We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least number of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

Since we just did the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, the natural for us to look the Defensive Player of the Year Award.  Unlike the OPOY, this was created a year earlier in 1971, but it will it generate the same level of Hall of Famers?

Let’s find out!

The following are the past players who have won the AP Defensive Player of the Year in the NFL who are eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

Alan Page, Minnesota Vikings, Defensive Tackle(1971)

A great place to start for this award is the “Purple People Eaters”, so this begins with Alan Page.  Playing at Defensive Tackle, 1971 was the third of three straight First Team All-Pro Selections and league lead in Approximate Value.  As the first AP Defensive Player of the Year, he also became the first to win both the DPOY and the AP MVP Award.  Afterwards, Page began another three-year run of First Team All-Pro Selections in 1973. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

Joe Greene, Pittsburgh Steelers, Defensive Tackle (1972)

“Mean” Joe Greene was going to his fourth Pro Bowl in 1972 and this year he began his first of three consecutive First Team All-Pros. He had 11 “unofficial” Sacks and this was also the season that the Steelers had truly established themselves as Super Bowl contenders.  That doesn’t happen without Greene.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

Joe Greene, Pittsburgh Steelers, Defensive Tackle (2) (1974)

Greene becomes the first repeat winner of the Defensive Player of the Year and it was also his third of three consecutive First Team All-Pro Selections.  “Mean” Joe and the Steelers dynasty would also win the first of what would be four Super Bowls in the 1970s.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

Mel Blount, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cornerback (1975)

A Steeler wins this for the second year in a row, and you can see how the “Steel Curtain” defense was the best in football. This year’s winner was Mel Blount, who at Cornerback had a league leading 11 Interceptions and would be named a First Team All-Pro.  He would earn that honor again in 1981.  Blount and the Steelers won their second Super Bowl that year.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.

Jack Lambert, Pittsburgh Steelers, Linebacker (1976)

You know that you had one of the greatest defensive corps ever when you win the DPOY in three different seasons with three different players!  Oh, and all of them went to the Pro Football Hall of Fame!  The third straight Steeler was Jack Lambert, who was a six-time First Team All-Pro and this was his first one.  Like Greene and Blount, Lambert would help Pittsburgh win four Super Bowls. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.

Lee Roy Selmon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Defensive End (1979)

Lee Roy Selmon was one of the only things that the Bucs had in their early days.  Drafted 1^stOverall in 1976, Selmon broke out in 1979 with his DPOY year and would begin a sting of six straight Pro Bowls.  Selmon was forced to retire in 1984 due to back issues. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants, Linebacker (1981)

Lawrence Taylor changed Linebacking forever and he was by far the most dominating defensive player of the 1980s.  L.T. became the first player to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year in the same season as winning the DPOY.  He would also begin his streak of 10 straight Pro Bowls. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants, Linebacker (2) (1982)

Taylor repeated winning the DPOY, making him the first player to win the award twice in his first two years.  The Linebacker was also named a First Team All-Pro for the second of what would be eight times.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

Kenny Easley, Seattle Seahawks, Strong Safety (1984)

The career of Kenny Easley spanned only seven seasons and this was right smack dab in the middle of it.  Easley was on his second of three straight First Team All-Pros and this was also his third of five Pro Bowls.  He would finish first in Interceptions with 10 this year.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.

Mike Singletary, Chicago Bears, Linebacker (1985)

Mike Singletary was an absolute star on the Bears Defense and this was the year of the “Super Bowl Shuffle”.  Singletary was in his third of what would be ten consecutive Pro Bowls and he was also awarded his second of six straight First Team All-Pros. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.

Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants, Linebacker (3) (1986)

This is arguably the greatest defensive season by any player in the history of the National Football League.  Taylor would also win the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award.  He would lead the league in Sacks with 20.5 and this was his sixth of eight First Team All-Pro Selections.  The Giants would win Super Bowl XXI that year.  Taylor would become the first player to win the DPOY three times.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

Reggie White, Philadelphia Eagles, Defensive End (1987)

The “Minister of Defense” was on year two of his six-year run as a First Team All-Pro.  White was a beast on the pass rush where he would have a career-high of 21.0 Quarterback Sacks, which led the NFL.  White’s 21 Sacks were especially impressive considering he did that in 12 Games. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

Mike Singletary, Chicago Bears, Linebacker (2)(1988)

Singletary’s run of dominance continues with his fifth of seven First Team All-Pros, and his sixth of ten straight Pro Bowls.  He would equal his career-high of 18 in Approximate Value.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.

