John Riggins was a Super Bowl MVP. Bettis was a Super Bowl JAG. Riggins was elected on the second ballot. I don't think anyone would argue that Bettis was a better player than Riggins. Now, I know that's not what you are arguing here. You are only saying Bettis will get in before Martin. Michael Irvin has three Super Bowl rings. He waited three years. I know Bettis is going to get in. He was popular, had two great seasons, compiled some stats late in his career, and played for the Steelers. For the life of me, though, I can't process this ring thing with the guy. If he ran for 143 yards in Super Bowl 40 as opposed to only 43, I'd buy the argument then. I'd say, "Bettis capped his career by being a major contributor for a Super Bowl victor."
I fixed it but I just gotta come out and say that the dude just spells his own name wrong. Seriously, who else spells it Cris. I could live to be 150 years old and I will never spell his damned name the way he does. My pet peeve is when people complain about something lame like spelling without addressing the content of the post they are addressing. Regardelss of whether you think Bettis or Tim Brown goes in ahead of Martin, the five guys I listed will shut him out this year.
Carter's full first name is Christopher. Maybe he dropped the H in the nickname to be different. The other Cris receiver was Cris Collinsworth. His birth name is Anthony Cris Collinsworth. We can blame the parents there.
That season can be argued for sure. It was his best season. Statistically, he had to be given those honors, but I think when people think of amazing RBs they are busting off great runs. That season his longest run was 25 yards (surprised me when I looked it up). In some regards that makes his yardage total more impressive...but not everyone sees it that way. I'm not inclined to argue against Martin much more. I hope he does make it first ballot, but I just don't see it.
I kept reading through this wondering why people were talking about 4 backs getting in and naming "Sanders"...
Martin had at least six 50+ yard runs. Bettis had at least two. Martin's long runs, year-by-year: 49, 57, 70, 60, 50, 55, 47, 35, 56, 25, 49 Bettis' long runs, year-by-year: 71, 19, 41, 50, 34, 42, 35, 30, 48, 41, 21, 29, 39 Is it possible that Martin had one or two more 50+ yard runs in 1996? Yes, it is possible. I don't think it's necessary to do the research, though. It is apparent that Martin broke off more long runs than did Bettis. Other interesting statistics- Bettis played in 192 games and Martin played in 168. Bettis scored 91 rushing touchdowns. Martin scored 90. Bettis had the reputation as being a great goal line back. Then why did Bettis score only one more rushing touchdown than Martin? updated through the 2008 season (I've yet to calculate through '09)- Martin is 12th all-time in scrimmage yards per game. Bettis doesn't even crack the top 38 (I cut my list off with Larry Brown at 81.96 scrimmage yards per game. I think I did that because there was nobody else above 80.) Bettis' number is 78.7. I do not see that, either. The only thing I ask for is that Bettis does not get in before Martin.
Along with Sanders? I am taking a wild guess you might be referring to Deion sanders since Barry is already a HOF'er. Curtis is definitely a first ballot inductee his only problem is the depth and popularity of the rest of the crowd, compared to Bettis he's definitely a more complete back and by far more consistent back. Faulk is another case, if next years class is as big as this years (7) I don't see I he doest make it on his first try.
I agree... it's just disrespectful to be spelling Kris Karter's name wrong... how hard it is, really?
Hmm, then he's isn't definitely a first ballot inductee, is he? I know what you mean though, there's no doubt in my mind he deserves to be in the Hall. I'm not sure what you're saying about Faulk, but he will almost definitely make it in before Martin and Bettis, unless they're inducted at the same time.
I have no problem addressing your points. Deion and Faulk are first ballot HOF'ers. I think Carter should get in. I thought he should have been in on his first ballot. I think Sharpe will get in eventually, but he may have to wait one more year...same with Willie Roaf. I mean, if Russ Grimm had to wait 14 years, Roaf proably won't be a first ballot HOF'er. As for the Seniors, Jerry Kramer BETTER be nominated.
By the way, no other place to really put this tidbit- did anyone else notice the halftime interview last night between Al Michaels and Emmit Smith. Michaels goes into his opening spiel, setting the stage for Smith, his accolades, the big speach in Canton etc. Michaels sits back and anxiously awaits Smith's first answer.... Smith- "Well Mike..........." Michaels is a broadcasting legend, he called the damm Miracle on Ice- that's how long he's been in the booth. Is Smith really that dumb?
I know the guys in the trenches get no respect but Roaf made both the 90s and 2000s all decade teams. He also made 1st team all-pro 6 times, 2nd team all-pro 3 times, and made 11 pro bowls. The only two years he didn't make the pro bowl were his rookie year (1993) and the year he got hurt (2001). If he isn't a first ballot guy then I don't know who is.
I believe he's a HOF'er (he was consensus 1st team all-pro 5 times). Pro Bowl talk is irrelevant. I just don't know if Roaf will get in on the first ballot.
I was shocked when Cris Carter got passed over. Amazingly I spelled it right this time. Bet that will never happen again.
There have been plenty of well respected linemen. I noted Slater in this thread. He was an overrated player who got in on the first ballot.
Bettis shouldn't, I think Curtis might have to wait a year but it will be an injustice if bettis gets in before him.
Just checked the policies for voting guys in... Apparently there's no "set" number; it says between 4 and 7 are "encouraged" for voters. Personally I think all four guys mentioned (Sanders, Faulk, Bettis, and Martin) should be in.
There will be at least one senior candidate (there were 2 this year) which leaves a maximum of 6 spots for the younger guys. If Sanders, Faulk, Bettis, and Martin get in you leave Carter, Sharpe, or Roaf out while letting three guys from the same position in during the same year. Also, there are a number of pass rushers with large numbers of sacks waiting to get in not to mention Tim Brown.
I don't think Bettis will get in this year. I do see Carter getting in along with Deion, Faulk and Martin. I also think you will see Charles Haley finally getting in.
