Our All-Time Top 50 Carolina Panthers have been revised to reflect the 2023 Season
Yes, we know that this is taking a while!
As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists and consistently look to update them when necessary and based on necessity. As such, we are delighted to present our post-2023 revision of our top 50 Buffalo Bills.
As for all of our top 50 players in football, we look at the following:
1. Advanced Statistics.
2. Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League.
3. Playoff accomplishments.
4. Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.
Last year, the Panthers had an abysmal year, winning only two games, but as they are still a relatively young franchise, there was surprising movement in the top 50 with two new entries and two elevations.
As always, we present our top five, which saw no changes:
1. Steve Smith
2. Cam Newton
3. Luke Kuechly
4. Julius Peppers
5. Ryan Kalil
You can find the entire list here.
Two-time Pro Bowl Linebacker Brian Burns rocketed to #25 from #41, but he is now a New York Giant.
Offensive Tackle Taylor Moton shot up to #35 from #45.
The first new entrant is Defensive Tackle Derrick Brown, who is coming off his first Pro Bowl. He enters at #43.
The second debut is Linebacker/Safety Jeremy Chinn, who comes in at #45. He is now with the Washington Commanders.
Notably, Nose Tackle Greg Kragen and Cornerback Ken Lucas has been dropped off the list.
We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame names the Class of 2024
We love this week.
As all football fans are pumped for this Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, we get most excited for the Pro Football Honors, which not only gives out the end of season awards, but the announcement of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
The Hall selected seven names, five modern (Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers, and Patrick Willis) and two Senior (Randy Gradishar and Steve McMichael).
Dwight Freeney is a surprise entering on his second year. The Defensive End won a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts, and spent most of his career there, where he earned seven Pro Bowls and three First Team All-Pros. Last year, he was in the 10-15 category, and jumped not only fellow pass rusher, Jared Allen, but a few others.
Devin Hester gets in year three, and the member of the NFL 100th Anniversary Team likely will be the last player inducted whose main contribution was a returner. We are unlikely to ever see anyone follow in his footsteps.
Andre Johnson is this year’s Wide Receiver and arguably, he might have received the spot that Tight End, Antonio Gates was expected to get. Nevertheless, the position of WR will be clogged for some time, and Johnson is worthy with stats and accolades.
Julius Peppers was ranked #1 when he debuted last year as an eligible player, and the Carolina legend has arrived to Canton in year one. A nine-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro, Peppers has a whopping 159.5 Sacks spread over a career with Carolina, Chicago and Green Bay. This was the easiest one to call.
Patrick Willis finally gets in after (we felt) he was jumped by Bryant Young. The Linebacker played only eight years (all in San Francisco) where he was a Pro Bowl in seven and First Team All-Pro in five of them. This is was his fifth year on the ballot.
Randy Gradishar finally gives the Orange Crush Hall of Fame representation. The former Defensive Player of the Year was. Two-time Finalist as a Modern Candidate and is also was a Finalist in the Centennial Class. This was a long time coming and the most rewarding (for us) of all the Finalists).
Steve McMichael was a member of the Chicago Bears Super Bowl Championship team, and is battling ALS. We are hopeful that he will be able to attend the ceremony.
Arguably the biggest surprise on the modern side was Tight End, Antonio Gates, who many pegged as a First Ballot entry. He will get in soon, just not on year one.
While Johnson enters, fellow Wide Receivers, Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne remain on the wait list after they were passed Houston’s first inductee.
Also failing to advance are Eric Allen (Cornerback), Jared Allen (Defensive End), Jahri Evans (Guard), Rodney Harrison (Safety), Fred Taylor (Running Back) and Darren Woodson.
The Senior category was where the biggest surprise, as they turned down Coach nominee, Buddy Parker, and Senior Player nominee, Art Powell. Both failed to get the necessary 80 percent, and as per Clark Judge, the Parker discussion was over an hour. With Parker’s multiple titles, his omission feels callous.
What the 12-person Senior Committee has to feel at this time that much of their effort was wasted to put forth four candidates, only to see half of them rejected.
Next month, we will begin work on revising the Notinhalloffame.com Football List, where we rank those who are eligible and worthy of consideration.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the impending members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The College Football Hall of Fame announces the 2024 Class
Yesterday, the College Football Hall of Fame Championship was decided when the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Washington Huskies to win the National Championship, but as often, our focus with this day, ais the announcement of the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class.
Selected were:
Players:
Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, Wide Receiver, 2009-11. Blackmon was the second player to win the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top Wide Receiver twice in a row (2010-11). Finishing fifth in Heisman voting in 2010, Blackmon was the first receiver to win the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, in a season that he amassed 1,782 Yards and 20 Touchdowns. Totalling 3,584 Yards in 40 TDs over his three seasons with the Cowboys, Blackmon played two years in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Paul Cameron, UCLA, Tailback, 1951-53. Cameron was a three-time all-conference player, who was sixth in Heisman voting in 1952, and third in 1953. A versatile player, Cameron excelled at all aspects as offense, and was solid as a Defensive Back. He would play briefly for the Pittsburgh Steelers before playing three years in the Canadian Football League with the B.C. Lions.
Tim Couch, Kentucky, Quarterback, 1996-98. Couch was the 1998 SEC Player of the Year while also finishing fourth for the Heisman. A back-to-back Davey O’Brien Award Finalist, Couch threw for then SEC record 4,275 Yards, and compiled 8,435 Yards and 74 Touchdowns with the Wildcats. He was later the number one pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns where he played until 2003.
Warrick Dunn, Florida State, Running Back, 1993-96. Dunn was the first Seminole to rush for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons, and had 3,959 Rushing Yards and 5,321 All-Purpose Yards with the Seminoles. He also was fifth in Heisman voting in 1996. Dunn, went on to have a long career in the NFL (Tampa Bay and Atlanta) where he won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Walter Payton Man of the Year and earned three Pro Bowls.
Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State, Quarterback, 2006-09. Edwards was a four-time All-American, who was the first player in Division I to throw for more than 10,000 Yards and rush for more than 4,000. He later played four years in the NFL (Carolina and Cleveland), and later played in the CFL, winning a Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts.
Deon Figures, Colorado, Cornerback, 1988 & 1990-92. Figures won the Jim Thorpe Award, Jack Tatum Award and the Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year in 1992, and helped the Buffaloes win three Big Eight Championships. Recording 13 Interceptions in Colorado, figures would become a First Round Draft Pick and played for Pittsburgh and Jacksonville.
Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh, Wide Receiver, 2003-03. Fitzgerald made history in 2003 as the first sophomore to win the Walter Camp Player pf the Year in the same season he was also the Big East Offensive Player of the Year. In his two seasons as a Panther, he caught 167 passes for 2,677 Yards and 34 Touchdowns. Professionally, he played 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, won the Walter Payton Man of the Year, recorded 17,492 Yards and is a future first ballot of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.
Toby Gerhart, Stanford, Running Back, 2006-09. In 2009, Gerhart won the Doak Walker Award, Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, and was the Heisman runner-up off of a 1,871 Yard/28 TD campaign. Gerhart rushed for 3,522 Yards and 44 TDs overall with the Cardinal, and would play professionally for Minnesota and Jacksonville.
Dan Hampton, Arkansas, Defensive Tackle, 1975-78. The 1978 SWC Defensive Player of the Year was part of some of the best Razorbacks teams of all-time. Hampton later won a Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears, and was a 2002 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.
Steve Hutchinson, Michigan, Offensive Guard, 1997-00. Converting from the Defensive Line, Hutchinson was the 2000 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and became a First Round Pick. Playing for Seattle, Minnesota and Tennessee, Hutchinson went to seven Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
Antonio Langham, Alabama, Cornerback, 1990-93. A major part of the Crimson Tide’s National Championship in 1992, the three-time All-SEC selection won both the Jim Thorpe Award and Jack Tatum Award in 1993. Still holding Alabama’s record for Interceptions with 19, he played seven years in the NFL with stops in Cleveland, Baltimore, San Francisco and New England.
Randy Moss, Marshall, Wide Receiver, 1996-97. An All-American in both of his years at Marshall, Moss won the coveted Biletnikoff Award in 1997, and was fourth in Heisman voting. With the Thundering Herd, Moss had 54 Touchdowns with 3,539 Yards, and went on to become the most exciting Wide Receivers in NFL history, earning six Pro Bowls, four First Team All-Pros, and an Offensive Rookie of the Year. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, and was named to the 100th Anniversary All-Anniversary Team.
Julius Peppers, North Carolina, Defensive End, 1999-01. In his final season at UNC, Peppers won the Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award and Bill Willis Trophy while recording 30.5 Sacks overall with the Tar Heels. Peppers went on to have a phenomenal NFL career, playing for Carolina, Chicago and Green Bay and was named to nine Pro Bowls, and two All-Decade Teams. He is up for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a Finalist this year, and should go two-for-two.
Paul Posluszny, Penn State, Linebacker, 2003-06. One of only two-time winners of the Chuck Bednarik Award (2005 & 2006), the former captain of the Nittany Lions was also the 2005 Butkus Award winner. He also made school history as the first player to record three 100-tackle seasons. Posluszny went to play 11 seasons in the NFL, split between Buffalo and Jacksonville.
