Broncos Ring of Fame (2009)
    Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary Team (2009)
    815 Receptions
    10,060 Receiving Yards
    62 Receiving Touchdowns
    12.3 Yards Per Catch
    First Tight End in NFL History to record over 10,000 career receiving yards
    NFL All-Time leading Receiving Yards leader among Tight Ends at the time of his retirement (Since broken by Tony Gonzalez in 2008)
    NFL All-Time leading Receptions leader among Tight Ends at the time of his retirement (Since broken by Tony Gonzalez in 2007)
    NFL All-Time leading Touchdown Receptions leader among Tight Ends at the time of his retirement (Since broken by Tony Gonzalez in 2007)
    NFL All-Time leader in 1,000 yard seasons among Tight Ends at the time of his retirement (Since broken by Tony Gonzalez in 2008)
    675 Receptions ranks second all-time in Denver Broncos history
    8,439 Receiving Yards ranks second all-time in Denver Broncos history
    55 Touchdown Receptions ranks second all-time in Denver Broncos history
    19 Career 100 yard games
    1 Career 200 yard games
     
  2. 86WARD

    86WARD -

    [​IMG]

    Todd Christensen
    Dallas Cowboys (1978)*
    New York Giants (1979)
    Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1979-1988)
    *Offseason and/or practice squad member only

    Career stats
    Receptions 461
    Yards 5,872
    TDs 41

    Career highlights and awards
    5x Pro Bowl selection (1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987)
    2x Super Bowl champion (XV, XVIII)


    After three seasons of unspectacular statistics (including the Raiders' Super Bowl winning campaign in 1980), Christensen broke out in 1982, catching 42 balls for 510 yards and 4 TD's in the strike-shortened season, helping the Raiders to the best record in the NFL. The next year, Christensen caught 92 passes for a career high 1,247 yards and 12 touchdowns and earned the first of his five trips to the Pro Bowl for his efforts. His total catches led the NFL, making him the second tight end to ever do this (Kellen Winslow was the other). He ended the year with a career-high, league-leading 95 receptions for 1,153 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also became the first tight end in history to catch 90 passes in two seasons.
     
  3. TJ

    TJ Dez Caught It

    Going homer for this one...

    Jay Novacek

    [​IMG]

    Year(s) 1985–1996
    NFL Draft 1985 / Round: 6 / Pick: 158
    College Wyoming

    * St. Louis / Phoenix Cardinals (1985-1989)
    * Dallas Cowboys (1990-1996)

    Receptions 422
    Receiving yards 4,630
    Touchdowns 30

    * 5× Pro Bowl selection (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995)
    * 5× All-Pro selection (1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995)

    Novacek was drafted in the sixth round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. After spending five seasons with the Cardinals, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a Plan B free agent. Novacek was a key contributor for Dallas in the early 1990s, assisting them to three Super Bowl wins in four seasons. In those games, he recorded a combined total of 17 receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Novacek, who hadn't played a game since Super Bowl XXX in 1996, officially retired from the NFL on July 15, 1997 due to a lingering back injury. In his 11 seasons, Novacek recorded 422 receptions for 4,630 yards and 30 touchdowns.
     
  4. 86WARD

    86WARD -

    Definitely thought about Novacek and one other for nomination...both are (would be) good nominations!
     
  5. TheDuke

    TheDuke Breast Man

    It pains me...but he was an Eagle too so it's not SO bad. But here's my pick...should get in this year though..or next..

