The world of sports is full of opinions, and the NFL is no different. While fans and experts will often argue about teams and player ability, when all is said and done there are some that rise above these discussions to achieve respect from all parties, especially after their careers have finished.
In some cases, sports fans are happy to put their money where their mouth is by gambling on games and player props. Fans will shop around for the best odds and having a good understanding of teams, players, tactics, and performances in different circumstances can all help.
While many states now offer legal sports books, expert reviews on offshore sportsbooks can still come in handy for consumers in prohibitive states or, for those looking for more competitive odds. After all, the more analyses you read, the better your general knowledge of football.
One market that can cause a lot of controversy is the NFL Hall of Fame, where consumers can bet on who they think will be inducted, with the top players earning a place.
There are just under 400 members currently in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with between 4 and 9 added every year. The selection committee's criteria for inducting players focuses on player contributions to the sport, but there are still some big names that haven't made the cut yet.
Reggie Wayne
Reggie Wayne is a name that will probably be inducted into the Hall of Fame sooner rather than later. 2007's top receiving yards player and key performer in the Indianapolis Colts' first Super Bowl in 2006 make him a contender for a place.
Torry Holt
Torry Holt helped St. Louis to the Super Bowl and finished as the league-leading receiver on two occasions. He made it into the NFL All-2000s Team and participated in the Pro Bowl seven times.
Sterling Sharpe
Sterling Sharpe's career was sadly cut short by injury, but in his seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers, he was able to prove his worth as one of the best receivers of his generation.
During his career, he led the way in yards, touchdowns, and receptions, was an All-Pro first-team player three times, and was selected for the Pro Bowl five times.
Willie Anderson
Willie Anderson has come close to making it into the Hall of Fame, making it to the finals of the selection process three times. The former Bengals lineman made the All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams for four consecutive years and it seems like a matter of time before he gets the nod.
Ken Anderson
Ken Anderson remains the leading passer in the history of the Cincinnati Bengals and was named the AP Offensive POTY, League MVP, and All-Pro first-teamer in 1981.
When he retired he was in the NFL's top ten of all time for passing yards and passer rating and has made it to the semi-finals of the HOF on two occasions.
Hines Ward
Hines Ward was at the Steelers from 1998 to 2011 and remains their all-time touchdown, yards, and receptions leader. The 2005 Super Bowl MVP earned four Pro Bowl selections in a row and is widely regarded as the NFL's leading physical receiver of his generation.
Conclusion
The selection committee has a tough job and can only add a limited number of former players every year. There is still time for the players mentioned above to be inducted, and there are plenty more stars of the game that have not yet had the honor.
This year’s HOF saw Dwight Freeney, Patrick Willis, Andre Johnson, Steve McMichael, Julius Peppers, Randy Gradishar, and Devin Hester inducted, and fans will be eager to hear who will be joining them next.
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