Dewey Selmon, Oklahoma, Nose Guard, 1972-75. Selmon was a two-time All-American who helped the Sooners win back-to-back championships in 1974 and 1975, and in the two years previous finish #2 and #3. Twice an All-Big Eight Selection, Selmon had 325 Tackles and would have a seven-year career in the NFL with Tampa Bay and San Diego.
Alex Smith, Utah, Quarterback, 2002-04. Smith went 21-1 as a starter for the Utes and would lead his school to two MWC Titles (2003 & 2004). He was named the 2004 MVC Offensive Player of the Year was also fourth in Heisman voting. Professionally, he had a long career, playing for San Francisco, Kansas City and Washington.
Kevin Smith, Texas A&M, Cornerback, 1988-91. Smith was a three-time First Team SWC Selection, and had 20 Interceptions with the Aggies. He played eight years with Dallas, winning three Super Bowls.
Chris Ward, Ohio State, Offensive Tackle, 1974-77. A two-time All-American, Ward was on Buckeyes squads that finished #3, #4, #4 and #1 respectively. He later played eight years in the NFL with the New York Jets, New Orleans, Miami and San Francisco.
Danny Woodhead, Chadron State, Running Back, 2004-07. Arguably the best player in school history, Woodhead was a three-time All-American, two-time Division II MVP and three-time RMAC Offensive Player of the Year. Professionally, he played for the New York Jets, New England, San Diego and Baltimore.
Coaches:
Mark Dantonio, 132-74. Cincinnati 2004-06, Michigan State 2007-19. Dantonio was twice the Big Ten Coach of the Year, and led the Spartans to six Bowl wins.
Danny Hale, 213-69-1, West Chester 1984-88, Bloomsburg 1993-2012. Hale won 11 PSAC Titles and was the AFCA District I Coach of the Year nine times.
Frank Solich, 173-101, Nebraska 1998-2003, Ohio 2005-20. Solich’s 115 Wins give him the most in MAC history, and he led the Bobcats to four MAC East Division Titles.
We here at Notinhalloffame.co would like to congratulate the members of the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Names their 2024 Finalists
Happy Holidays!
The Holiday season continues, but for us at Notinhallofame.com., this is the equivalent of Santa Claus looking down the chimney.
Tonight, Canton told us who has taken the next step to join their hallowed halls and here we are!
These are the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalists in alphabetical order:
Eric Allen: Cornerback. 1988-94 PHI, 1995-97 NO, 1998-2001 OAK. Allen became a Finalist for the first time and needs the momentum as his eligibility window in the modern era is closing. A six-time Pro Bowl Selection, who has 54 career Interceptions, Allen is ranked #49 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Jared Allen: Defensive End. 2004-07 KC, 2008-13 MIN, 2014-15 CHI, 2015 CAR. Allen is now four-for-four in eligibility years as a Finalist. A two-time Sack leader with 136 career Sacks, Allen also has 171 Tackles for Loss. A five-time Pro Bowl and four-time First Team All-Pro, Allen is ranked #17 on Notinhalloffame.com,
Willie Anderson: Offensive Tackle. 1996-2007 CIN, 2008 BAL. Anderson was eligible for the first time in 2013, and eight years later, he was a Semi-Finalist for the first time. He is now a three-time Finalist. Anderson went to four Pro Bowls, was a three-time First Team All-Pro and is ranked #137 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Jahri Evans: Offensive Guard. 2006-16 NO, 2017 GB. Evans makes it as a Finalist in his second yer, and is the first player from the New Orleans Super Bowl winning team to make it here. The Guard was a six-time Pro Bowl and four-time First Team All-Pro and is ranked #31 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Dwight Freeney: Defensive End. 2002-12 IND, 2013-14 SD, AZ 2015, 2016 ATL, 2017 SEA, 2017 DET. Freeney is a Finalist for the second straight year and won a Super Bowl with the Colts, had 125.5 Sacks and went to seven Pro Bowls earning three First Team All-Pros. Freeney is ranked #48 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Antonio Gates: Tight End. 2003-18 SD/LAC. Gates is an unsurprising Finalist on his first ballot. He will enter the Hall soon, and the only question is whether the eight-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro enters this year. Odds are that he will. He is ranked #4 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Rodney Harrison: Safety. 1994-2002 SD, 2003-08 NE. Eligible since 2014, Harrison is now a three-time Semi-Finalist, and is a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Patriots. Also, a two-time Pro Bowl Selection, Harrison had 30.5 Sacks and 30 Interceptions. Harrison is ranked #211 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Devin Hester: Punt Returner, Kick Returner & Wide Receiver. 2006-13 CHI, 2014-15 ATL, 2016 BAL. Hester is now a three-time Finalist, and has been one all three of eligible years, so it is only a matter of time before he is modeling for that Canton bust. A three-time First Team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, Hester is a member of the 100th Anniversary Team. Hester is ranked #34 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Torry Holt: Wide Receiver. 1999-08 STL, 2009 JAX. A ten-time Semi-Finalist, Holt is now a five-time Finalist. A Super Bowl Champion with the Rams, Holt went to seven Pro Bowls, and was a two-time Receiving Yards leader. Holt is ranked #6 on Notinhalloffame.com, and it appears that he is the next WR in queue, but strange things can happen.
Andre Johnson: Wide Receiver. 2003-14 HOU, 2015 IND, 2016 TEN. Johnson is now a Finalist in his first three years on the ballot. Named to seven Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros, Johnson had well over 14,000 Receiving Yards and twice led the league in that category. Johnson is ranked #18 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Julius Peppers: Defensive End. 2002-09 & 2017-18 CAR, 2010-13 CHI, 2014-15 GB. Peppers is a Finalist in year one, and has an excellent chance to be a first-year inductee. A nine-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro, Peppers has a whopping 159.5 Sacks. Peppers is ranked #1 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Fred Taylor: Running Back. 1998-08 JAX, 2009-10 NE. Taylor is now on a five-year streak of Semi-Final Selections, and he broke through finally as a Finalist. He only had one Pro Bowl under his belt, but is highly believed to be the best offensive skill player that Jacksonville ever had. Taylor is ranked #186 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Reggie Wayne: Wide Receiver. 2001-14 IND. Wayne won a Super Bowl with the Colts and has been a Semi-Finalist all five of his years on the ballot, is now a five-time Finalist. A former Receiving Yard leader and six-time Pro Bowler, Wayne is ranked #10 on Notinhalloffame.com, Could Wayne be the next WR in the Hall?
Patrick Willis: Linebacker. 2007-14 SF. Willis is now a five-time Semi-Finalist, and is now a three-time Finalist. Willis only played eight years but was a Pro Bowl in seven and a First Team All-Pro in five of them. He is ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com
Darren Woodson: Safety. 1992-03 DAL. Woodson becomes a Finalist for the second time, and time is elapsing on his candidacy. He was a three-time Super Bowl winner, a three-time First Team All-Pro and is ranked #77 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Those left off were Tiki Barber, Anquan Boldin, London Fletcher, Eddie George, James Harrison, Robert Mathis, Steve Smith, Hines Ward, Ricky Watters and Vince Wilfork
So, who is going to get in!!!
These Finalists will join Senior Candidates, Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell, and Coaches/Contributor Finalist, Buddy Parker, and over Super Bowl weekend we will learn who will comprise the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame names its 2024 Semi-Finalists
The last two weeks of November have always been special for Hall of Fame watchers. The Baseball Hall of Fame puts forth their official ballot for the modern candidates, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame reduces their preliminary candidates to 25 Semi-Finalists.
For the first time (at least that we are aware of) the PFHOF made their declaration in the AM, and we have two former players, who are debuting on their first year of eligibility.
Here are the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Semi-Finalists in alphabetical order:
Eric Allen: Cornerback. 1988-94 PHI, 1995-97 NO, 1998-2001 OAK. Allen is now a Semi-Finalist for the fourth straight year, and he needs this momentum as he has been eligible since 2007, but has yet to become a Finalist. A six-time Pro Bowl Selection, who has 54 career Interceptions, Allen is ranked #49 on Notinhalloffame.com, and was one of the 25 selected by our mock committee.
Jared Allen: Defensive End. 2004-07 KC, 2008-13 MIN, 2014-15 CHI, 2015 CAR. Allen returns as a Semi-Finalist for the fourth straight year, and considering he was a Finalist the last three years, it is expected that he will advance again. A two-time Sack leader with 136 career Sacks, Allen also has 171 Tackles for Loss. A five-time Pro Bowl and four-time First Team All-Pro, Allen is ranked #17 on Notinhalloffame.com, and was one of the 25 selected by our mock committee
Willie Anderson: Offensive Tackle. 1996-2007 CIN, 2008 BAL. Anderson was eligible for the first time in 2013, and eight years later, he was a Semi-Finalist for the first time. Now a four-time Semi-Finalist, “Big Willie” was a Finalist for the last two years. Anderson went to four Pro Bowls, was a three-time First Team All-Pro and is ranked #137 on Notinhalloffame.com. He was also one of the 25 selected by our mock committee.
