Let’s be clear — the quota that the Pro Football Hall of Fame requires each year (four to eight candidates) is a terrible way to determine who deserves the honor of being inducted. Not all seasons are equal, and we’ve seen some footballers wait for far too many years to get admitted.
And when there’s a shortage of players, politics or reputation seem weighed more heavily than performance to boost numbers. This leads to some poor picks. Here are 19 players whose inductions are questionable at best, and an insult to the game at worst.
19. Charlie Sanders
Charlie Sanders was a solid tight end in a shallow era for the position. But his numbers, including only one playoff appearance, just don’t stack up to the Hall of Fame standard. Sorry, Charlie.
18. Ken Stabler
“The Snake” had four peak seasons and one Super Bowl title, but his stats align more with quarterbacks like Jay Cutler and Matt Hasselbeck than Canton-caliber players.
17. Ray Nitschke
Ray Nitschke was a solid linebacker on a legendary Packers team. But with only two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro nod, his personal Hall of Fame credentials seem inflated by his team’s success.
16. Russ Grimm
As part of the iconic “Hogs” offensive line, Russ Grimm had standout seasons. But injuries reduced him to part-time play by 28, making his inclusion over some peers questionable. After all, do we induct based on “what could have been” or “what actually was”?
15. Ace Parker
Ace Parker was versatile and a pre-WWII standout. Still, he had only one major category lead in his career, pass yards. Ace was a talented player, not only for the NFL, but for also the MLB where he hit a home run his first at-bat. Unfortunately, that’s not a consideration when it comes to Canton.
14. Dick LeBeau
Dick LeBeau’s interceptions often came from opponents avoiding “Night Train” Lane. While a legendary coach, his playing career doesn’t stand alone as Hall-worthy. Add in his work as a defensive coordinator, however? Totally worthy. But we’re talking play only for this list, so Dick just doesn’t make the cut.
13. Ray Guy
Ray Guy’s legendary hang time is more myth than reality. His career punting average isn’t extraordinary, leaving his Hall inclusion questionable.
12. Lynn Swann
Lynn Swann’s Super Bowl heroics were unforgettable, but that wasn’t enough to make up for his subpar regular season performance. It’s true that he improved after his initial four seasons with the Steelers as the game rules evolved to be more pass friendly, but he retired too early to really bring up his numbers overall.
11. Red Badgro
Red Badgro played in the leather helmet era, but his stats barely register. His induction decades later is kind of a mystery. Maybe someone can enlighten us?
10. Tom Fears
Tom Fears shined in two phenomenal seasons and a championship game. However, injuries and contract disputes cut his peak short, leaving a legacy of brief brilliance.
9. Joe Namath
Joe Namath’s Super Bowl III is legendary, but his on-field performance often wasn’t. With a .501 career completion percentage and a pedestrian 62-63-4 record, Namath’s stats don’t scream “Hall of Fame.” But, he was popular.
8. Jan Stenerud
Jan Stenerud’s early kicking career was impressive, but he plateaued. His inclusion feels more like a nod to being the first dedicated kicker in the Hall.
7. Tony Canadeo
Tony Canadeo was a grinder but lacked standout skills. His inclusion seems to hinge on his nickname, “The Gray Ghost of Gonzaga.” Another case of nostalgia winning over performance?
6. Fred Dean
Fred Dean’s lack of sack stats from his prime seasons makes evaluating his impact tricky. His dominance was fleeting, and durability was a constant concern.
5. Elvin Bethea
Elvin Bethea was consistent on mediocre teams but not a standout. He stuck with the Oilers for his entire career and never had a chance to shine. Comparing him to his peers, it really just doesn’t make sense for him to be in the Hall.
4. John Henry Johnson
John Henry Johnson found success late in his career with two remarkable seasons in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, he lacked the career-long production expected in Canton.
3. Frank Gatski
Frank Gatski protected Otto Graham with durability and skill, but he was never dominant. Inducted as a senior member 28 years after retirement, Gatski’s inclusion feels like a nod to nostalgia.
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2. Charlie Joiner
Charlie Joiner’s longevity was his biggest asset. Without Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts, he likely wouldn’t have made it to Canton.
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1. Marcus Allen
Marcus Allen’s MVP-worthy career peaked early with a stunning 1985 season featuring 1,759 rushing yards and 472 touches. But after the Raiders added Bo Jackson, Allen’s dominance dwindled. His longevity was admirable, but he was never the same.