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    Mark Bavaro
    New York Giants: 1985-1990
    Cleveland Browns: 1992
    Philadelphia Eagles: 1993-1994

    Receptions - 351
    Receiving Yards - 4,733
    Touchdowns - 39
    Avg - 13.9 YPC

    2x Pro Bowl Selection (1986, 1987)
    2x Super Bowl Champion (XXI, XXV)
    1x All-Pro

    Drafted out of Notre Dame in 1985 as pick 100, Bavaro was known for being a tough son of a snitch. "He plays with pain better than any player I've seen in my 37 years of coaching" former golden dome head coach Gerry Faust said. In the NFL he was known for being a rough and tumble type player making opposing defensive players fearing catching Bavaro over the middle on a short route. One of his most notable moments happened on Monday Night Football one night in 1986. "On Dec. 1 1986, New York Giants tight end Mark Bavaro cements his reputation as one of the toughest men in the NFL. With the Giants trailing, Bavaro catches an innocent pass from Phil Simms over the middle. It takes nearly seven 49ers defenders to finally drag him down, some of which are carried for almost 20 yards, including future Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. Bavaro's inspiring play jump starts the Giants, who win the game and eventually the Super Bowl." This reputation as a tough player was further cemented later in the season when he played for six weeks with a broken jaw that forced him to sip food through a straw. He continued to establish his reputation as an excellent blocker during the season, and was described as "the premier tight end" in the league by 49ers' coach Bill Walsh before the team's playoff match up."

    Mark Bavaro - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
     
  6. Rambo didn't make it again this year but he should eventually get the call to the hall. Bavaro was the most complete Tight End in the league during his time with Big Blue. He was an outstanding blocker as well as a great pass receiver. One of the toughest ever to play the position. The biggest knock on Bavaro was that his success in the league was brief because of nagging knee injuries but his numbers are good enough to eventually get his own bust in Canton.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 11, 2010
  7. 86WARD

    86WARD -

    I can't believe The Duke nominated Bavaro over one of his own...:wink:
     
  8. I was going to use my second nomination on Bavaro if he and that "other guy" was already nominated. Trying to avoid being a homer in these threads....unless he is absolutely worthy of enshrinement.
     
  9. TheDuke

    TheDuke Breast Man

    Can I nominate more than 1? I've always just had a soft spot for Bavaro. I grew up in jersey and used to go to the Giants training camp in the summer and I always remember Bavaro taking the time to talk to anyone who took the time to wait for him. I remember waiting with my godmother in the parking lot and Mark Bavaro coming out and talking to us for like 20 minutes about stuff. I don't remember exactly because I was like 7..but whatev's.
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2010
  10. Sure...go ahead.

    But no more than two though.

    No worries....just busting your balls. Bavaro was a fine choice. :icon_cool:
     
  11. DawkinsINT

    DawkinsINT Tebow free since 9/5/2015.

    Keith Krepfle....ftw!!!
     
  12. TheDuke

    TheDuke Breast Man

    I was trying to avoid going the homer route. Bavaro was an Eagle once. But ok...

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    Pete Retzlaff

    Drafted: 1953 by the Detroit Lions (pick 265)
    Didn't play for the Lions. Enlisted in the army
    Made his debut in 1956 for the Philadelphia Eagles

    Philadelphia Eagles: 1956 - 1966

    Receptions: 452
    Receiving Yards: 7, 412
    Touchdowns: 47

    5x Pro Bowl Selection: 1958, 1960, 1963, 1964, 1965
    # 44 retired by the Philadelphia Eagles
    1965 Bert Bell award winner

    Retzlaff caught 50 or more passes five times in his career, including a league-leading 58 in 1958.
    He moved to tight end permanently in 1963, and in his first three years at the position, he caught 57, 51 and 66 passes, respectively. In 1965, he earned First-Team All-Pro honors while catching a career-high 66 passes for 1,190 yards (18.0 ypc) and 10 touchdowns.
     