Bruce Smith, Buffalo Bills, Defensive End (1990)

This was Smith’s third First Team All-Pro Selection and he was also coming off of his fourth Pro Bowl.  Smith secured 19.0 Sacks for the Bills and this was the year that began four consecutive trips to the Super Bowl.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

Cortez Kennedy, Seattle Seahawks, Defensive Tackle (1992)

Kennedy’s DPOY win came early in his career and it began a three-year streak of First Team All-Pro Selections.  The Defensive Tackle would spend his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks and would go to eight Pro Bowls, this being his second. He would have a career-high 14.0 Sacks this year.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Rod Woodson, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cornerback (1993)

Woodson was on year five of a six-year stretch of consecutive Pro Bowls and he would go to 11 in total.  The Cornerback was also chosen for his fourth of what turned out to be six First Team All Pros.  Eight of his 71 Interceptions would happen in 1993.  Woodson would later win a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

Deion Sanders, San Francisco 49ers, Cornerback(1994)

After five years with the Atlanta Falcons, Deion Sanders signed with the San Francisco 49ers and would play there for only one season, and what a year it was!  Sanders secured his third straight First Team All-Pro, fourth consecutive Pro Bowls and would lead the NFL in Interception Return Yards (303).  He also helped San Francisco win the Super Bowl. Following this, Sanders won another Super Bowl with Dallas and went to another four Pro Bowls and as chosen for three more First Team All-Pros.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

Bruce Smith, Buffalo Bills, Defensive End (2) (1996)

The Bills were no longer the AFC kings, but were still a playoff team, much of which could be attributed to Bruce Smith. The Defensive End would be named to his fourth of five straight First Team All-Pros and this was his eighth of none. He would have 13.5 Sacks and would lead the NFL in Forced Fumbles with five.  Smith also went to 10 Pro Bowls over his career.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

Reggie White, Green Bay Packers, Defensive End (2) (1998)

Reggie White won his second Defensive of Player of the Year 11 years after he won his first one making this the largest gap for this award.  White was a great player in between those two wins.  White won his Super Bowl with Green Bay two years prior and 1998 was the end of an era as this ended his run of 13 straight Pro Bowls and this was his eighth and final First Team All-Pro.  White retired after but returned for one more year with the Carolina Panthers.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

Warren Sapp, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Defensive Tackle (1999)

1999 would usher in a four-year run of First Team All-Pros and this was year three of seven consecutive Pro Bowls.  He would record 12.5 Quarterback Sacks this year. Sapp would later anchor the Bucs to a win at Super Bowl XXXVII.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.

Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens, Defensive Tackle (2000)

This was an incredible year for Ray Lewis who would lead the NFL in Approximate Value (23) and led the potent Ravens defense to their Super Bowl win.  Lewis was untouchable this year.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Michael Strahan, New York Giants, Defensive End (2001)

Michael Strahan would set the single season Sack record of 22.5 and he also led the NFL in Forced Fumbles (6).  This was his third of four First Team All-Pros for Strahan who would play his entire career with the Giants.  He would later win the Super Bowl in the 2007 season.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Linebacker(2002)

Derrick Brooks went to 11 Pro Bowls and this year was his sixth.  In terms of First Team All-Pro Selections, this was number three of five.  The powerful Linebacker led the Bucs to a Super Bowl this year.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens, Defensive Tackle (2) (2003)

This was the second and last DPOY win for Ray Lewis but he had a lot left to accomplish in a career spent exclusively with Baltimore.  2003 would see Lewis go to his fourth of seven First Team All-Pros and it was also his sixth of 13 Pro Bowls.  He would win another Super Bowl with the Ravens in his final year in 2012.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens, Free Safety (2004)

For the second straight year, the Baltimore Ravens had a Defensive Player of the Year winner, and following Ray Lewis we have Ed Reed.  Reed would lead the NFL in Interceptions three times, this being the first one and he would also finish first in Interception Return Yards.  This was Reed’s first of what would be five First Team All-Pros and he would also go to nine Pro Bowls over his career.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019.

Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears, Linebacker (2005)

Brian Urlacher was selected for four First Team All-Pros with 2005 being his third.  The Linebacker had 6.0 Sacks and 121 Tackles and was a Pro Bowler for the fifth time.  He would be chosen for three more after in a career that remained in Chicago.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins, Defensive End (2006)

Jason Taylor went to three First Team All-Pros and this was his third year.  He would also be a six-time Pro Bowl Selection and would have 139.5 Sacks in his career.  He would have 13.5 of them this year.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.

The following are the players who have won the AP Defensive Player of the Year in the NFL who are eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

Dick Anderson, Miami Dolphins, Free Safety (1973)

This was the third time that Anderson would have a season of 8 Interceptions, but the first time that he led the NFL in that category.  The Free Safety and member of Miami’s “No Name Defense” has won their second straight Super Bowl this year, and this was also his second straight First Team All-Pro Selection.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Harvey Martin, Dallas Cowboys, Defensive End (1977)

Harvey Martin went to four straight Pro Bowls, and 1977 was the best of that stretch (1976-79).  The Defensive End would earn First Team All-Pro accolades.  That year was magical for Martin as he would help Dallas win the Super Bowl and was the Co-MVP with Randy White.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Randy Gradishar, Denver Broncos, Linebacker (1978)

Randy Gradishar was the leader of the “Orange Crush” Defense of the Broncos and he was on his second straight First Team All-Pro Selection.  This would be the third of seven Pro Bowl Selections for Gradishar.  Ranked #4 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Lester Hayes, Oakland Raiders, Cornerback (1980)

Hayes was in his fourth year with the Raiders, and this was his first of five straight Pro Bowls.  Hates, who was also a First Team All-Pro also led the league in Interceptions (13) and Interception Return Yards (273).  The Raiders would win the Super Bowl that year, and three years later he helped them win it all again.  Ranked #25 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Doug Betters, Miami Dolphins, Defensive End (1983)

Doug Betters is the unlikeliest Defensive Player of the Year winner ever.  This is not because he the career Miami Dolphin didn’t earn it.  He did, it is just that he never played nearly as good before or after in 1983.  This was the only season where he went to the Pro Bowl, was an All-Pro and had an Approximate Value that was higher than 8.  It was 20 by the way in 1983!  He recorded 16.0 Sacks that year.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Keith Millard, Minnesota Vikings, Defensive Tackle (1989)

Millard would have two great years in his career (the second in 1988) and this was the first of them.  Millard would have 18.0 Sacks and would lead the league in Approximate Value the season before with 20. This would be also one of two seasons where he was a First Team All-Pro.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Pat Swilling, New Orleans Saints, Linebacker (1991)

Swilling was a First Team All-Pro this year and would be again the year after.  This was his third of five Pro Bowls and in 1991 he would lead the NFL in Quarterback Sacks (17.0) and Approximate Value (23).  Ranked #77 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bryce Paup, Buffalo Bills, Linebacker (1995)

Paup was in his first season in Buffalo, and it was easily his best one.  The Outside Linebacker led the NFL in Quarterback Sacks with 17.5 and he was a Pro Bowl Selection four times.  This was his only First Team All-Pro nod. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Dana Stubblefield, San Francisco 49ers, Defensive Tackle (1997)

Stubblefield was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1993, won the Super Bowl in 1994 and won the DPOY in 1997.  This year, he would earn his only First Team All-Pro and land his third Pro Bowl.  Stubblefield would play six more seasons in the NFL but never had a season close to this again.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Bob Sanders, Indianapolis Colts, Strong Safety(2007)

When you look at the career of Bob Sanders, you would see that he had only two full seasons; this was the second of them. The Strong Safety was a First Team All-Pro for the second and last time in his career and he would be a Super Bowl Champion in 2005.  Overall, his career was inconsistent, and he will go down as one of the more unlikely winners of the Defensive Player of the Year Award.   Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers, Strong Safety (2010)

By 2010, Polamalu had already helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls.  The Strong Safety would go his third First Team All-Pro of what would be four, and this would be also his seventh of eight Pro Bowls.  He would have seven Interceptions with 63 Tackles this year.  Ranked #8 on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Let’s update our tally, shall we?