Tiki Barber: Running Back. 1997-06 NYG. Barber has been eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for twelve years and he is now a first time Semi-Finalist. One of three Running Backs who have made it this far, Barber was a three-time Pro Bowl and one time First Team All-Pro, and twice led the league in Yards From Scrimmage. He is ranked #165 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Anquan Boldin: Wide Receiver. 2003-2009 AZ, 2010-12 BAL, 2013-15 SF, 2016 DET. A Semi-Finalist in his first three year of eligibility, the former Wide Receiver is seeking his first trip to the Finals. With 13,779 Yards and 82 Touchdowns, Boldin won a Super Bowl with Baltimore, and was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection. Boldin is ranked #89 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Jahri Evans: Offensive Guard. 2006-16 NO, 2017 GB. Evans makes the Semis in his first two year of eligibility, and is the first player from the New Orleans Super Bowl winning team to make it here. The Guard was a six-time Pro Bowl and four-time First Team All-Pro and is ranked #31 on Notinhalloffame.com.
London Fletcher: Linebacker. 1998-01 STL, 2002-06 BUF, 2007-13 WAS. Eligible since 2019, Fletcher is now a two-time Semi-Finalist who recorded over 2,000 Tackles over his career and is a Super Bowl Champion with the Rams. A four-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro is ranked #56 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Antonio Gates: Tight End. 2003-18 SD/LAC. Gates is an unsurprising Semi-Finalist on his first ballot, and he is a lock to be a Finalist. He will enter the Hall soon, and the only question is whether the eight-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro enters this year. Odds are that he will. He is ranked #4 on Notinhalloffame.com and was one of the 25 selected by our Mock Committee.
Eddie George: Running Back. 1996-03 HOU/TEN, 2004 DAL. George is a Semi-Finalist for the second time after first making this stage two years ago. The four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro is ranked #168 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Dwight Freeney: Defensive End. 2002-12 IND, 2013-14 SD, AZ 2015, 2016 ATL, 2017 SEA, 2017 DET. Freeney is one of the five first year eligible players to make the Semi-Finals, a huge accomplishment for a Hall of Fame path. Freeney won a Super Bowl with the Colts, had 125.5 Sacks and went to seven Pro Bowls earning three First Team All-Pros. Freeney is ranked #48 on Notinhalloffame.com, and was one of the 25 selected by our Mock Committee.
James Harrison: Linebacker. 2002-12 PIT, 2013 CIN, 2014-17 PIT, 2017 NE. Harrison is a Semi-Finalist on his first year on the ballot and was a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Steelers. The 2008 AP Defensive Player of the Year, Harrison went to five Pro Bowls and earned two-time First Team All-Pros. Harrison is ranked #52 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Rodney Harrison: Safety. 1994-2002 SD, 2003-08 NE. Eligible since 2014, Harrison is now a three-time Semi-Finalist, and is a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Patriots. Also, a two-time Pro Bowl Selection, Harrison had 30.5 Sacks and 30 Interceptions. Harrison is ranked #211 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Devin Hester: Punt Returner, Kick Returner & Wide Receiver. 2006-13 CHI, 2014-15 ATL, 2016 BAL. Hester was a Semi-Finalist and Finalist in his first two years n the ballot, so it is only a matter of time before he is modeling for that Canton bust. A three-time First Team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, Hester is a member of the 100th Anniversary Team. Hester is ranked #34 on Notinhalloffame.com.*
Torry Holt: Wide Receiver. 1999-08 STL, 2009 JAX. A ten-time Semi-Finalist, Holt has been a Finalist the last four years, and likely will add a fifth. A Super Bowl Champion with the Rams, Holt went to seven Pro Bowls, and was a two-time Receiving Yards leader. Holt is ranked #6 on Notinhalloffame.com, and was one of the 25 selected by our Mock Committee. It appears that he is the next WR in queue, but strange things can happen.
Andre Johnson: Wide Receiver. 2003-14 HOU, 2015 IND, 2016 TEN. Johnson was a Finalist in his first two years of eligibility and should be again this year. Named to seven Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros, Johnson had well over 14,000 Receiving Yards and twice led the league in that category. Johnson is ranked #18 on Notinhalloffame.com, and was one of the 26 selected by our Mock Committee.
Robert Mathis: Defensive End & Linebacker. 2003-16 IND. A Super Bowl Champion with Indianapolis, the team he spent his entire career with, Mathis is on his third year of eligibility, and is now a three-time Semi-Finalist. With 123 career Sacks, six Pro Bowls and one First Team All-Pro, Mathis is ranked #108 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Julius Peppers: Defensive End. 2002-09 & 2017-18 CAR, 2010-13 CHI, 2014-15 GB. Peppers is a Semi-Finalist n year one, and it should be expected that he will advance as a Finalist. A nine-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro, Peppers has a whopping 159.5 Sacks. Peppers is ranked #1 on Notinhalloffame.com, and was one of the 25 selected in our Mock Committee.
Steve Smith: Wide Receiver. 2001-13 CAR, 2014-16 BAL. A five-time Pro Bowl and 14,000 Receiving Yards Club member, Smith is one of the greatest offensive players in Panthers history. Smith has been eligible for three years, and is now a Semi-Finalist in all of them, though he has yet to be a Finalist. He is ranked #24 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Fred Taylor: Running Back. 1998-08 JAX, 2009-10 NE. Taylor is now on a five-year streak of Semi-Final Selections, though he has yet to be a Finalist. He only had one Pro Bowl under his belt, but is highly believed to be the best offensive skill player that Jacksonville ever had. Taylor is ranked #186 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Hines Ward: Wide Receiver. 1998-2011 PIT. Ward has been a Semi-Finalist all right years of eligibility, but this has yet to get him to the Finals. Could this be the year? If so, we are talking about a Super Bowl MVP, a two-time Super Bowl Champion and four-time Pro Bowler. Ward is ranked #42 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Ricky Watters: Running Back. 1992-94 SF, 1995-97 Ricky Watters, 1998-2001 SEA. Watters is running out of time as this his third last year on the ballot. A Semi-Finalist four times before, he won a Super Bowl with San Francisco and went to five Pro Bowls. Watters is ranked #43 on Notinhalloffame.com, and was one of the 25 in our Mock Committee.
Reggie Wayne: Wide Receiver. 2001-14 IND. Wayne won a Super Bowl with the Colts and has been a Semi-Finalist all five of his years on the ballot, and likely will be a five-time Finalist in a month. A former Receiving Yard leader and six-time Pro Bowler, Wayne is ranked #10 on Notinhalloffame.com, Could Wayne be the next WR in the Hall?
Vince Wilfork: Defensive Tackle & Nose Tackle. 2004-12 NE, 2015-16 HOU. The mountain of a man helped New England win a Super Bowl and is now three-for-three in Semi-Final appearances, though this has not translated into a berth in the Finals. The five-time Pro Bowler is ranked #140 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Patrick Willis: Linebacker. 2007-14 SF. Willis is now a five-time Semi-Finalist, and was a Finalist the last two years. Willis only played eight years but was a Pro Bowl in seven and a First Team All-Pro in five of them. He is ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com*
Darren Woodson: Safety. 1992-03 DAL. Woodson is now a seven-time Semi-Finalist, but it was not until last year that he made the Finals. He was a three-time Super Bowl winner, a three-time First Team All-Pro and is ranked #77 on Notinhalloffame.com, and was one of the 25 selected by our Mock Committee.
*Please note that Hester and Willis were not included in our Mock Committee Semi-Finalists as we have already “inducted” them in previous discussions.
It should be noted that we will be holding our Mock Committee meeting tonight on YouTube to name and debate out Finalists.
So, who is going to get in!!!
This group witll pared down to 15 in January, and those Finalists will join Senior Candidates, Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell, and Coaches/Contributor Finalist, Buddy Parker
The Pro Football Hall of Fame names 173 Preliminary Candidates for the Class of 2024
For us at Notinhalloffame.com, this is our march toward our Christmas. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the Modern-Era Preliminary Nominees for the Class of 2024, a total of 173 former players, which we believe has to be a record.
To qualify, a player must have retired less than 25 years ago and at least 5 years ago:
*means they were a preliminary candidate last year.
**means they are eligible for the first time.
Quarterbacks (10): (up from 6 last year)
Marc Bulger: 2002-09: STL. Bulger went to two Pro Bowls and threw for over 22,000 Yards.
*Randall Cunningham: 1985-01, PHI, MIN, DAL, BAL. Cunningham is a three-time Bert Bell Award winner a four-time Pro Bowl Selection. Ranked #26 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Jake Delhomme: 1999-11, NOR, CAR, HOU. Delhomme went to the Pro Bowl in 2005 and he would throw for over 20,000 Yards.
Doug Flutie: 1986-89 & 1998-05. Flutie played many years in the CFL and went to the Pro Bowl in his return year in 1998.
Rich Gannon: 1987-04, MIN, WAS, KAN, OAK. Gannon was a four-time Pro Bowler who won the 2002 AP MVP. The two-time First Team All-Pro threw for 28,743 Yards and 180 Touchdowns. Ranked #291 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Jeff Garcia: 1999-09, SFO, CLE, DET, PHI, TAM. Garcia was a four-time Pro Bowler and would throw for over 25,000 Passing Yards.