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    Keith Jackson
    Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers
    1988-1996
    6× Pro Bowl Selection (1988,1989,1990,1992,1993,1996)
    3× First Team All-Pro Selection (1988,1989,1990)
    2x Second Team All-Pro Selection (1992,1996)
    Super Bowl XXXI Champion (Green Bay vs. New England)
    1988 NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year
    College Football Hall of Fame (2001)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-Conference (1988)
    UPI First Team All-Conference (1988)
    Pro Football Writers First Team All-NFL (1988)
    Newspaper Ent. Assoc. Second Team All-NFL (1988)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-NFL (1988)
    Sporting News First Team All-NFL (1988)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-Conference (1989)
    UPI First Team All-Conference (1989)
    Pro Football Writers First Team All-NFL (1989)
    Sporting News First Team All-NFL (1989)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-Conference (1990)
    UPI First Team All-Conference (1990)
    Pro Football Writers First Team All-NFL (1990)
    Newspaper Ent. Assoc. First Team All-NFL (1990)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-NFL (1990)
    Sporting News First Team All-NFL (1990)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-Conference (1992)
    UPI First Team All-Conference (1992)
    UPI Second Team All-Conference (1996)
    441 Receptions
    5,283 Receiving Yards
    49 Receiving Touchdowns
    12 Yards Per Catch
    Set Philadelphia Eagles record for most Receiving Yards in a rookie season (869) - Since broken by DeSean Jackson in 2008.
    Led Eagles in receptions as a rookie in 1988 (81)
    Made NFC Pro Bowl Squad as a rookie (1988)
    Caught career high 10 touchdowns in 1996 (Green Bay Packers)
    Caught single game high 3 touchdowns in 1996 (Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 1st, 1996)
    6 career 100 yard games
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 12, 2010
  14. MadMoxxiFavGun

    MadMoxxiFavGun Going Crazy

  15. Could you at least post it in the proper format....
     
  16. [​IMG]


    Riley Odoms
    Denver Broncos
    1972-1983
    4× Pro Bowl Selection (1973,1974,1975,1978)
    2
    × AP First Team All-Pro (1974,1975)
    2
    × AP Second Team All-Pro (1973,1977)
    3
    × AP First Team All-AFC (1973,1974,1975)
    Super Bowl XII Appearance (Dallas 27- Denver 10)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-Conference (1973)
    Sporting News First Team All-Conference (1973)
    UPI First Team All-Conference (1973)
    Pro Football Writers Second Team All-NFL (1973)
    Newspaper Ent. Assoc. First Team All-NFL (1973)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-Conference (1974)
    Sporting News First Team All-Conference (1974)
    UPI First Team All-Conference (1974)
    Pro Football Writers First Team All-NFL (1974)
    Newspaper Ent. Assoc. First Team All-NFL (1974)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-NFL (1974)
    Sporting News First Team All-Conference (1975)
    UPI Second Team All-Conference (1975)
    Newspaper Ent. Assoc. Second Team All-NFL (1975)
    UPI Second Team All-Conference (1976)
    UPI Second Team All-Conference (1977)
    396 Receptions
    5,755 Receiving Yards
    47 Receiving Touchdowns
    14.5 Yards Per Catch
    25 Carries
    211 Rushing Yards
    2 Rushing Touchdowns
    8.4 Yards Per Carry
    4 Fumble Recoveries
    1 Fumble Recovery Touchdown
    50 Total Touchdowns
    Ranks sixth all-time in Denver Broncos history in career Receptions (396)
    Ranks sixth all-time in Denver Broncos history in career Receiving Yards (5,755)
    Ranks fifth all-time in Denver Broncos history in career Receiving Touchdowns (47)
    Second highest tight end ever drafted in the NFL Draft (5th overall selection in 1972)
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 13, 2010
  17. 86WARD

    86WARD -

    fixed. :wink:

    I love the Keith Jackson Nomination!!!
     
  18. [​IMG]

    Steve Jordan
    Minnesota Vikings
    1982-1994
    6x Pro Bowl selection (1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991)
    Minnesota Vikings 40th Anniversary Team
    UPI Second Team All-Conference (1986)
    UPI Second Team All-Conference (1987)
    UPI Second Team All-Conference (1989)
    Newspaper Ent. Assoc. Second Team All-NFL (1990)
    498 Receptions
    6,307 Receiving Yards
    28 Receiving Touchdowns
    12.7 Yards Per Catch
    1 Carry
    4 Rushing Yards
    1 Rushing Touchdown
    4 Yards Per Carry
    Ranks third all-time in Minnesota Vikings history in career Receptions (498: No. 1 Cris Carter, No.2 Randy Moss)
    Ranks sixth all-time in Minnesota Vikings history in career Receiving Yards (6,307)
    Ranks seventh all-time in
    Minnesota Vikings history in career Receiving Touchdowns (28)
    Ranks first all-time in Minnesota Vikings history in career Receptions among tight ends
    Ranks first all-time in Minnesota Vikings history in career Receiving Yards among tight ends
    Ranks first all-time in Minnesota Vikings history in career Receiving Touchdowns among tight ends
    Ranks third all time in Minnesota Vikings history in career games played (176)
    3 Career 100 Yard Games



