(Photo: Profootballhalloffame.com)
1. Julius Peppers– He is the most polarizing defensive player of his generation. Julius was also a star on the basketball court before becoming a Pro Football Hall of Famer. At 6’7, you immediately noticed how mammoth of a man he was and he became an immediate force for the Carolina Panthers for years. I wish he had been on a contending team during his peak years because that’s how good he was. Julius was as quick as a Running Back with track star speed that used his long arms to his full advantage and gave Offensive Linemen fits. Julius was a physical freak that did it all. Stopped the run, rushed the passer and dropped back in coverage. Today, he will become the first player ever drafted by the Panthers to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Julius is fourth all-time on the sacks list with 159.5 for his career.
2. Andre Johnson– This is and always will be the closest thing I ever saw to Terrell Owens. Andre Johnson reminds me so much of the classic Mobb Deep song, “Quiet Storm” meaning he never talked, showboated or anything, but allowed his play to do all of the talking. At 6’3 and weighing at 229 pounds, Andre had the ability not only to play wide on the perimeter, but in the slot where I personally thought he did his best damage because there was no stopping him. He was a pure athlete that made it look smooth and effortless. The Houston Texans selected the Wide Receiver with the third overall pick in the 2002 draft. There wasn’t a route he couldn’t run or a pass he couldn’t catch. If it were a 50/50 situation, forget about it because he would win that battle. I’m so happy for him and this is such a well deserved honor. Andre becomes the first Houston Texan to receive the classic gold jacket.
3. Devin Hester– Last Name Ever, First Name Greatest. This man singlehandedly changed the aspect of special teams. I remember his very first game in the NFL. It was in 2006 and the Chicago Bears were playing the Green Bay Packers. The Packers punt the ball and Devin takes it to the house for what would be the first of his many returns for a touchdown. That year. he became one of the most electrifying players in the NFL and he had many memorable returns such as the one on a Sunday night against the New York Giants and how could we forget the Super Bowl? Devin took the opening kick for a touchdown! Through the first 13 games of his NFL career, Devin had six touchdowns. He was a master at reading the field, anticipating movements and always knew how to operate himself to maneuver in space. When you change the way a certain aspect of the game is played, you are legendary. I know you all remember the saying: Don’t kick to Devin Hester. He has 19 return touchdowns which is the most in NFL history.
4. Patrick Willis– Mike Singletary stated he had the privilege of coaching two great Linebackers. The first was Ray Lewis and the other was Patrick Willis. Even Ray said he loved the fire and passion that Patrick played with. When two of the all-time great Middle Linebackers are giving you your flowers, you’ve done something and made it. Patrick was such a force on those 49ers defenses and he is the best tackling Middle Linebacker of his generation. He was that physical force who played with a mean streak and always found his way to the football. Patrick was so quick when it came to pursuing the ball and would trap you with his speed. One of the best parts of his game was how he played back in coverage as Patrick would drop back with his eyes on the Quarterback at all times, then either knock the ball down or intercept it. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2007. I can only imagine what he career would’ve been if the injuries weren’t a factor.
5. Dwight Freeney– This was the guy who I patterned much of my game after when I played in high school. I always remember my coach telling me to watch film on Dwight Freeney. Also, he was Tony Dungy’s first draft pick for the Indianapolis Colts in 2002. The Colts back then had more than enough firepower on the offensive side of the ball with Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison. They needed that defensive guy that could make an impact and that’s exactly what Dwight Freeney became! He was so powerful only standing at 6’1 and still found a way to get home to the Quarterback. His footwork was topnotch which allowed him to win many of his battles. Dwight made speed rushing a thing and is cut from the Derrick Thomas cloth as he was the first to do so. Dwight is a Super Bowl champion and recorded 125.5 sacks in his career. He will be reunited with Peyton, Edgerrin, Marvin and Coach Dungy, this time in Canton.
6. Randy Gradishar– There are many legendary defenses in the history of our game. From the 2000 Ravens, the 1985 Chicago Bears, the Purple People Eaters in Minnesota and one we don’t hear much about is the Orange Crush defense in Denver during the 1970s and 80s. Randy Gradishar was the center piece of that legendary unit for the Broncos. Mr. Gradishar was drafted 14th overall by the Broncos in the 1974 draft where he would spend his entire ten-year career in the NFL. With number 53, the Broncos became one of the best and most feared defenses during that time. Many have considered Mr. Gradishar to be the greatest defensive player in Denver Broncos history. He retired as a seven-time Pro Bowler, three-team second-team All Pro and two-time first-team All-Pro. Mr. Gradishar is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and will become the first member of those iconic defenses inducted into Canton.
7. Steve McMichael– Mongo! Every legendary defense has a lane eater and that is exactly what Steve McMichael was for those Bears defenses which were considered amongst the best in the league. He was drafted by the New England Patriots before being cut, then signing with the Chicago Bears as a free agent in 1981. The 1985 Bears defense is one of the greatest units in NFL History and Mongo was a key contributor to a group that also had Dan Hampton, Richard Dent and Mike Singletary. Mongo’s job was simply to be a lane eater meaning he would command many of the double and triple teams up front so everyone else around him had the opportunity to make a play upon the football. I’m so happy for him and I’m just thankful he is still here with us to receive this honor. Mongo will become the fourth member of that legendary defense to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