*Donovan McNabb: 1999-01, PHI, WAS, MIN. McNabb took the Eagles to the Super Bowl and was a six-time Pro Bowler. He threw for 37,276 Yards with 234 Touchdowns and ran for another 3,459 Yards and 29 TDs. Ranked #80 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Steve McNair: 1995-2007, HOU, TEN, BAL. McNair was a three-time Pro Bowl and former MVP. He threw for 31,204 Yards and 174 Touchdowns. Ranked #121 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Tony Romo: 2004-16, DAL. Romo went to four Pro Bowls and amassed 34,183 Passing Yards and 248 Touchdown Passes.
Michael Vick: 2001-06 & 2009-15, ATL, PHI. Vick went to four Pro Bowls and won the 2010 Bert Bell Award. He threw for 22,464 Yards and 133 Touchdowns, and rushed for 6,109 Yards and 36 Touchdowns. Ranked #269 on Notinhalloffame.com.
(Quarterbacks added: Marc Bulger, Doug Flutie, Rich Gannon, Tony Romo & Michael Vick. Quarterbacks removed: Dave Krieg.)
Running Backs (33): (Up from 17 last year)
*Shaun Alexander: 2000-08, SEA, PHI. Alexander went to three straight Pro Bowls and in the last one he won the Rushing Title and was named the AP MVP. Alexander retired with 10,973 Yards From Scrimmage and 112 Touchdowns. Ranked #79 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Terry Allen: 1991-01, MIN, WAS, NEW, NOR, BAL. Allen went to one Pro Bowl and compiled 10,215 Yards From Scrimmage and 79 Touchdowns.
Jamal Anderson: 1994-01, ATL. In 1998, Anderson was a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl Selection who had 5,336 career Rushing Yards.
*Mike Alstott (FB): 1996-06, TAM. Alstott won a Super Bowl with the Bucs and was a six-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro. He would total 7,373 Yards From Scrimmage with 71 Touchdowns. Ranked #150 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Tiki Barber: 1997-06, NYG. Barber rushed for over 10,000 Yards and was a three-time Pro Bowler. He also caught another 5,000 Yards and was a two-time leader in Yards From Scrimmage. Ranked #165 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Michael Bates (KR): 1993-03, SEA, CLE, CAR, WAS, DAL, NYJ. Bates went to five Pro Bowls as a Kick Returner and compiled 9,348 All-Purpose Yards.
*Larry Centers: 1990-03, PHO, ARI, WAS, BUF, NWE. Centers was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection and totalled 8,985 Yards From Scrimmage.
**Jamaal Charles: 2008-18, KAN, DEN, JAX. Charles went to four Pro Bowls, was a two-time First Team All-Pro and in a career spent mostly in Kansas City, would net 10,156 Yards From Scrimmage.
Stephen Davis: 1996-06, WAS, CAR, STL. Davis rushed for just over 8,000 Yards and 65 Touchdowns while going to three Pro Bowls.
*Corey Dillon: 1997-06, CIN, NWE. Dillon won the Super Bowl with the Patriots and was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection. Dillon accumulated 13,335 All-Purpose Yards over his career.
Warrick Dunn: 1997-08, TAM, ATL. Dunn was the 1997 Offensive Rookie of the Year and was a three-time Pro Bowler who rushed for 10,957 Yards and 49 Touchdowns.
Charlie Garner: 1994-04, PHI, SFO, OAK, TAM. Garner was a one-time Pro Bowl honoree and would rush for 7,097 Yards with 39 Touchdowns.
*Eddie George: 1996-04, HOU, TEN, DAL. George went to four straight Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in 2000. He would rush for 10,441 Yards. Ranked #171 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Ahman Green: 1998-08, GB, HOU. Green went to four consecutive Pro Bowls (2001-04) and accrued 12,088 Yards From Scrimmage with 74 Touchdowns.
*Priest Holmes: 1997-07, BAL, KC. Winning the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, Holmes had greater individual success with the Chiefs where he was a three-time First Team All-Pro. He would tabulate 11,134 Yards From Scrimmage. Ranked #130 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Steven Jackson: 2004-15, STL, ATL, NWE. Jackson accrued 15,121 Yards From Scrimmage and 78 Touchdowns. He is the Rams’ all-time leading rusher. Ranked #193 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Chris Johnson: 2008-17, TEN, NYJ, ARI. Johnson won the 2009 Offensive Player of the Year Award in a campaign where he set the single-season record for Yards From Scrimmage (2,509). He rushed for 9,651 Yards over his career.
Daryl Johnston (FB): 1998-98, DAL. Johnston was the Fullback for the three Super Bowl Championship Teams in Dallas, and he also went to two Pro Bowls.
Thomas Jones: 2000-11, ARI, TAM, CHI, NYJ, KAN. Jones is a member of the 10,000 Yard Rushing Club (10,591) and also had 68 TDs on the ground. He also went to one Pro Bowl.
John Kuhn (FB): 2006-17, PIT, GNB, NOR. Kuhn was a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time First Team All-Pro who won a Super Bowl with the Packers.
*Vonta Leach (FB): 2004-13, GNB, NO, HOU, BAL. Leach won a Super Bowl with the Ravens and was a three-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro at Fullback.
Dorsey Levens: 1994-04, GNB, PHI, NYG. Levens won a Super Bowl and went to a Pro Bowl as a Packer. He would also accumulate 7,288 All-Purpose Yards with 53 Touchdowns.
*Jamal Lewis: 2000-09, BAL, CLE. In 2003, Lewis entered rarified air as he entered the 2,000-Yard club when he went for 2,006. He would rush for 10,607 Yards. Ranked #227 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Eric Metcalf (Also WR/PR/KR): 1989-02, CLE, ATL, SDG, ARI, CAR, WAS, GNB. Incredibly versatile, Metcalf was also used as a Wide Receiver and Returner and the three-time Pro Bowler would total 17,230 All-Purpose Yards.
Glyn Milburn (Also WR & KR): 1993-01, DET, CHI, SDG. Milburn went to two Pro Bowls as a Kick Returner and had 14,911 All-Purpose Yards.
*Lorenzo Neal (FB): 1993-08, NOR, NYJ, TAM, TEN, CIN, SDG, BAL. Playing at Fullback, Neal would go to four Pro Bowls and was named to two First Team All-Pros.
Tony Richardson (FB): 1995-10, KAN, MIN, NYJ. Richardson was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection
Robert Smith: 1991-00, MIN. Smith went to two Pro Bowls, retired in his prime, and had 6,818 Rushing Yards with 33 Touchdowns.
*Fred Taylor: 1998-10, JAX, NWE. Taylor was a Pro Bowl Selection in 2007 and would accumulate 14,079 Yards From Scrimmage, 11,695 on the ground. Ranked #186 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Chris Warren: 1990-00, SEA, DAL, PHI. Warren went to three straight Pro Bowls (1993-95) and rushed for 7,696 Yards and 52 Touchdowns.
*Ricky Watters: 1992-01, SFO, PHI, SEA. Watters was a Super Bowl Champion with the 49ers and he would go to the Pro Bowl in his first five years in the NFL. He would lead the NFL in Yards From Scrimmage in 1996 and would have 14,891 in total. Ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Brian Westbrook: 2002-10, PHI, SFO. Westbrook went to two Pro Bowls and led the NFL in Yards From Scrimmage in 2007. He had over 11,000 All-Purpose Yards.
Ricky Williams: 1999-11, NO, MIA, BAL. Williams won the 2002 Rushing Title and went to the Pro Bowl and was named a First Team All-Pro that year. He compiled 10,009 Rushing Yards with 66 Touchdowns.
(Running Backs added: Terry Allen, Jamal Anderson, Michael Bates, Jamaal Charles, Stephen Davis, Charlie Garner, Ahman Green, Daryl Johnston, Thomas Jones, John Kuhn, Dorsey Levens, Glyn Milburn, Tony Richardson, Robert Smith, Chris Warren and Ricky Williams. Running Backs removed: None.)
Wide Receivers (23): (Up From 20 Last Year)
*Anquan Boldin: 2003-16, ARI, BAL, SFO. A three-time Pro Bowl Selection, Boldin had seven 1,000 Yard Receiving seasons, tallying 13,779 in total with 82 Touchdowns. Ranked #89 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Troy Brown (Also PR/KR): 1993-07, NWE. A Pro Bowler in 2001, Brown had 6,366 Receiving Yards with another 4,487 Yards in the return game. Brown won three Super Bowls with the Patriots.
*Donald Driver: 1999-12, GNB. Driver was a Super Bowl Champion with the Packers where he would also go to three Pro Bowls. He would accumulate 10,137 Receiving Yards.
Antonio Freeman: 1995-03, GNB, PHI. Freeman won a Super Bowl with Green Bay and was leading receiver in 1998. He amassed 7,251 Receiving Yards with 61 Touchdowns.
*Irving Fryar: 1984-00, NE, MIA, PHI, WAS. Fryar was a five-time Pro Bowl Selection, and a former First Overall Pick. He accumulated 12,785 Receiving Yards with 84 Touchdowns. Ranked #141 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Dante Hall (Also KR/PR): 2000-08, KAN, STL. Hall was twice a Pro Bowler and a one-time First Team All-Pro as a Returner. He compiled 14,386 All-Purpose Yards.
