He's not a guy who'll likely get in right away, but he deserves serious consideration, and we'd expect to eventually see him as a Hall of Fame finalist. He won nearly 60 percent of his starts (.595 winning percentage). If the losses hold McNabb back from being in the HOF, but not for Kelly, then it was never about the losses. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Cornerback Ronde Barber and end Simeon Rice also deserve to join them, but Lynch gets the first golden ticket. McNabb himself believes he deserves a spot next to his fellow teammates Terrell Owens and Brian Dawkins at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Fresh off the 2023 NFL Draft, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach's checklist has plenty of to-dos and one high atop the agenda is working out a new deal with defensive lineman extraordinaire Chris Jones. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Nick is the beat reporter for the Philadelphia Eagles for Metro Philadelphia and the Philly Sports Network. A player must have been retired at least five years before he can be considered for the Hall of Fame. Nov 29, 2009 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Eagles QB DONOVAN MCNABB talks to the media after the game during the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles game in Philadelphia. Quarterbacks Randall Cunningham and Donovan McNabb have interesting cases, but neither is strong enough. A ninth would tie the Orange with Miami and Pitt for No. So we turn to Carmichael, a four-time Pro Bowler who set a high standard for big-framed (6-8, 225 pounds) wideouts. Fancea might be a slow play into the Hall of Fame, but that shouldnt be the case. WebHis stats are not bad but not particularly Hall of Fame worthy. McNabb was excellent. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. 'Was he an All-Pro? To say that we shouldn't root for a quarterback to win because he's black is every bit as nonsensical as to say that we shouldn't have rooted for Jackie Robinson to succeed because he was black. McNabb had Brian Westbrook, and James Thrash as his two best receivers during that stretch. And as much as I like and respect Brunell, he isn't someone who likely will generate tremendous Hall of Fame debate. It shouldn't matter much that McNabb doesn't have a championship ring. With NFL+, stay connected throughout the rest of the NFL offseason with special content from Training Camp, Hall of Fame, and more! Jim Kellys career and McNabbs career are very similar except for two major differences. Not considering retired players who are not yet eligible, here is every team's most notable Hall of Fame snub. Buccaneers fans have been screaming until theyve been blue (or pewter) in the face trying to get Barber in the Hall of Fame, and he more than deserves to be the fourth member of that legendary defense of the late 1990s-early 2000s to be enshrined. McNabb won nine playoff games. He was a primary reason why Jeff Fisher has been allowed to remain the team's head coach for so long. McNair's best statistical twin might be Mark Brunell, as they played in the same era for rebuilding/expansion clubs and were dual threats in terms of passing and running. Kelly lost four Super Bowls in a row. Will Donovan McNabb Make the NFL Hall of Fame? Donovan McNabb This is not the first time either player has been eligible for the Hall of Fame, but their inclusion here is notable nonetheless. Patton was the games most dominant defensive back for a five-year stretch from 1958-62 after helping the Giants win an NFL championship in 1956. 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Dan Marino never won the big game. He was strong against the run, and he blew up plenty of plays in the backfield with 39 sacks and 64 total tackles for loss. The Eagles scored 17 touchdowns in 1998. Tampa Bay Buccaneers news fromFanSided Daily, Important Buccaneers coaching loss could change 2022 outlook, NFL disrespects Buccaneers with Hall of Fame announcement, Buccaneers: Five Best Pass Rushers of All-Time, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 best wide receivers of all time, Buccaneers: Five best running backs of all time, Buccaneers: Five Best Defensive Backs of All Time, Five Best Buccaneers Quarterbacks of All Time, A Buccaneers fan's desperate plea for a Tom Brady MVP, Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing familiar playoff foe in Philadelphia Eagles, Buccaneers: Ronde Barber named Hall of Fame finalist, Buccaneers: Legendary defensive back named Hall of Fame semifinalist. Donovan McNabb started his own campaign for the Pro Football Hall of Fame last week on the day the Eagles retired his number. If the losses truly matter, then lets compare him to another QB who lost championship games and yet is still in the HOF: Bills QB, Jim Kelly. No, not at all.". Donovan McNabb should be the second. You