So, who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the Defensive Player of the Year Award in the National Football League who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers, Linebacker(2008)

The Linebacker they call “Deebo” had his first of two First Team All-Pro Selections in 2008.  He would lead the NFL in Forced Fumbles (7) and Approximate Value (19). Harrison would secure 16.0 Sacks this year and would win his second Super Bowl Ring the following season.  Harrison is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.

Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers, Cornerback(2009)

Woodson had two streaks of greatness, and this was in his second run.  2009 saw Woodson secure his sixth of eight Pro Bowls and second of third First Team All-Pros and he was the NFL leader in Interceptions with nine.  Woodson is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

The following are the players who have won the Defensive Player of the Year Award who are still active.

Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens, Linebacker (2011)

Suggs was the third Raven in a ten-year period to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award.  This was the first time that Suggs was a First Team All-Pro and he would record a career-high 14.0 Sacks.  He would also lead the NFL with seven Forced Fumbles.  36 Years Old, Playing for the Arizona Cardinals.

J.J. Watt, Houston Texans, Defensive End (2012)

This was Watt’s second season in the NFL and he would lead the NFL in Quarterback Sacks with 20.5 and Tackles for Loss (39). The Defensive End would also finish first in Approximate Value (19).  This season would begin a four-year run of Pro Bowls and First Team All-Pros and the establishment of one of the most dominating defensive players of the modern era. 30 Years Old, Playing for the Arizona Cardinals.

Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers, Linebacker (2013)

Luke Kuechly was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, would become the Defensive Player of the Year in the season that followed.  The Middle Linebacker would be chosen for his first First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl, the latter being a current seven-year streak.  28 Years Old, Playing for the Carolina Panthers.

J.J. Watt, Houston Texans, Defensive End (2) (2014)

2014 was year three of his four year run of dominance and this was the best of them all.  Watt repeated his 20.5 Sack performance of 2012 (though he did not lead the NFL) and he would again finish atop the leaderboard in Forced Fumbles (29) and Approximate Value (22).  Watt was so good that he would win the AP MVP and the Bert Bell Award.  30 Years Old, Playing for the Arizona Cardinals.

J.J. Watt, Houston Texans, Defensive End (3) (2015)

Watt reached rarified air with his third DPOY as he joined Lawrence Taylor as the second player to win this award a third time. The Texan would again lead the NFL in Sacks (17.5), Tackles for Loss (29) and Approximate Value (21).  When looking at those three DPOY wins, how many overall Wins by the Texans do not occur if J.J. Watt doesn’t exist?  30 Years Old, Playing for the Arizona Cardinals.

Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders, Linebacker (2016)

Mack was chosen for his second First Team All Pro and Pro Bowl in 2016.  He would net 11.0 Sacks this season.  28 Years Old, Playing for the Chicago Bears.

Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams, Defensive Tackle (2017)

Aaron Donald was the 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year, and he just built right upon it.  In 2017, Donald was chosen for his third straight First Team All-Pro and fourth consecutive Pro Bowl.  He would have 10.5 Sacks this year.  28 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Rams.

Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams, Defensive Tackle (2) (2018)

Donald had an even better DPOY than his win in the year previous as he would lead the NFL in Sacks (20.5) and Tackles for Loss (25). 28 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Rams.

It certainly appears that like the OPOY, the Defensive Player of the Year Award is a huge springboard to Canton immortality.

We are stick with the gridiron and look at the AP Comeback Player of the Year.

As always, we thank you for that support and look for that soon!