*Devin Hester (Also KR/PR): 2006-16, CHI, ATL BAL, SEA. Hester might be listed first as a Wide Receiver, but his three First Team All-Pros and four Pro Bowls came as a Returner. In his first year of eligibility, Hester had 14,455 All-Purpose Yards. He was a Finalist last year. Ranked #34 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Torry Holt: 1999-09, STL, JAX. A Super Bowl Champion with the St. Louis Rams, Holt went to seven Pro Bowls and led the NFL in Receiving Yards twice. He finished his career with 13,382 Yards and 74 TDs. Holt was a Finalist last year. Ranked #6 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Joe Horn: 1996-07, KAN, NOR, ATL. Horn was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Saints, and had 8,744 Receiving Yards with 58 Touchdowns.
*Andre Johnson: 2003-16, HOU, IND, TEN. Johnson led the NFL in Receiving Yards twice with 14,185 in total, 13,597 of which was as a Texan. Johnson went to seven Pro Bowls, earned two First Team All-Pros, and is his in his first year of eligibility. Ranked #18 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Chad Johnson: 2001-11, CIN, NWE. Johnson went to six Pro Bowls as a Bengal and he would accumulate 11,059 Receiving Yards, punching 67 of them into the end zone. “Ocho Cinco” was also a First Team All-Pro twice. Ranked #146 on Notinhalloffame.com.
**Brandon Marshall: 2006-18. Marshall was a six-time Pro Bowler and one was a First Team All-Pro. He amassed 12,351 Yards with 83 Touchdowns. Ranked #166 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Derrick Mason: 1997-11, TEN, BAL. Mason would record 12,061 Receiving Yards and was chosen for the Pro Bowl twice. Ranked #224 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Herman Moore: 1991-02, DET, NYG. Moore went to four consecutive Pro Bowls (1994-97) and earned three straight First Team All-Pros (1995-97). He twice led the NFL in Receptions, and had 9,174 Yards with 62 TDs.
*Muhsin Muhammad: 1996-09, CAR, CHI. Muhammad led all NFL Wide Receivers in Yards in 2004, which was the season he was chosen as a First Team All-Pro. He would net 11,438 Receiving Yards in total.
Jordy Nelson: 2008-18, GNB. Nelson had 72 Touchdowns, 8,587 Yards and a Super Bowl Ring with Green Bay. He also went to one Pro Bowl.
*Andre Rison: 1989-00, ATL, CLE, GNB, JAX, KAN, OAK. Rison went to the Pro Bowls five times, four with Atlanta, where he led the NFL Touchdown Receptions in 1993. He had 84 Touchdowns with 10,205 career Receiving Yards. Ranked #195 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Jimmy Smith: 1992-05, DAL, JAX. Smith was chosen for five consecutive Pro Bowls (1997-01) and in 1999 he led the NFL in Receptions. He would retire with 12,287 Receiving Yards and 67 Touchdowns. Ranked #179 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Rod Smith: 1995-06, DEN. Smith would win two Super Bowls with the Broncos and was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection. He recorded 11,389 Yards with 68 TDs. Ranked #62 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Steve Smith: 2001-16, CAR, BAL. Smith led the NFL in Receptions, Receiving Yards and Receiving Touchdowns in 2005, and he was a two-time First Team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler. Smith accumulated 14,731 Yards with 81 TDs. Ranked #24 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Hines Ward: 1998-11, PIT. Ward won two Super Bowls with the Steelers and was the MVP in one of them. A previous Semi-Finalist, he has four Pro Bowls, 85 Touchdowns and 12,083 Yards on his resume. Ranked #43 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Reggie Wayne: 2001-12, IND. Wayne was a career-Colt, winning a Super Bowl there, while earning six Pro Bowls and a First Team All-Pro. He led the NFL in Receiving Yards in 2007, and has significantly more Yards (14,345) than any other Finalist. He also has 82 Touchdowns. Ranked #10 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Wes Welker: 2004-15, MIA, SDG, NEW, DEN, STL. Welker led the NFL three times in Receptions and the five-time Pro Bowl Selection had 9,924 career Receiving Yards. Ranked #161 on Notinhalloffame.com.
(Wide Receivers Added: Antonio Freeman, Dante Hall, Brandon Marshall, Herman Moore & Jordy Nelson, Wide Receivers Removed: Henry Ellard & Roddy White)
Tight Ends (3): (No Change from Last Year)
Antonio Gates: 2003-18, SDG, LAC. Gates went to the Pro Bowl every year from 2004 to 2011, and was a three-time First Team All-Pro. He had 116 Touchdowns and 11,841 Yards. Ranked #4 on Norinhalloffame.com.
*Ben Coates: 1991-00, NWE, BAL. Coates was a Pro Bowler in five straight years from 1994 to 1998 and was a two-time First Team All-Pro. He would accumulate 5,555 Yards with 50 Touchdowns. Ranked #101 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Wesley Walls: 1989-03, SFO, NOR, CAR, GNB. Walls was named to the Pro Bowl five times when he was with the Carolina Panthers. He would have 5,291 Yards with 54 TDs in his career. Ranked #297 on Notinhalloffame.com.
(Tight Ends added: Antonio Gates, Tight Ends removed, Dallas Clark)
Offensive Lineman (25): (Up from 20 Last Year)
*Willie Anderson (T): 1996-08, CIN, BAL. Anderson was chosen for four Pro Bowls in a row (2003-06), with his last three being First Team All-Pro worthy. Anderson was a surprise Finalist last year. Ranked #137 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Bruce Armstrong (T): 1987-00, NWE. Armstrong went to six Pro Bowls in a career spent entirely with the Patriots. Ranked #202 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Matt Birk (C): 1998-12, MIN, BAL. Birk is a Super Bowl Champion with the Baltimore Ravens and would prior have six Pro Bowls as a Minnesota Viking. Ranked #144 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Lomas Brown (T): 1985-02, DET, ARI, CLE, NYG, TAM. Brown had seven straight Pro Bowls (1990-96) and in his last season in the NFL, he would win a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay. Ranked #162 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Ruben Brown (G): 1995-07, BUF, CHI. Brown was a nine-time Pro Bowl Selection who started all of his 181 Games. Ranked #111 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Jahri Evans (G): 2006-17. Evans went to six Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in four of them. He is also a Super Bowl Champion with the Saints and is in his first year of eligibility. Ranked #31 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Kevin Glover (C/G): 1985-99, DET, SEA. Glover was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection at Center with the Lions.
*Olin Kreutz (C): 1998-11, CHI, NOR. Kreutz went to six Pro Bowls and was also a one-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #106 on Notinhalloffame.com.
**T.J Lang (T): 2009-18, GNB, DET. Lang won a Super Bowl with Green Bay and was twice a Pro Bowler.
Matt Light (T): 2001-11, NWE. Light won three Super Bowls with New England and was also a three-time Pro Bowl Selection. He also has a First Team All-Pro on his ledger.
*Nick Mangold (C): 2008-16, NYJ. Mangold played his entire career with the Jets, where he went to seven Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros. Ranked #242 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Logan Mankins (G): 2005-15, NWE, TAM. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Mankins started all of his 161 Games at. Left Guard. Ranked #87 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Tom Nalen (C): 1994-07, DEN. Nalen won two Super Bowls with the Broncos and was chosen for five Pro Bowls and was also a two-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #167 on Notinhalloffame.com. Ranked #142 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Nate Newton (G/T): 1986-99 DAL. Newton went to six Pro Bowls, two First Team All-Pros and won three Super Bowl Rings with the Cowboys. Ranked #182 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Jeff Saturday (C): 1999-02, IND, GNB. Saturday won a Super Bowl with the Colts and he was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #69 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Mark Schlereth (G/C): 1989-00, WAS, DEN. Schlereth won three Super Bowls and went to two Pro Bowls.
**Josh Sitton (G): 2008-18, GNB, CHI, MIA. Sitton went to four Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl with Green Bay.
*Chris Snee (G): 2004-13, NYG. Snee was a two-time Super Bowl Champion who played all 141 of his Games starting at Right Guard. He was also a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.
Mark Stepnoski (C): 1989-01, DAL, HOU, TEN. Stepnoski won three Super Bowls with Dallas and had a five-year run of Pro Bowls (1992-96). Ranked #181 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Dave Szott (G): 1990-03, KAN, WAS, NYJ. Szott was a First Team All-Pro in 1997.
Max Unger (C): 2009-18, SEA, NO. Unger won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks and was a three-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.
*Brian Waters (G): 2000-13, KAN, NWE, DAL. Waters would go to six Pro Bowls and was named to two First Team All-Pros. Ranked #184 on Notinhalloffame.com
*Richmond Webb (T): 1990-02, MIA, CIN. Webb was a Pro Bowl Selection in his first seven seasons with two of them earning First Team All-Pro nods. Ranked #49 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Erik Williams (T): 1991-01, DAL, BAL. Williams won three Super Bowls with Dallas and he went to four Pro Bowls.