can also keep future spots warm for Dwight Freeney and Chandler Jones as well, meaning theres a plausible future in the next 15 years where Syracuse has more Hall-of-Famers than all but two or three schools. Will Levis predictable slide prevented an NFL Draft record The Saints'vaunted "Dome Patrol"defense from the late 1980s and early 90s has one linebacking Hall of Famer in Rickey Jackson. When you look at McNair's era of quarterbacks -- I'm talking about guys who rose to prominence while the days of Joe Montana, John Elway, Steve Young and Jim Kelly wound down -- I consider him to be one of eight standouts. "What happens a lot of times is we look at what the list says, so we talk about the five NFC Championship Games, the six Pro Bowls and then we come to the end, 'Well, he never won the big game,'" McNabb told Mark Kriegel of FoxSports.com, via the Philadelphia Daily News. His numbers (589 catches for 8,978 yards and 79 TDs) dont add up to the best of the current era, but back then, those numbers signaled an elite impact. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. I won't go into all statistical reasons for why McNabb was a top-tier QB, but here are a few. His numbers speak for themselves -- yet still, all anyone looks at is the fact that he ended his career with zero Super Bowl rings. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. When passing wasnt so rampant and receiving numbers werent so gaudy in the 1970s and 80s, Carmichael was hard to cover in the red zone. Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician homepage, Syracuse alums Donovan McNabb, Gary Anderson among Pro Football Hall of Fame nominees, Syracuse football: Justin Lamson reported to be entering transfer portal, Syracuse football: undrafted free agent signings tracker, Weve got the camp invites and will update as needed, Syracuse football: RB Sean Tucker signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers as undrafted free agent, Buy Official TNIAAM Gear In The TNIAAM Shoppe, Disloyal Idiots Podcast: NFL Draft Recap and whats wrong with lacrosse, Syracuse football: LB Mikel Jones signs with Los Angeles Chargers as undrafted free agent. I don't know of a football writer who didn't regard the dearth of black NFL quarterbacks as one of the most important issues in the late '80s and early '90s. WebAn eight-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro member, he held the record for most receptions in a single season (143) until it was broken by Michael Thomas (149) in 2019. He won't be eligible for four years, but it doesn't hurt to start early. He led the Eagles to five conference championship gamesfour consecutiveand at the end of the 2003 season put them in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. Donovan McNabb on Hall of Fame chances: 'If it happens, it happens', JR SportBrief: Michael Vick is not getting into the Hall of Fame, Featured Image Photo Credit: (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images). But what of McNabb? While players do so many different things in each sport, the easiest way to compare and judge all of them is by success. Nick also has reporting experience with both the New York Jets, Giants, and New York Mets. This is not the first time either player has been eligible for the Hall of Fame, but their inclusion here is notable nonetheless. Hes also the only eligible QB to win nine playoff games whos not in the Hall of Fame. Good enoughfor the Hall of Fame. College career [ edit] Don't miss a story! This is hypocrisy. Before drafting McNabb second overall, Philadelphia had only advanced past the divisional round once, in 1980. But the Hall should rethink that given how important special teams are and how much Tasker thrived in his role. The runner-up for Pittsburgh is Steel Curtain defensive end L.C. Donovan McNabb If it doesn't, it doesn't.". 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Yet Aikman, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006, played for three Super Bowl champions. But had the Titans picked up another yard in their Super Bowl XXXIV appearance, possibly giving McNair a championship ring, it might have put his candidacy over the top. Hall of Fame It is an absolutely solid class, with long-time nominees Cliff Branch and Dick Vermeil finally getting in amongst others. Back in 1998, writing for ESPN Magazine, I touted McNabb, who had just played his final year at Syracuse, as the best college quarterback in the nation and hassled my editors into putting him on the cover of the first fall issue as the NFL's coming superstar. McNabb entered the league when there werent a lot of African-American QBs playing. But Branch, with four Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro nods in 14 seasons, edges him out. McNabb was a top-five quarterback for much of his career. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. But in the meantime, good luck to McNabb and Anderson this time around. Considering what they pulled with Derrick Books, they better right this wrong in 2023. At corner, he was teammates with Hardy Nickerson, and by the time he moved to safety as an old man, was sharing the field with Lavonte David. Theres A Football Life documentaries for almost each of those players. On the important metrics of yards per throw and interception percentage, McNabb's career marks are excellent (7.0 and 2.2 percent, respectively). Two decades and a 13-year career later and McNabb possesses the title as consideration in just three years as a starter. PHILADELPHIA -- When Donovan McNabb arrived in Philadelphia in 1999, he became one of the three generational sports stars in town at the time. Obviously, the NFL is still reeling from McNair's untimely death, and hearts and prayers are with his friends and family as they try to somehow cope with his passing. During his seven seasons in New Orleans, Swilling went to five Pro Bowls and made first-team All-Pro twice on the strength of 76.5 sacks. The Eagles famously selected McNabb second overall instead of star running back Ricky Williams in 1999, much to the chagrin of fans in attendance that night in New York. Donovan McNabb. Donovan McNabb: 'I Am A Hall Of Famer' - CBS News It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. As the years go by, McNabb's Hall of Fame chances are falling, but they aren't gone yet. McNabb has more yards than Kelly career wise, their completion percentages are about the same, have similar TD #s as well. It's tough.". Donovan McNabb is a Hall of Fame QB and Im tired of this narrative that he isnt. I spent the weekend thinking quite a bit about Steve McNair, given the horrible events that took place in Nashville, Tenn., and talking to people who knew him well. His numbers will, of course be higher than McNabbs career wise because of the difference in longevity. At 5-11, 228 pounds, he should be standing taller as a Hall of Famer. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. Although not as flattering a stay in Washington as hoped for, Donovan McNabb is a future Hall of Famer. Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images). A stronger argument still is that McNabb was a winner. 13. He was a Pro Bowl and All-Pro fixture during that span. There is some sentimentality here after McNairs tragic death 10 years ago, but he would be a fine representative fromthe Titans transition from the Oilers. Theres a case for other early Jaguars offensive stars like running back Fred Taylor and wide receiver Jimmy Smith, but its easy to go with the franchises first-ever draft pick. There are several great quarterbacks who never won a Super Bowl. Thomas went to seven Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro five times in his 12 years with Miami. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Gambling Problem? Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Nobis was the first-ever Falcons draft pick in 1966, and he won rookie of the year while immediately establishing himself a feared, ferocious tackler. Seymour is the guy who is most worthy of joining him. There is not a Hall-of-Fame QB in Canton right now that was able to succeed without a true #1 wideout. His statistics are better than a lot of quarterbacks already in the Hall of Fame, but that just is not enough. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. For a short stretch in his 20s, he was the NFLs best all-around back. Things have eased up a lot with the coming of Washington D.C.'s Robert GriffinIII and Seattle's Russell Wilson. The Falcons also have candidates from the 1970s (Jeff Van Note),1980s (Mike Kenn) and 1990s (Jessie Tuggle), but none were as dominant as Nobis was in relation to the rest of the league at the time. McNabb said "The big game still is the NFC Championship Game, the game to lead you there, and most importantly of all, did he make the players around him better? It was on May 10, 1969 that the Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to join the AFL to form the 13-team American Football Conference. How many times has he led his team to the big game?" If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500(VA). Throughout his career, he was a top 10 QB in the game. Forgive me for cherry picking stats, but the list of quarterbacks that have accomplished what he's totaled is pretty impressive. Barbers resume has it all. With that said, every NFL franchise has at least one player who should have received more consideration for a gold jacket, a bronze bust and the football immortalitythat comes with them. The elite defense that led to the Bucs winning Super Bowl 37 is represented in Canton by outside linebacker Derrick Brooks and tackle Warren Sapp. WebThe eye test just said no. Lewis gets the edge over three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Chris