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    Bump....

    Need one more nomination to complete the greatest tight ends not in the HOF list....

    Shannon Sharpe
    Todd Christensen
    Jay Novacek
    Mark Bavaro
    Pete Retzlaff
    Keith Jackson
    Brent Jones
    Riley Odoms
    Steve Jordan
     
  19. 3rdStoneFromTheSun

    3rdStoneFromTheSun Truth Hurts Like Freedom

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    Jerry Smith
    6'3" 208
    Tight End
    Washington Redskins
    1965- 1977
    13 Seasons
    168 Games Played
    421 Receptions
    5,496 Yards Receiving
    60 Touchdowns
    2 Pro Bowls



    Gerald "Jerry" Smith was a ninth round draft choice of the Redskins in 1965. He was the 118th player picked overall. The AFL's Kansas City Chiefs also drafted him in the 18th round, 141st overall in the AFL draft that year. Jerry went to Arizona State for college. He didn't play varsity football until his junior year. That year he caught nine passes for two touchdowns. He came into his own in his senior year, when he snagged 42 catches for 618 yards and five touchdowns. He is a member of the ASU All Time roster, as is Redskin Hall of Fame WR Charley Taylor.

    Jerry wasn't used much by the head coach, Otto Graham, in his rookie year. He caught 19 passes for two touchdowns that year. Charley Taylor, then a half back, was the primary weapon (Taylor was an All Pro from '64 - '67 who was in the NFL Top 10 in rushing TD's and receptions until an injury forced him to WR. Taylor is among the league's all time top 50 in receptions, receiving yards, yards from scrimmage, and rushing and receiving touchdowns).

    Jerry was a back up WR initially, but with two Hall of Famers (Taylor and Bobby Mitchell) as the primary targets of the newly acquired Hall of Fame QB Sonny Jurgensen, Graham decided to move Smith to tight end.

    Jerry was used much like you now have seen Sterling Sharpe or Antonio Gates used. This was a trend setting move that allowed Smith to explode onto the NFL scene. In his second season, Smith caught 54 balls for 686 yards and six TD's.

    In his third season, Smith had his best season as a pro. He caught 67 passes for 849 yards and 12 TD's. Smith then caught 45, 54, and 43 passes the next three years to go with 24 TD's. Smith was hurt early in 1971 and only managed 16 catches with one TD. He was never quite the same again.

    In the Redskins Super Bowl year of '72, Smith did catch seven TD's on only 21 receptions. The following year he did not get into the end zone on 19 catches. Finally showing signs of health in 1974, Smith caught 44 passes for 554 yards with three TD's from Billy Kilmer (who never threw to the TE much). The next year Smith caught 31 balls for 391 yards and three TD's.

    Injuries besieged Smiths final two years, and with newly acquired Jean Fugett now starting, Smith managed eight catches for two TD's. Smith retired with a then NFL record 60 touch down catches for tight ends. He finished second All Time behind Mike Ditka for receptions and yards receiving.

    To this day, he ranks tops in Washington Redskin history for tight ends in catches, yards receiving and touchdowns. He is also tied with three others with 12 TD's caught in a season, and tied with 10 others with three TD's in one game (something he did twice). His team record 67 catches (in 14 games) for a tight end in a single season was surpassed by Chris Cooley (in 16 games) in 2005. Smith still ranks third in Redskin history in TD catches, and fourth in receptions.