*Steve Wisniewski (G): 1989-01, RAI, OAK. A previous Semi-Finalist, Wisniewski played his entire career with the Raiders and he was an eight-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #20 on Notinhalloffame.com.
(Offensive Lineman added: Bruce Armstrong, T.J. Lang, Matt Light Josh Sitton, Mark Stepnoski, Dave Szott & Max Unger Offensive Lineman removed: D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Jordan Gross & Joe Thomas)
Defensive Linemen: (20) (Up from 14 Last Year)
*John Abraham (DE, also LB): 2000-14, NYJ, ATL, ARI. Recording 133.5 Sacks, Abraham was a five-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #64 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Jared Allen (DE): 2004-15, KAN, MIN, CHI, CAR. Allen twice led the NFL in Sacks and would have 136.0 in total. In his first three years of eligibility, Allen was a Finalist, and he was a five-time Pro Bowler, and was a First Team All-Pro in four of those years. Ranked #17 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Dwight Freeney (DE): 2002-17, IND, SD, ARI, DET, SEA. Freeney won a Super Bowl with Indianapolis, the team he went to all seven of his Pro Bowls with. A three-time First Team All-Pro, Freeney had 125.5 Sacks. Ranked #48 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*La’Roi Glover (DT/NT): 1996-08, OAK, NOR, DAL, STL. Glover was a six-time Pro Bowl Selection and in 2000 he would lead the NFL in Sacks and was also a First Team All-Pro that year. He would have 83.5 career Sacks. Ranked #208 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Casey Hampton (DT/NT): 2001-12, PIT. Hampton played his entire career with the Steelers where he won two Super Bowls and was chosen for five Pro Bowls. Ranked #270 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Robert Mathis (DE): 2003-16, IND. Mathis won a Super Bowl with the Colts, and thrice led the NFL in Forced Fumbles. He had 123 career Sacks, leading the NFL in that category in 2013, which was also his only First Team All-Pro. Mathis went to five Pro Bowls. Ranked #108 on Notinhalloffame.com.
**Haloti Ngata (DT): 2006-18, BAL, DET, PHI. Ngata won a Super Bowl with Baltimore, where he went to five straight Pro Bowls (2009-13) and earned two First Team All-Pro Selections. Ranked #44 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Leslie O’Neal (DE): 1986-99, SDG, STL, KAN. O’Neal was a six-time Pro Bowler during his tenure with the Chargers and was the 1986 Defensive Rookie of the Year. O’Neal had 132.5 career Sacks. Ranked #93 on Notinhalloffame.com.
**Julius Peppers (DE): 2002-18, CAR, CHI, GNB. Peppers had nine Pro Bowls, three First Team All-Pros and 159.5 Sacks over his stellar career. Ranked #1 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Simeon Rice (DE): 1996-07, ARI, TAM, IND, DEN. Rice won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers and was a three-time Pro Bowler. He would have 122.0 Sacks over his career. Ranked #133 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Justin Smith (DE): 2001-14, CIN, SFO. Smith went on a five-year streak in the second half of his career of Pro Bowls (2009-14) and was a one-time First Team All-Pro in the middle of it. He had 87.0 career Sacks. Ranked #159 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Neil Smith (DE): 1988-00, KAN, DEN, SDG. Smith would go to six Pro Bowls and was also a First Team All-Pro in 1993. He would also win two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and had 104.5 career Sacks. Ranked #41 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Dana Stubblefield (DT): 1993-03, SFO, WAS, OAK. Stubblefield won the 1997 Defensive Player of the Year, and was a three-time Pro Bowler while with San Francisco, the team he won a Super Bowl ring with.
Henry Thomas (DT/NT): 1987-00, MIN, DET, NWE. Thomas was in the Pro Bowl and had 93.5 Sacks.
*Justin Tuck (DE): 2005-15, NYG, OAK. Tuck was a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl Champion as a Giant.
Ted Washington (NT/DT): 1991-07, SFO, BUF, CHI, NWE, OAK, CLE. Washington won a Super Bowl early in his career with San Francisco, and later was named to four Pro Bowls and a First Team All-Pro.
*Vince Wilfork (DT/NT): 2004-16, NE, HOU. Wilfork won two Super Bowls with the Patriots while individually earning five Pro Bowls and one First Team All-Pro. Ranked #140 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Jamal Williams (DT/NT): 1998-10, SDG, DEN. Williams had three Pro Bowls in his career, with two First Team All-Pros.
*Kevin Williams (DT/DE): 2003-15, MIN, SEA, NOR. Williams had six Pro Bowls and five First Team All-Pros in a career spent mostly in Minnesota. He is entering his first year of eligibility. Ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Pat Williams (DT): 1997-10, BUF, MIN. This Williams played with the above Williams to form the “Williams Wall” in Minnesota. Williams was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection when he was a Viking.
(Defensive Lineman added: Haloti Ngata, Julius Peppers, Dana Stubblefield, Henry Thomas, Ted Washington, Jamal Williams & Pat Williams, Defensive Lineman removed: Clyde Simmons)
Linebackers: (25) (Up from 17 last year)
*Jessie Armstead: 1993-03, NYG, WAS. Armstead went to five straight Pro Bowls and amassed 971 Tackles and 40.0 Sacks.
Brendon Ayanbadejo: 2003-12, MIA, CHI, BAL. Ayanbadejo went to three straight Pro Bowls (2006-08).
*Cornelius Bennett: 1987-00, BUF, ATL, IND. Bennett would go to five Pro Bowls and he was a First Team All-Pro in 1988. He had 71.5 Sacks and 1,190 Combined Tackles. Ranked #111 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*NaVorro Bowman: 2010-17, SF, OAK. Bowman was a four-time First Team All-Pro with 798 career Tackles. Ranked #241 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Lance Briggs: 2003-14, CHI. Briggs went to seven straight Pro Bowls (2005-11) and he was a First Team All-Pro in the first year of that streak. He had 1,181 career Combined Tackles, 16 Interceptions and 15.0 Sacks. Ranked #118 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Keith Brooking: 1998-2012, ATL, DAL, DEN. Brooking was a Pro Bowler in five straight years while playing for Atlanta (2001-05). He had 1,440 Combined Tackles. Ranked #261 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Tedy Bruschi: 1996-08, NWE. Bruschi won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and was a Pro Bowler in 2004.
Karlos Dansby: 2004-17, ARI, CLE, CIN. Dansby had 20 Interceptions and 43 Sacks over his long career.
Donnie Edwards: 1996-08, KAN, SDG. Edwards went to one Pro Bowl and led the league in Tackles in 2004. He had 1,501 career Tackles
*James Farrior: 1997-11, NYJ, PIT. Farrior had 1,440 Tackles and 35.5 Sacks over his long career, and he was also a two-time Super Bowl winner with the Steelers.
*London Fletcher: 1998-13, STL, BUF, WAS. Fletcher would win a Super Bowl early in his career with the Rams and late on his career, he would make the Pro Bowl four years in a row as a Redskin. He would accumulate over 2,000 Combined Tackles over his career. Ranked #64 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*James Harrison: 2002-17, PIT, CIN, NEW. Harrison won two Super Bowls with the Steelers, and had a five-year streak of Pro Bowls. The two-time First Team All-Pro won the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year Award, and is in his first year of eligibility. Ranked #52 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Larry Izzo: 1996-08, MIA, NWE, NYJ. Izzo went to three Pro Bowls as a Special Teams player and he won three Super Bowls with New England.
*Willie McGinest (Also DE): 1994-08, NWE, CLE. Twice named to the Pro Bowl, McGinest won three Super Bowls with the Patriots. He accumulated 86.0 Sacks over his career.
Hardy Nickerson: 1987-02, PIT, TAM, JAX, GNB. Nickerson was at his best in Tampa, obtaining all five of his Pro Bowls and both of his First Team All-Pros there. He had 1,586 Tackles over his career. Ranked #139 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Ken Norton Jr.: 1988-00, DAL, SFO. Norton Jr won three Super Bowls (two with Dallas and one with San Francisco), and he went to three Pro Bowls. He also had a First Team All-Pro (1995), and recorded 1,272 Tackles.
Bryce Paup: 1990-00, GNB, BUF, JAX, MIN. Paup was the Defensive Player of the Year in 1995, which was in the middle of his four consecutive Pro Bowls. He had 75 Sacks over his career.
Julian Peterson: 2000-10, SFO, SEA, DET. Peterson went to five Pro Bowls, secured a First Team All-Pro and had 51.5 Sacks Ranked #286 on Notinhalloffame.com
Joey Porter: 1999-11, PIT, MIA, ARI. A Four-time Pro Bowl, Porter added a First Team All-Pro and won a Super Bowl with the Steelers. He had 98 Sacks over his career. Ranked #194 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Takeo Spikes: 1998-12, CIN, BUF, PHI, SFO, SDG. Spikes was chosen for two Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in 2004. He was also one Interception shy of the 20-20 club and he accumulated 1,431 career Combined Tackles.
Jessie Tuggle: 1987-00, ATL. A Falcon for his entire career, Tuggle led the NFL in Tackles four times, retiring with 1,805 in total. He also went to five Pro Bowls. Ranked #119 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Mike Vrabel: 1997-10, PIT, NWE. Vrabel won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and in one season, he was a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. He had 57 Sacks over his career.