We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least number of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

For our next selection we return to the National Football League after a long absence with a major accolade in the Offensive Player of the Year. Considering this is a very important award, it is a little surprising that this has only been in existence since 1972.  Not surprising, is that with the exception of Jerry Rice, it has only gone to Quarterbacks and Running Backs; basically, the sexy skill positions of football. Frankly, we don’t think we will ever see an Offensive Lineman win this regardless of how impressive a season he has. 

So, how many Offensive Players of the Year have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Let’s find out!

The following are the past players who have won the AP Offensive Player of the Year in the NFL who are eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

O.J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills, Running Back (1973)

Who else could possibly win it in 1973?  O.J. Simpson made history as the first player to exceed 2,000 Rushing Yards (2,003), and while he now has company in the 2,000 club, it is still exclusive company.  This was Simpson’s second rushing title and he would win it two more times (1975 & 1976).  He would also win the Bert Bell Award and the AP MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

Ken Stabler, Oakland Raiders, Quarterback (1974)

Stabler was a First Team All-Pro in 1974, and was chosen for the Pro Bowl for the second year in a row.  The Quarterback threw for 2,469 Yards and a league leading 26 Touchdowns.  He would have a record of 11-2 this year and was also named the AP MVP.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Fran Tarkenton, Minnesota Vikings, Quarterback(1975)

Prior to this year, “Scrambling” Fran Tarkenton was chosen for seven Pro Bowls and 1975 was his eighth.  This was the first and only year that he would be named a First Team All-Pro and would the NFL in Touchdown Passes with 25.  The Minnesota Viking would also be named the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award Winner.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.

Walter Payton, Chicago Bears, Running Back (1977)

This was Payton’s third season in the NFL, and the only one where he would win the Rushing Title with 1,852 Yards and lead the NFL in Rushing Touchdowns (14).  Payton would have eight more years where he would have 1,200 or more yards on the ground and he retired with 16,726, which as of this writing is second all-time.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

Earl Campbell, Houston Oilers, Running Back (1978)

Campbell was a rookie in 1978 and the number one pick from Texas lived up to the hype.  Campbell had a league leading 1,450 Rushing Yards and he punched 13 into the end zone.  He would also win the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and was named the PFWA MVP.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

Earl Campbell, Houston Oilers, Running Back (2) (1979)

The Houston Oiler made history as the first ever repeat winner of the Offensive Player of the Year, and he would again win the Rushing Title with increased production of 1,697 Yards.  This time, Campbell would also finish atop the leaderboard in Rushing Touchdowns (19) and he repeated his PFWA MVP while adding the AP Player of the Year and Bert Bell Award.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

Earl Campbell, Houston Oilers, Running Back (3) (1980)

Making waves as the first ever repeat winner of the Offensive Player of the Year, Campbell set a new standard with his third straight win.  Campbell again raised his game by setting a career high 1,934 Rushing Yards with his 13 Rushing TDs leading the NFL.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

Dan Fouts, San Diego Chargers, Quarterback (1982)

Fouts was on his fourth straight year of leading the NFL in Passing Yards and he would throw for 2,883 in the strike-shortened campaign of 1982.  The Quarterback would be invited to the fourth of what would be six Pro Bowls and he would also lead in Touchdown Passes with 17.  He would also win the PFWA MVP.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.

Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins, Quarterback (1984)

Marino turned the football world on its head by becoming the first Quarterback to throw for over 5,000 Yards (5,084) and would also throw for a then record 48 Touchdown passes.  He would take Miami to the Super Bowl (they didn’t win) and he would also win the PFWA and AP MVP as well as the Bert Bell Award.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

Marcus Allen, Los Angeles Raiders, Running Back (1985)

Marcus Allen had without a doubt the best regular season of his career with an NFL leading and career-high 1,759 Rushing Yards and 2,314 Yards From Scrimmage.  Allen, who had previously propelled the Raiders to a Super Bowl win, was also in 1985 named the AP and PFWA MVP.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.