McAlister. Autographed Football Immortals Hall of Fame Card - Art Donovan First up in the discussion: Donovan McNabb. Plus, you can't be frail and be great. Who won the 2023 NFL Draft? Derrick Mason was an All-Pro wideout in Tennessee, Eddie George is one of the greatest power backs of All-Time. A team with zero Super Bowls and only a little bit of success throughout history would go on to make four straight NFC championships and become a dominant force in the NFC. He completely turned the franchise around, and it has not looked back since. The top 18 players in all-time sacks are either in the Hall of Fame or will be soon except for ONeal, who ranks No. Draft: Wonderlic test scores revealed, Tua Tagovailoa McNabb was asked what makes a Hall of Famer: "First of all is his numbers. "Now, we talked about Warren Moon being the only African-American quarterback in the Hall of Fame. "My numbers speak for themselves.". Lets hope they go in together at some point. Karras needs more recognition for being one of the leagues most disruptive defensive linemen in the 1960s, when he received four Pro Bowl and three first-team All-Pro nods. The Hall needs to do a better job celebrating short-but-spectacular careers. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. The statistics in which McNabblags, the ones that criticspoint to, are largelyarbitrary and irrelevant to quarterback greatnesscareer completion percentage, game-winning drives, fourth-quarter comebacks. Sorry, you couldn't help itbut no.". Donovan McNabb says he's 'absolutely' a Hall of Famer, threw 'a Since 2016, the three-time Pro Bowl selection has been eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but has never been elected. "Well, Peyton never won the big game until he won the Super Bowl. Copyright 1995-2023 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Donovan McNabb NFL Hall of Fame: Why is He Not in Canton? James is No. He may never have won a Super Bowl. McNabb, who has been eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame since 2016, had his No. Its time for McNabb to get his props and be in the Hall of Fame. Fresh off his breakout rookie campaign, Seahawks receiver D.K. How about Eli Manning? File him under the Terrell Davis ethereal cases. Branch was one of the smoothest big-play receivers ever to play, and he deserves to be in Canton with his late quarterback, Ken Stabler. At 34, Russell Wilson is the dean of the group. Its time for McNabb to get his props and be in the Hall of Fame. Before there was Eric Berry cleaning up on the back end of the Chiefs defense, there was Cherry, who made six consecutive Pro Bowls in the 1980s, a stretch that included a whopping 40 of his 50 career interceptions. Each NFL team's biggest Hall of Fame snub, Ranking eachteams potential Hall of Famers, NFL uniform rankings;why Cowboys are No. For starters, fellow wide receiver Isaac Bruce also should be in the Hall of Fame for the 942 catches for 14,109 yards and 84 TDs he had in 14 seasons with theRams. Donovan McNabb believes he's a Hall of Famer Around the League Presented By Donovan McNabb believes he's a Hall of Famer Published: Apr 18, 2012 In an interview with Quierra Luck on the "Real Sports Heroes" podcast, the former quarterback took a little bit of a different approach to his Hall of Fame future after Luck asked what we need to do to get him enshrined. 5 on the list. Washington Redskins: 5 Most Probable Being voted and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a special honor. MORE: NFL uniform rankings;why Cowboys are No. 1999: 1 Tim Couch, 2 Donovan McNabb, 3 Akili Smith 2021: 1 Trevor Lawrence, 2 Zach Wilson, 3 Trey Lance 2023: 1 Bryce Young, 2 C.J. Schafrath was an elite blocking guard and tackle in the 1960s for several prolific rushing teams, including the short-but-brilliant career of Jim Brown, the best running back in NFL history. Notes - Delivery *Estimated delivery dates include seller's handling time, origin ZIP Code, destination ZIP Code and time of acceptance and will depend on shipping service selected and receipt of cleared payment. Hall of Fame However, when looking at a player's entire career, how can we leave out how much they meant to a franchise, or even to an entire city? If both players get in, theyd tie with Ohio State for fourth. Barbers incredible resume not being enough in the eyes of the voters is one thing. McNair was an elite talent who wasn't into putting up numbers. You can count Russell Wilson as a lock when that day comes. 13 on the all-time rushing yards list, right behind Jim Brown and Marshall Faulk and just ahead of Marcus Allen and Franco Harris. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onTampa Bay Buccaneers and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. There are stretches in the record book where Andersons stats compare to those of Dan Fouts and Joe Montana.