*Patrick Willis: 2007-14, SFO. Willis had a brief but potent career where in his eight seasons he went to seven Pro Bowls and earned six First Team All-Pros. He led the NFL in Combined Tackles twice and had 950 in total. He was a Finalist last year. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Al Wilson: 1996-06, DEN. Wilson played his entire career with the Broncos where he was a five-time Pro Bowl Selection.
Lee Woodall: 1994-01, SF, CAR, DEN. Woodall won a Super Bowl with the 49ers where he was also a two-time Pro Bowl Selection.
(Linebackers added: Brendon Ayanbadejo, Keith Brooking, Karlos Dansby, Donnie Edwards, Larry Izzo, Hardy Nickerson, Ken Norton Jr., Bryce Paup, Julian Peterson, Joey Porter, Jessie Tuggle, Mike Vrabel & Lee Woodall. Linebackers removed: Chad Brown, Seth Joyner, Pat Swilling, Zach Thomas & DeMarcus Ware)
Defensive Backs: (17) (Down from 19 Last Year)
*Eric Allen (CB): 1988-01, PHI, NOR, OAK. Allen secured 54 Interceptions and would have six Pro Bowl Seasons, with one of them earning a First Team All-Pro Selection. Ranked #49 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Dre Bly (DB): 1999-09, ST, DET, DEN, SFO. Bly won a Super Bowl with the Rams and was twice named to the Pro Bowl. He had 43 career Interceptions.
*Kam Chancellor (S): 2010-17, SEA. Chancellor is in his first year of eligibility, and the former Seahawk won a Super Bowl while going to do four Pro Bowls over his career.
*Nick Collins (S): 2005-11, GNB. Collins won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers and was a Pro Bowler three times. He would lead the NFL in Interception Return Yards in 2008 and had 21 career Interceptions.
*Antonio Cromartie (CB): 2006-16, SDG, NYJ, ARI, IND. Cromartie went to four Pro Bowls, going to the First Team All-Pro in 2007, the same season he led the NFL in Interceptions with 10. Cromartie had 31 picks over his career and is Hall of Fame eligible for the first time.
*Merton Hanks (S): 1991-98, SFO, SEA. Hanks won a Super Bowl with the Niners and was also a Pro Bowl Selection four times. He recorded 33 career Interceptions.
*Rodney Harrison (S): 1994-08, SDG, NWE. Harrison won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and he was a Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro twice. He would have 34 career Interceptions and 1,206 Combined Tackles.
Carnell Lake (S). 1988-01, PIT, BAL. Lake was a five-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #211 on Notinhalloffame.com.
*Tim McDonald (S): 1987-99, STL, PHO, SFO. McDonald recorded 40 Interceptions and was a six-time Pro Bowler. He would win a Super Bowl with the 49ers and had 40 Interceptions and 1,139 Combined Tackles. Ranked #271 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Eugene Robinson (DB): 1985-00 SEA, GNB, ATL, CAR. Robinson had 57 Interceptions, 1,413 Tackles, and a Super Bowl Ring with Green Bay. He also went to three Pro Bowls.
Samari Rolle (DB): 1998-08 TEN, BAL. Rolle went to the Pro Bowl and had a First Team All-Pro in 2000, and had 31 Interceptions.
*Allen Rossum (CB): 1998-09, PHI, GNB, ATL, PIT, SFO. DAL. Rossum is listed as a Cornerback, but he was more of a Returner. He was a Pro Bowler in 2004 and had 15,046 All-Purpose Yards.
*Bob Sanders (S): 2004-11, IND, SDG. Sanders only played 50 Games but was the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year and is the owner of a Super Bowl Ring with the Colts.
*Charles Tillman (CB): 2004-11, CHI, CAR. Tillman is in his first year of eligibility and he was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection. He would have 38 career Interceptions with 930 Combined Tackles.
*Troy Vincent (CB): 1992-06, MIA, PHI, BUF, WAS. Vincent’s five Pro Bowls would all come consecutively when he was with the Eagles. He would earn First Team All-Pro honors in 2002 and had 47 Interceptions and 893 Combined Tackles. Ranked #259 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Antoine Winfield (DB): 1999-12, BUF, MIN. Winfield went to three straight Pro Bowls (2008-10) and had 27 Interceptions with 1,094 Combined Tackles.
*Darren Woodson (S): 1992-03, DAL. A part of the Cowboys three Super Bowl Titles in the early 90s, Woodson was a five-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro. He has been a Semi-Finalist before and has 23 career Interceptions with 11 Sacks and 967 Combined Tackles. Ranked #77 on Notinhalloffame.com.
(Defensive Backs added: Dre Bly, Carnell Lake, Eugene Robinson, Samari Rolle & Antoine Winfield Defensive Backs removed: Ronde Barber, Albert Lewis, Terry McDaniel, Darrelle Revis, Asante Samuel &Adrian Wilson)
Place Kickers: (7) (Up from 5 Last Year)
David Akers: 1998-13 WAS, PHI, SFO, DET. Akers was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro Selection. Ranked #246 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Gary Anderson: 1982-04, PIT, PHI, SFO, MIN, TEN. Anderson went to four Pro Bowls and at the time of his retirement, he was the all-time leader in Points Scored and Field Goals Made. Ranked #169 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Jason Elam: 1993-09 DEN, ATL. Elam went to three Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowl Rings with the Broncos.
*Jason Hanson: 1992-12, DET. The longest tenured Lion in franchise history, Hanson went to two Pro Bowls and is fourth All-Time in Points Scored.
*John Kasay: 1991-11, SEA, CAR, NOR. Kasay was a 19-year veteran, who went to one Pro Bowl. Kasay kicked 461 Field Goals over his career, and is ninth all-time in Points Scored.
Matt Stover: 1991-09, CLE, BAL. Stover won a Super Bowl with the Ravens, and was twice the league leader in Field Goal Percentage. He is sixth all-time in Field Goals Made and Points Scored.
Mike Vanderjadt: 1998-06, IND, DAL. Vanderjadt was selected as a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2003.
(Place Kickers added: David Akers, Matt Stover & Mike Vanderjadt. Place Kickers removed: Ryan Longwell)
Punters: (8) (Up from 5 last year)
Darren Bennett: 1995-05, SDG, MIN. Bennett was a First Team All-Pro as a rookie and was twice named to the Pro Bowl.
*Jeff Feagles: 1988-09, NEW, PHI, ARI, SEA, NYG. Feagles was a two-time Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl with the Giants.
*Sean Landeta: 1985-05, NYG, LAR, STL, TAM, GNB, PHI. Landeta won two Super Bowls with the Giants and was chosen for three First Team All-Pros. He is currently third all-time in Punting Yards.
*Shane Lechler: 2000-17, OAK, HOU. Lechler went to seven Pro Bowls and was an All-Decade Selecion in both the 2000s and 2010s. Ranked #102 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Brad Maynard: 1997-11, NYG, CHI, CLE. Maynard led the NFL in Punting Yards three times.
*Pat McAfee: 2009-16. IND. McAfee went to two Pro Bowls and is a one-time leader in Yards per Punt.
Brian Moorman: 2001-13, BUF, DAL. Moorman was chosen for two Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros.
*Matt Turk: 1995-11, WAS, MIA, NYJ, STL, HOU, JAX. Turk’s three Pro Bowls were consecutive from 1996 to 1998. He was a First Team All-Pro in ’95.
(Punters added, Brian Moorman, Brad Maynard & Darren Bennett. Punters removed, Nons.)
Special Teams (2): (No Change from last year)
Josh Cribbs (Also WR): 2005-14, CLE, NYJ, IND. Cribbs was a three-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro and collected 15,453 All-Purpose Yards.
Brian Mitchell (Also RB): 1990-03, WAS, PHI, NYG. Mitchell was a one-time Pro Bowl recipient and a four-time leader in All-Purpose Yards. He totaled 23,330 in APY, and is second all-time in that statistic. Ranked #134 on Notinhalloffame.com.
With all due respect to many of these candidates, there are several of these Preliminary Nominees that have no realistic chance for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but it is a phenomenal process to test the waters overall on a player’s career.
This group will be pared down to 25 in November and reduced to 15 in January.
Whomever those 15 Modern Era Finalists are, they will be joined by Senior Finalists, Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael, Art Powell and Contributor/Coach Finalist, Buddy Parker.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the 173 former players who made it to this stage.
Our Top 50 Carolina Panthers have been updated to reflect the 2022 Season
Yes, we know that this is taking a while!
As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity. As such, we are very happy to present our post 2022 revision of our top 50 Carolina Panthers.
As for all of our top 50 players in football we look at the following:
1. Advanced Statistics.
2. Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League.
3. Playoff accomplishments.
4. Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.
Last year, Carolina had a bad year, though showed promise in the second half of the season. Nevertheless, the we have one new entry and one elevation.
As always, we present our top five, which had no changes.
1. Steve Smith
2. Cam Newton
3. Luke Kuechly
5. Ryan Kalil
You can find the entire list here.
Brian Burns, who is now a two-time Pro Bowler, enters the list at #41.