Eric Dickerson, Los Angeles Rams, Running Back(1986)

Eric Dickerson easily could have been considered a contender for this award in 1983 and/or 1984, but it would have to wait until 1986 before he won the Offensive Player of the Year.  This year would see Dickerson win his third Rushing Title with 1,821 Yards and it would be his third of five First Team All-Pro Selections. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

Jerry Rice, San Francisco 49ers, Wide Receiver(1987)

We think we can agree that of this writing the greatest Wide Receiver of all-time is Jerry Rice.  Whether you agree with that or not, Rice made history in 1987 as he first Wide Receiver to win the Offensive Player of the Year and he did so with 22 Touchdown Receptions, which set a record at the time (since eclipsed by Randy Moss).  As we all know, this was only the beginning for Rice who was in the second of 11 straight Pro Bowls.  Rice also won the PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers, Quarterback (1989)

How loaded were the San Francisco 49ers in late 80s?  Montana was the third different 49er to win the Offensive Player of the Year following Jerry Rice and Roger Craig.  In this season, Montana would lead the NFL in Completion Percentage (70.2) while throwing for 3,521 Yards and 26 Touchdowns and more importantly he would win his fourth Super Bowl.  The legendary Quarterback would also win the AP MVP as well as the Bert Bell Award.   Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.

Warren Moon, Houston Oilers, Quarterback (1990)

At age 34, Warren Moon proved that he should have been in the NFL years before after having to prove himself as a black Quarterback in the Canadian Football League.  Moon would lead all passers with 4,689 Yards and 33 Touchdown Passes.   Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

Thurman Thomas, Buffalo Bills, Running Back (1991)

Thurman Thomas would lead the NFL in Yards From Scrimmage four years in a row, and in 1991 it was the third of that streak. Thomas was a First Team All-Pro for the second and last time this season and he would also be selected as the AP and PFWA MVP.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers, Quarterback (1992)

Steve Young replicated what his predecessor did (Joe Montana) by winning the Offensive Player of the Year.  Young would be chosen this year for his first of seven Pro Bowls and he was the NFL leader in Completion Percentage (66.7) and Touchdown Passes (25).  He would also capture the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

Jerry Rice, San Francisco 49ers, Wide Receiver (2) (1993)

This was the fourth of six seasons where Rice would lead the NFL in Receiving Yards (1,503) and the final one of six where he was at the top in Receiving Touchdowns (15).  This would be the only major individual award that Rice would win in 1993.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions, Running Back (1994)

Sanders would win the Rushing Title for the second time with 1,883 Yards and would also finish atop the Yards From Scrimmage leaderboard with 2,166 Yards.  This was his third First Team All-Pro Selection.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.

Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers, Quarterback (1995)

Surprisingly, this was the only time that Brett Favre would win this award.  In 1995, Favre would lead the NFL in Passing Yards (4,413) and Touchdown Passes (38), the former being a career high.  In this season he would win the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and Bert Bell Award and took the Packers to a Super Bowl win the following year.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Terrell Davis, Denver Broncos, Running Back (1996)

This year began Davis’ three years of dominance in the AFC running game and he would rush for 1,538 Yards and catch another 36 passes for 310 Yards.  He would be named a First Team All-Pro for the first of three straight seasons.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.

Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions, Running Back (2)(1997)

This was Sanders’ second Offensive Player of the Year Award, and he would shatter the accomplishments of his first win. The Lions Running Back rushed for a career high 2,058 Yards joining the exclusive “2,000 Club” and his 2,358 Yards From Scrimmage was easily the best in the NFL.  Sanders also won the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award.  This would be his sixth and last First Team All-Pro Selection.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.

Terrell Davis, Denver Broncos, Running Back (2) (1998)

We will argue (and have often) that this is the season that put Terrell Davis in the Hall of Fame.  In 1998, T.D., rushed for a league leading 2,008 Yards and 21 Touchdowns and led the Broncos to their second consecutive Super Bowl win.  In ’98, Davis also won the AP and PFWA MVP Awards. After this season, injuries would decimate him but that three-year stint was so good that Canton could not ignore him. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.

Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams, Running Back (1999)

Marshall Faulk began his run of three First Team All-Pro Selections and this would be his first year in St. Louis after five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.  Faulk was the ground attack for what would be “The Greatest Show on Turf” and in 1999, he would rush for 1,381 Yards, catch 87 passes for another 1,048 Yards and led the NFL with 2,429 Yards from Scrimmage.  Faulk would win the Super Bowl that year. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams, Running Back (2) (2000)

Faulk would again exceed 1,300 Rushing Yards, though he would not hit the 1,000 Receiving Yard mark, landing at “only” 830. Faulk would however have more Touchdowns than the previous season, as his 18 Rushing Touchdowns (league leading) and another 8 from the air, which totaled 26, again a league leading. Faulk would also win the AP and PFWA MVP.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams, Running Back (3) (2001)

Faulk became the second player since Earl Campbell to win the Offensive Player of the Year Award, and like the former Houston Oiler, he did it consecutively.  Faulk put up his fourth straight 2,000 plus Yards From Scrimmage year and again led the NFL in Touchdowns with 21.  He would also win the PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers, Running Back (2006)

By this time, LaDainian Tomlinson had already established himself as an elite NFL Running Back and he would win his first Rushing Title with 1,815 Yards and his second Rushing Touchdown title with a career high 28 Touchdowns.  He would have another three TDs for 31 total.  In 2006, he would also win the AP MVP, PFWA MVP, Walter Payton Man of the Year and the Bert Bell Award.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.

The following are the players who have won the AP Offensive Player of the Year in the NFL who are eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

Larry Brown, Washington Redskins, Running Back(1972)

This was the last great year of Larry Brown’s career and this would be his fourth straight and final Pro Bowl and we would set a career high with 1,216 Rushing Yards and his 1,689 Yards From Scrimmage would lead the NFL.  Brown also would lead the league in Approximate Value and would win the AP MVP and Bert Bell Award.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Bert Jones, Baltimore Colts, Quarterback (1976)

Bert Jones had only one Pro Bowl Season, and needless to say it was in 1976.  Jones led the NFL with 3,104 Passing Yards and had an 11-3 season.  He threw for 24 Touchdowns, which was a career high.  He would also win the AP MVP.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Ken Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals, Quarterback (1981)

Anderson would throw for career highs of 3,754 Passing Yards, 29 Touchdowns and a league leading 98.4 Quarterback Rating and he was on his third of what would be four Pro Bowls.  He would take the Bengals to their first Super Bowl, albeit in a losing effort to the San Francisco 49ers.  He would also win the AP MVP, the PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award.  Ranked #12 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Joe Theismann, Washington Redskins, Quarterback (1983)

The year after Theismann Quarterbacked the Redskins to the Super Bowl, Theismann had the best regular season of his career with career highs in Passing Yards (3,714) and Touchdown Passes (29).  This year, Theismann would also win the PFWA and AP MVP.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Roger Craig, San Francisco 49ers, Running Back(1988)

Craig was an absolute beast at Running Back in 1988 and he would lead the National Football League in Yards from Scrimmage with 2,036 Yards.  This was three years after he became the first ever player to eclipse four digits in Rushing and Receiving Yards.  He would go on to have 13,100 Yards from Scrimmage over his career.  Ranked #6 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Priest Holmes, Kansas City Chiefs, Running Back (2002)

Holmes was in the middle of a three-year run of three straight Pro Bowls and First Team All-Pro Selections and in this season he would rush for 1,615 Yards an NFL leading 21 Touchdowns.  He would also have another 687 Receiving Yards, which would tally 2,287 Yards From Scrimmage, his career high.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Jamal Lewis, Baltimore Ravens, Running Back (2003)

While Jamal Lewis had many good seasons in the National Football League, there was one that was unquestionably incredible. That season (2003), Lewis would join the very exclusive 2,000 Yard Rushing Club (2,066) and he would also win the PFWA MVP.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Shaun Alexander, Seattle Seahawks, Running Back (2005)

Shaun Alexander led the NFL in Rushing Yard (1,880) and Rushing Touchdowns (27) and this was easily the best season of his career. It was also his last decent season. Forgetting that, Alexander would in 2005 also win the AP and PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.

Let’s update our tally, shall we?