    While Smiths statistics may pale in todays modern game, one must remember that the NFL "chuck" rule was 10 yards in his playing days. It was a much rougher game as well back then. Clotheslines were frequent, as were players diving at each others knees. If Smith had the luxury of only a five yard chuck rule, the statistics surely would have increased.

    Smith may never be inducted into Canton. He died at the age of 43 in 1986 of AIDS. He never had told anyone that he was a homosexual, but was outed by former team mate and lover, running back David Kopay (the first NFL player to announce his being gay) shortly after Smiths death.

    Kopay has asserted the NFL's homophobia in those days was so prevalant, that once he had announced he was gay, several coaching offers were rescinded. Not that much has changed nowadays, as Jeremy Shockeys comments on the Howard Stern show reveal, but there is a hope that the NFL Senior Committee can look past the mans lifestyle and the politics involved.

    Smith retired with superior stats comparatively to Hall of Fame tight ends such as John Mackey. He retired only six catches short of Ditkas NFL record as well.

    Jerry Smith may be a controversial subject to some. Even after everything that can be said for, or against him, his statistics tell a steadfast story. Smith was lauded by Sports Illustrated as a top pass catching tight end during his era.

    His legend on the gridiron still shines bright today, 32 years after his retirement. Maybe some will say he is on the fringe for induction, or that I'm being biased due to the Redskins being my favorite team as well.


    Maybe these things are true. Still, in my eyes, Jerry Smith belongs in the NFL Hall of Fame.
     
  20. I am completely shocked that Ben Coates didn't make this list. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth if you ask me.

    Smith over Coates? Don't know how one can justify that.


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    Honorable Mention.....

    [​IMG]


    Ben Coates
    New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens
    1991-2000
    5× Pro Bowl selection (1994,1995,1996,1997,1998)
    2× Associated Press First Team All-Pro selection (1994,1995)
    1× Associated Press Second Team All-Pro selection (1998)
    NFL 1990's All-Decade Team
    Super Bowl XXXV Champion (Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-Conference (1994)
    UPI First Team All-Conference (1994)
    Pro Football Writers First Team All-NFL (1994)
    Sporting News First Team All-NFL (1994)
    Pro Football Weekly First Team All-Conference (1995)
    UPI First Team All-Conference (1995)
    Pro Football Writers First Team All-NFL (1995)
    Sporting News First Team All-NFL (1995)
    UPI Second Team All-Conference (1996)
    499 Receptions
    5,555 Receiving Yards
    50 Touchdowns
    11.1 Yards Per Catch
    Set NFL record for most Receptions in a season by a Tight End (96 in 1994. Later broken by Tony Gonzalez)
    Career high 1,174
    Receiving Yards in 1994
    Fourth all-time in career Receptions among Tight Ends at the time of his retirement in 2001 (Shannon Sharpe, Ozzie Newsome & Kellen Winslow)
    Ranks sixth all-time in career Receptions among Tight Ends
    Ranks twelfth all-time in career Receiving Yards among Tight Ends
    Ranks seventh all-time in career
    Receiving Touchdowns among Tight Ends
    Ranks third all-time in New England Patriots history in career Receptions
    Ranks fourth all-time in New England Patriots in career Receiving Yards
    Ranks second all-time in New England Patriots history in career
    Receiving Touchdowns
    Ranks first all-time in New England Patriots history in career
    Receptions among Tight Ends
    Ranks first all-time in New England Patriots history in career Receiving Yards among Tight Ends
    Ranks first all-time in New England Patriots history in career Receiving Touchdowns among Tight Ends
    Played in 156 out of a possible 158 games in his 9 seasons



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    Discuss!

    GIF's Top Ten Best Tight Ends Not In The Hall Of Fame:

    Shannon Sharpe
    Todd Christensen
    Jay Novacek
    Mark Bavaro
    Pete Retzlaff
    Keith Jackson
    Brent Jones
    Riley Odoms
    Steve Jordan
    Jerry Smith

    Honorable Mentions:

    Ben Coates
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 16, 2010