Offensive Tackle, Taylor Moton, moves to #45 from #50.
We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.
Our Notinhalloffame Football List have been updated: Julius Peppers now #1
It is time for a massive update here at Notinhalloffame.com where one of our core lists have been revised. The list in question is those worthy of Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration.
The first thing that we obviously do with the football list is remove those who were inducted. This took out:
Ronde Barber
Chuck Howley
Joe Klecko
Darrelle Revis
Ken Riley
Joe Thomas
Zach Thomas
DeMarcus Ware
Many of the above were in our top ten, resulting in a monstrous shift at the top of our mountain.
With those remaining, we factored votes and comments that came from all of you, to alter ranks.
We then added those who are worthy who are now eligible for the first time in 2024.
Here is or new top ten!
We have a brand new #1, with first-year eligible defensive superstar, Julius Peppers. The Defensive End recorded 159.5 Sacks, was named to the 2000s and 2010s All-Decade Team and was a three-time First Team All-Pro. Peppers also went to nine Pro Bowls and was the 2002 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Randy Gradishar, who won the 1978 Defensive Player of the Year and was a Finalist in the Centennial Class of 2022, moves up one spot to #2.
The best Pittsburgh Steeler left from the 1970s dynasty is L.C. Greenwood, who climbed from #6 to #3. The four-time Super Bowl winning Defensive End, went to six Pro Bowls and was a 1970s All-Decade Selection.
At #4, we have our second debut in Tight End, Antonio Gates, who is also our highest ranked offensive player. The undrafted player from Kent State became an All-Decade player, earned three First Team All-Pros and was an eight-time Pro Bowl. He amassed 11,841 Receiving Yards with 116 Touchdowns.
We have to way back in time for #5, who is Lavvie Dilweg, a three-time NFL Champion with Green Bay. He was named to the 1920’s All-Decade Team, and moves from #13.
Multi-time Finalist at Wide Receiver, Torry Holt, goes up one to #6. The former Super Bowl Champion with the Rams compiled seven Pro Bowls, 71 Touchdowns and 12,382 Yards.
Roger Craig, the first man to rush for 1,000 Yards and gain another 1,000 through receptions is at #7, after climbing up one rank.
The highest ranked Quarterback remains Ken Anderson, who at #8, moved up three spots. He was a Finalist twice before, but like his fellow Bengal, Ken Riley, has to enter via the Senior pool.
At #9 is former San Francisco 49er, Patrick Willis, who was a Finalist last year. The Linebacker was the 2007 Defensive Rookie of the Year, led the NFL in Tackles twice, and was a five-time First Team All-Pro.
The second Wide Receiver in the top ten, Reggie Wayne, was also a Finalist last year, and moved up from #12 to #10. The Super Bowl Champion with the Colts went to six Pro Bowls, and compiled 14,345 Yards and 81 Touchdowns.
There are many more new entrants on the list, which included:
Defensive Tackle, Haloti Ngata, who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens and was a two-time First Team All-Pro is at #44.
Safety, Eric Berry, who played his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs comes in at #156. He went to five Pro Bowls, and was a three-time First Team All-Pro.
Wide Receiver, Brandon Marshall, enters at #166. He was a six-time Pro Bowl.
The final new entry is Linebacker, Derrick Johnson, a four-time Pro Bowl Selection.
You know what we want you to do!
Cast your votes, offer your opinions, and as always, we thank you for your support!
Notinhalloffame NBA Cup Standings Update (250)
If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NBA Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers. This is the third year that we have done this, and Denver’s Nikola Jokic won the first two.
To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at when the first player cracked 100 Points, and tell all of you the top ten. We will this going forward with every update as the first player breaches the elevated ten-point threshold afterward.
Here is the current top ten, based on the first player to breach 250 Notinhalloffame Cup Points:
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, 250 Cup Points: 62 Games, 24.8, PPG, 11.9 RPG, 9.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 31.8 PER, 13.7 WS. (#1 on last ranking)
The two-time defending MVP (and NIHOF Cup Champion) remains at the top, and is the first to break 250 Cup Points. Jokic is leading the league in PER (31.8), Win Shares (13.7), VORP (8.0) and Box Plus/Minus (13.1). He is also averaging a triple-double, is leading the NBA in that stat, and is second in Rebounds per Game.
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, 245 Cup Points: 55 Games, 33.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 31.2 PER, 10.2 WS. (#2 on last ranking)
Embiid remains in the number two hole, and is a bona fide MVP contender, and in a dogfight with Jokic. He is currently the scoring leader (33.3) and is second in PER (30.8). Embiid is also in the top five in Wins Shares, VORP and Box Plus/Minus. Could this be the season he takes Philadelphia all the way to a title and finish “The Process?”
3. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, 237 Cup Points: 66 Games, 30.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 23.5 PER, 9.1 WS. (#3 on last ranking)
Tatum climbed back into the top three. He is still a huge threat to win this award, as well as the MVP, though some of his advanced statistics are lacking. He should finish over 30 Points per Game (he is currently sixth).
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, 231 Cup Points: 55 Games, 31.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 28.6 PER, 7.5 WS. (#5 on last ranking)
The two-time MVP would have probably been on the top had he not missed a series of Games earlier in the season. He is now a six-time All-Star, and is in the top five in both Points and Rebounds per Game.
5. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks, 227 Cup Points: 57 Games, 33.0 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 29.6 PER, 9.4 WS. (#4 on last ranking)
Doncic dropped another spot to #5, which was due mostly to a thigh injury, and inactivity since the last update. He is second in scoring (33.0), and was an early MVP contender, but that may not the case anymore.
6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, 222 Cup Points: 59 Games, 31.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 27.3 PER, 9.9 WS. (#7 on last ranking)
Gilgeous-Alexander went to his first All-Star Game, and is shattering last year’s averages, which were already good. He is currently dealing with some nagging injuries, but you have to imagine just how pathetic the Thunder would be without SGA.
7. Julius Randle, New York Knicks, 218 Cup Points: 71 Games, 25.2 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 20.6 PER, 7.9 WS. (#6 on last ranking)
Randle drops one spot, and currently has a higher PPG (25.2), than his first All-Star year two years ago (24.1).
8. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, 215 Cup Points: 62 Games, 27.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 10.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 22.8 PER, 6.0 WS. (#8 on last ranking)
Young is the face of an intriguing Hawks squad, but was unable to make the NBA All-Star Team. This could be the player that intrigues us he most in the next two years.
9. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, 205 Cup Points: 53 Games, 27.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 23.8 PER, 5.6 WS. (#8 on last ranking)
The last three weeks of Morant’s life has been a disaster, with a bevy of poor personal decisions that has led to a suspension. Currently away from the Grizzlies, he has dropped two spots in Cup Point standings from the last update. This is a man with serious growing up to do.
10. Damontas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings, 200 Cup Points: 67 Games, 19.0 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 7.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 23.3 PER, 10.6 WS. (Not on last ranking)
For the first time this season on one of our updates, Sabonis appears in the top ten, and is currently the NBA leader in Rebounds per Game (12.6). He added a third All-Star this year.
Utah’s Lauri Markkanen fell off the top ten.
Our next update will happen after the first player breaches 260 Cup Points.
4. Julius Peppers
Julius Peppers was meant to be in a Carolina Panthers uniform. Born in North Carolina and playing for UNC it was fitting that the 2001 Chuck Bednarik and Lombardi Award winner would be drafted by Carolina, which they did with the 2nd overall pick. The Defensive End would be named the Defensive Rookie of the Year, and he would build on that with five Pro Bowl selections as a Panther (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008 & 2009) and a pair of First Team All-Pro Selections (2004 & 2006). Peppers would become the Defensive Captain in 2007, which he would follow up with a career-high 14.5 Quarterback Sacks in 2008. He would have seven double-digit seasons in Sacks, and in 2004 he would lead the NFL in Tackles for Loss. He would sign with the Chicago Bears and played there for four years and then another three with the Green Bay Packers.
Julius Peppers Retires
As we eagerly await tomorrow’s announcement of who will be chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame we have a possible first ballot Hall of Famer in Julius Peppers, Defensive End from Carolina who announced his retirement today.
A star at the University of North Carolina, Peppers was a unanimous All-American and was the Chuck Bednarik and Lombardi Award winner in 2001. Drafted second overall by the Panthers in 2002, Peppers wasted no time establishing himself as one of the premier stars of the game. He would win the Defensive Rookie of the Year with a 12 Sack season and in 2004 he would go to his first of what would be nine Pro Bowl selections, and in that year, he was also named a First Team All Pro. Peppers remained a sacking machine where he would be named a First Team All Pro again in 2006 and in his first eight seasons in Carolina he had double digit sack tallies in six of those campaigns,
Peppers would sign with the Chicago Bears where he would play for four seasons. The Defensive End was named a First Team All Pro in his first year there (2010) with three of his seasons earning him Pro Bowl accolades. He would play his final five seasons in Green Bay and a final run back home with the Carolina Panthers.
Julius Peppers retires with 266 Games Played and 159.5 Quarterback Sacks. He will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to thank Julius Peppers for is wonderful career and we wish him the best in his post-playing endeavors.