On some level it seems incredibly appropriate that the Pro
Football Hall of Fame elected their new class each year the day before the
Super Bowl. Given how much Super Bowl titles seem to affect Hall of Fame cases,
it just feels appropriate.
Super Bowl wins have often been the difference between a
player being inducted into the Hall of Fame or being left out. The 70s Steelers
have eight members of their four-time Super Bowl teams in the Hall of Fame.
Eleven of the 60s Packers teams that won five combined NFL championships are
there as well. As time goes by, more and more of the 49ers from the 80s and the
Cowboys of 90s will be inducted.
Given this relationship, it’s worth examining which players
participating in this weekend’s conference championship games will have their
Hall of Fame cases boosted should they be on the team that wins the Super Bowl.
Now of course, there are the obvious Hall of Famers, Ed Reed, Tom Brady and Ray
Lewis, but none of them need the ring to make it. It’ll certainly enhance their
cases among the legends of NFL history, but it’s hardly needed for them to be
accepted among the elite of all time. The players in this list, at least at
this time, will need the ring to help their case if they ever wish to make it.
Eli Manning
Two Super Bowl rings generally turn into the magic key to
the Halls of Canton. Of all the
quarterbacks to start and win two Super Bowls, only one who is eligible for the
Hall of Fame is not currently in. That would be Jim Plunkett, who has his fair
share of supporters. Following a year where Eli should be getting at least a
cursory look as the league MVP, another ring would put him in the same strata
as Bart Starr, Steve Young and fellow 2004 draft pick, Ben Roethlisberger. That
being said, he’s still not close to being the equal of his brother, though
there are only a handful of quarterbacks all-time that can claim that honor.
Justin Smith
Justin Smith will be lucky to break 100 career sacks. He’ll
be lucky to be mentioned among the best defensive lineman of this generation.
Every team in the NFL will also be lucky if Justin Smith doesn’t break their
offensive lineman over their quarterback’s back. Smith plays the game with such
strength and high intensity that there are few players like him. He’s been a consistent,
if unspectacular pass rusher over his eleven seasons. He played in all but the
first game of his rookie season and has started 171 straight games. With a
ring, particularly with his reputation as a strong leader, he should get a fair
look.
Chris Snee
Of all the starting guards in the NFL right now, Chris Snee
somewhat feel like the Rodney Dangerfield of guards. In spite of being on
winning team after winning team with solid offenses, Snee is rarely mentioned
with the elite of the NFL. He already has one ring with Manning, and a second
one would really boost his creditability with voters. Granted though, he’s
likely going to be over-looked in the voting room because of his lack of
respect, but that is just speculation.
Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin started his career off as hot as any other receiver
in the history of the NFL, catching 100+ passes in two of his first three
seasons. While he hasn’t reached those numbers since, he has been a solid receiver
for most of his career. One ring wouldn’t change an underwhelming set of
statistics, but it certainly can’t hurt.
Terrell Suggs
Terrell Suggs hasn’t always been the most productive pass
rusher, but there is little debating his impact on the Ravens. A candidate to
be the Defensive Player of the Year this year, Suggs has become the vocal
leader on the Ravens defense. He’s total sack numbers may not be enough when
his time comes, so a ring would help a great deal. Then again, look at Charles
Haley.
Frank Gore
Frank Gore has largely been underrated as a runner in the
NFL. In spite of constantly changing offensive schemes and inconsistent play at
every other position, Gore has been among the best running backs in the NFL
consistently. He’ll need to show more durability than most of the other running
backs that are near his age to make a serious run at the Hall of Fame, but a
ring would certainly help.
Logan Mankins
While offensive linemen rarely get the credit they’re due in
any given season, Logan Mankins has settled into being one of the rocks at the
guard position. He’s been one of only a few offensive pieces to stay on the Patriots
over the past seven seasons. While he is still under 30, there is a good chance
he’ll be looked at for the Hall of Fame when his career ends. With that in
mind, it would certainly look nice to have a ring when he comes up for
election.
Wes Welker
For a guy who has only had five good seasons in his career,
Wes Welker has made those five season count big-time. Welker is currently tied
with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and future Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison for the
most seasons with 100+ catches at four. The fact that he has achieved this over
the course of five seasons speaks very highly to his talent. But even as good as
he’s been over these five years, there’s still a good chance he’ll be ignored
come election time. A ring would help greatly.
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