So, who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the Offensive Player of the Year Award in the National Football League who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts, Quarterback(2004)

This was the second of Peyton Manning’s seven First Team All-Pro Selections and he would do so by throwing a league-leading 49 Touchdown Passes on 4,557 Yards.  The OPOY was one of many awards that the Colts Quarterback would collect in 2004 as he was also the PFWA MVP, AP MVP and the Bert Bell Award winner.  Manning is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans, Running Back(2009)

The 2,006 Rushing Yards would bring Chris Johnson to the exclusive 2G   Rushing Club, but while he wasn’t expected to repeat it, he never came very close.  No matter.  In this season, Johnson also led the NFL in Yards From Scrimmage with 2,509 Yards.  Johnson is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos, Quarterback (2)(2013)

Manning was in his second season with the Denver Broncos and he would set a career-high with 5,477 Passing Yards and 55 Touchdown Passes.  This year would be his seventh and final First Team All-Pro and he would also win the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award.  Manning is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys, Running Back(2014)

Murray would lead the NFL in Rushing Yards (1,845), Rushing Touchdowns (13) and Yards From Scrimmage (2,261).  This would be his only season as a First Team All-Pro and he would retire with 9,339 Yards From Scrimmage.  Johnson is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.

The following are the players who have won the Offensive Player of the Year Award who are still active.

Tom Brady, New England Patriots, Quarterback (2007)

In 2007, Tom Brady would lead the NFL in Passing Yards with a career high 4,806 and 50 Touchdown Passes.  By this time, Brady already has won three Super Bowls and in 2007, he would win the AP and PFWA MVP as well as the Bert Bell Award. 41 Years Old, Playing for the New England Patriots.

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints, Quarterback (2008)

Brees threw for his first 5,000 Yard Season (5,069) and this was the first time that he led the NFL in Touchdown Passes (34). This was the season that cemented Brees as a bona fide elite Quarterback in the National Football League.  40 Years Old, Playing for the New Orleans Saints.

Tom Brady, New England Patriots, Quarterback (2) (2010)

Brady returns to this accolade with an NFL leading 36 Touchdown Passes.  This was also his second First Team All-Pro Selection and he would also win the AP and PFWA MVP.  41 Years Old, Playing for the New England Patriots.

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints, Quarterback (2) (2011)

In 2011, Brees threw for a career-highs of 5,476 Yards and 46 Touchdown Passes and took the Saints to a 13-3 record.  The Quarterback was also chosen for his seventh Pro Bowl.  40 Years Old, Playing for the New Orleans Saints.

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings, Running Back (2012)

This was the season where Adrian Peterson would become one of the members of the 2,000 Rushing Yard Club with a season of 2,097 Yards.  A.P. was not surprisingly also the NFL leader in Yards From Scrimmage (2,314) and the Running Back would also win the AP and PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award.  This season would see him also make his third of four First Team All-Pros.  34 Years Old, Playing for the Washington Redskins.

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers, Quarterback (2015)

Newton would take the Panthers to the Super Bowl that season and he would earn what is to date his first First Team All-Pro Selection. Newton threw for 3,837 Yards and 35 Touchdowns and also rushed for another 636 Yards and 10 TDs.  Newton would also be awarded the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and Bert Bell Award.  31 Years Old, Playing for the Carolina Panthers.

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons, Quarterback (2016)

Ryan set career-highs with 4,944 Passing Yards and 38 Touchdown Passes and to date this is the only First Team All-Pro Selection. He would also win the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award.  34 Years Old, Playing for the Atlanta Falcons.

Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams, Running Back (2017)

Gurley was a First Team All-Pro for the first time in his career, and he would lead the NFL in Rushing Touchdowns with 13.  He would also top the NFL with 2,093 Yards From Scrimmage, 19 Touchdowns and an Approximate Value of 19.  25 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Rams.

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs, Quarterback (2018)

In his first season as a starting Quarterback, Mahomes shattered all lofty expectations with a league leading 50 Touchdown passes on 5,097 Passing Yards.  He would also be named the AP and PFWA Player of the Year.  24 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.

It certainly appears that the Offensive Player of the Year Award is a huge springboard to Canton immortality.

How do you do the Offensive Player of the Year without going to the defensive side of the same idea?  That is what we are doing next!

As always, we thank you for that support and look for that soon!