1. DeMarcus Ware: During his prime, he was the best defensive player in the league. I said this back in February and I’ll say it here once again. He was the Khalil Mack of his time. Pass rushers often have a go-to move. DeMarcus just beat people with pure speed and power. I’ve seen him win his battles against some of the best Offensive Linemen in our game. He was a staple amongst those Cowboys defenses in the late 2000’s. Another thing a strong pass rusher must have is a quick first step and DeMarcus had that which was another reason why he won many of his battles. He spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Cowboys before joining the Denver Broncos in 2014 and helping them win a Super Bowl in 2015 on one of the best defenses ever. He retired in 2017 and is 13th all-time on the sacks list with 138.5. We knew he’d be getting his gold jacket eventually.
2. Darrelle Revis: He is the closest thing I’ve seen to Deion Sanders. I’m talking about that shutdown Cornerback who would completely eliminate an entire side of the field. I still remember when Rex Ryan was hired as the Head Coach of the Jets in 2009. He ran his mouth, but one thing he got correct was Darrelle was going to be elite and indeed he was. I remember his 2009 season as if it happened last week. Darrelle lined up against Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson and Chad Ochocinco and shut them all down. After spending the first six seasons of his career with the Jets, Darrelle was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and he only played one year there. 2014, he signed with the New England Patriots and found himself once again as a contributor to an elite defense. He won a Super Bowl with the Patriots. Because of the ability to shut down receivers without help over the top, he earned the nickname “Revis Island”. He’s one of the best Corners I’ve seen.
3. Joe Thomas: Offensive Linemen are football players too. I’ve seen my share of some great Offensive Linemen over the years such as Walter Jones, Jonathan Ogden, Orlando Pace, Steve Hutchinson and so many more. I can add Joe Thomas to that list now as well. He’s one of the most physically gifted Offensive Tackles I’ve watched play our game. He always played with that mean streak each and every Sunday, but what I always noticed about him was how he was always in control. Joe played low at all times and played with a consistent center of gravity along with consistent footwork. He was able to succeed because he was squared up and nobody could move or block him. I’ve seen Joe make the best pass rushers in the game look nonexistent at one time. He always made sure his Quarterback was up on his feet at all times and when it came to run blocking, none were better than number 73. This is a well deserved honor for one of the greats.
4. Ronde Barber: It’s about time. We can finally celebrate him! When those stingy Buccaneers defenses come to mind, you immediately think of Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks and John Lynch. Also, I can’t forget Tony Dungy either as the coach. Ronde is just as important as the others I mentioned. I always referred to those defensive players as the big four. One thing Ronde never received credit for is the versatility he displayed as he could play in the box, line up in the slot and defend the receivers on the perimeter. Ronde is one of the smartest Defensive Backs I’ve had the pleasure of watching. The Buccaneers don’t win that Super Bowl in 2003 without Ronde Barber. Ronde was the first Defensive Back to finish his career with 40 interceptions and 20 sacks. He’s where he belongs now, Canton.
5. Zach Thomas: This man was meant to play Middle Linebacker. He’s the prime example of the saying, “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog”. That’s Zach Thomas to a T. He was undersized, but the tenacity he played with spoke volumes. He’s one of the best open field tacklers I’ve had the pleasure of watching. Zach was a Linebacker with the mindset of a Safety because he was going to find a way to that football whether it was stopping the run or in coverage defending the pass. Zach was instinctive and physical. Just as I said about his Hall of Fame teammate, Ronde Barber, it’s about time he’s getting the love he deserves.
6. Joe Klecko: He was drafted by the New York Jets in 1977 with the 144th overall pick. Along with Mark Gastineau, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam, they all formed one of the greatest defensive lines of all time and became known as the NYSE- “New York Sack Exchange”. Mr. Klecko was a Defensive End, Defensive Tackle and Nose Tackle. He was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1981 after finishing that season with 20.5 sacks. Mr. Klecko was named All-Pro two times in his career and after fellow Hall of Famer, Frank Gifford, he was just the second guy to be named a Pro Bowler at three different positions. It’s definitely a Jet party for this class. He goes into Canton with another former Jet in Darrelle Revis.
7. Ken Riley: He was known as “The Rattler”, “Mr. Bengal” & “Mr. Consistency”. The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Mr. Riley in 1969 after playing Quarterback at Florida A&M. Once he got to the league, he converted to Cornerback and the rest is history. Mr. Riley played 15 seasons and led the Bengals in interceptions a total of seven times in his career. Hall of Fame Head Coach Paul Brown described Ken Riley as a true gentlemen and a role model of a football player. Mr. Riley finished his career with 65 interceptions which is tied for fifth all-time with Charles Woodson, another Hall of Fame Defensive Back.
8. Chuck Howley: It’s safe to say it’s a good weekend to be a Cowboy. Both DeMarcus Ware and now Chuck Howley will be in Canton together forever. Mr. Howley was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1958, then traded to the Dallas Cowboys where he truly became a star. He was named the MVP of Super Bowl V which made him the first defensive player and non-Quarterback ever to win the award. Mr. Howley was named to six Pro Bowls in his career and recorded 25 interceptions. He was a stingy player that was the heartbeat for many of those Cowboys defenses.
9. Don Coryell: I wish he were here to take in this moment. He was a successful coach at the college level and also won at the NFL level as well. Known as “Air Coryell”, it was an offensive strategy that would lead the league in passing yards seven times in nine seasons which is remarkable. Mr. Coryell revived the-then St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Chargers leading both organizations to the playoffs after droughts. Joe Gibbs and John Madden both served as coaches under him as college assistants. I think of an innovator whenever I hear Don Coryell’s name.
