NFL Adds Six to Hall of Fame Roll
Former Redskins Teammates Green, Monk Lead New Group of Inductees
Feb 3, 2008
It may not be the best class, but the six newest members of the National Football League’s Hall of Fame deserve the honor nonetheless.
Saturday’s announcement amidst the Super Bowl XLII hoopla added former Washington teammates Darrell Green and Art Monk, Fred Dean, Andre Tippett, Gary Zimmerman and Emmitt Thomas, who’ll be officially inducted at ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 2.
Here are a few career highlights for the 2008 class:
Darrell Green
The speedy seven-time Pro Bowler was chosen in his first year of eligibility. Green logged all 20 of his seasons with the Redskins, registering interceptions in 19 of those years. He finished with 54 thefts for 621 yards and six touchdowns.
Although one of the smaller cornerbacks in the league, Green played the run and pass well and usually matched up against the opposing team’s top receiver. His running ability also made him a great punt returner when called upon.
Art Monk
This Syracuse product made the all-rookie team with 58 catches and didn’t slow down, at one time setting NFL records for 106 catches in a season, 164 straight games with a reception and 820 career receptions. He played 14 seasons in D.C. and one each with the New York Jets and Philadelphia, finishing with 940 catches.
His selection was long overdue, having to wait until his eighth year of eligibility. Monk hauled in 50 or more passes nine times and he was named to three Pro Bowls.
Fred Dean
This defensive end caused havoc everywhere despite being only 6-foot-3 and 230 or so pounds, registering nearly 100 sacks in 141 games during his 11-year career with San Diego and San Francisco.
Sacks weren’t an NFL stat until 1982, but Dean unofficially turned in totals of 15.5, nine, 10.5 and 12 from 1978-81. His best was 17.5 in 1983, when he established a then league mark of six in a game against New Orleans.
Andre Tippett
This 6-3, 240-pounder was the most feared outside linebacker in the AFC while Lawrence Taylor was terrorizing the NFC. Tippett set a New England record with 18.5 sacks in 1984, which led to five straight trips to the Pro Bowl. He led the conference with 16.5 sacks in 1985 and again two years later with 12.5.
He finished with 100 career sacks and another Patriots team standard of 17 fumble recoveries.
Gary Zimmerman
This offensive tackle blocked the blind side for many a quarterback with Minnesota and for Denver’s John Elway during his 12-year career that saw him start 169 consecutive games.
Zimmerman played from 1986-1997, earning recognition on the All-Decade teams in the 1980s and 1990s. He was selected for seven Pro Bowls and made the first- or second-team All-Pro squads eight times.
Emmitt Thomas
He waited far too long for induction, being named by the senior committee after recording 58 interceptions from 1966-78, the ninth-best total ever and a Kansas City record. Thomas returned five picks for TDs. He led the AFL with nine interceptions in 1969 and added three more in the postseason, including one in the Chiefs’ 23-7 victory over the Vikings in Super Bowl IV.
Thomas, an undrafted free agent from tiny Bishop College in Dallas, topped the NFL in interceptions with 12 in 1974, returning two of them for scores.
Others
Former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Cris Carter, Russ Grimm, Andre Reed, Ray Guy, Randy Gradishar, Richard Dent, Bob Kuechenberg, Randall McDaniel and Derrick Thomas.
Carter not making the list was a bit of a surprise considering he stands second in NFL annals in pass catches with 1,101 and 130 touchdowns, totals that outdistance 2007 inductee Michael Irvin (750 and 65, respectively). Why former Oakland punter Ray Guy, who revolutionized the position, is still waiting also makes one wonder.
