What Qualifies for Hall of Fame?

[phildominator]

I'm confused by what is considered a Hall of Famer? I've heard the argument that Michael Irvin was great, but not in the same Hall of Fame class of a Jerry Rice. In other words, the only thing that separates Michael Irvin from other 90s receivers like Andre Reed, Chris Carter, Herman Moore and even Andre Rison was the success of the Cowboys.

Where do you rank Michael Irvin with the other 90s receivers and potential Hall of Fame candidates and where is your cut-off for who gets in?

Second question is regarding longevity - If Tom Brady retires today, is he a Hall of Famer? Similar to the Terrell Davis debate. Gale Sayers is in, but he had a short career.

[ravidubey]

Tom Brady is a Hall of Famer if he plays out his career and continues to compete. If he plays and absolutely embarrasses himself-- people will diminish his role in the Patriots' Championships.

Michael Irvin is second only to Jerry Rice IMO. Carter had better stats, but played in pass-heavy offenses and never really competed in the playoffs. You would never say either Rice or Carter were the soul of their team, but you could say that about Irvin. Irvin was a fiery leader and dominant in both reg season and playoffs whether his QB was Aikman, Buerlein, or even Jason Garrett and Rodney Peete.

[jimmy40]

I'm confused by what is considered a Hall of Famer? I've heard the argument that Michael Irvin was great, but not in the same Hall of Fame class of a Jerry Rice. In other words, the only thing that separates Michael Irvin from other 90s receivers like Andre Reed, Chris Carter, Herman Moore and even Andre Rison was the success of the Cowboys.

Where do you rank Michael Irvin with the other 90s receivers and potential Hall of Fame candidates and where is your cut-off for who gets in?

Second question is regarding longevity - If Tom Brady retires today, is he a Hall of Famer? Similar to the Terrell Davis debate. Gale Sayers is in, but he had a short career.Jerry Rice is the only '90's receiver that should get in on the first ballot because he is the all-time leading receiver just as the only other two receivers to get in on the first ballot were. Is it fair to hold receivers to this level to get in on the first ballot? Yes, as long as everyone is treated the same.

[jimmy40]

Tom Brady is a Hall of Famer if he plays out his career and continues to compete. If he plays and absolutely embarrasses himself-- people will diminish his role in the Patriots' Championships.

Michael Irvin is second only to Jerry Rice IMO. Carter had better stats, but played in pass-heavy offenses and never really competed in the playoffs. You would never say either Rice or Carter were the soul of their team, but you could say that about Irvin. Irvin was a fiery leader and dominant in both reg season and playoffs whether his QB was Aikman, Buerlein, or even Jason Garrett and Rodney Peete.Why is there always an excuse to why non-Cowboys have good stats? Why wouldn't you say Rice was the soul of San Fran's team? The man put two QBs in the HOF.

[CaptainComeback]

What Qualifies You for the Hall Of Fame?

Let's see. You have to have played for Pittsburgh or San Francisco or have enough of the media voting members so far up your *** that when you fart it sounds like an ESPN broadcast.

It also helps if you don't play your pro ball in Dallas.

[CaptainComeback]

Why is there always an excuse to why non-Cowboys have good stats? Why wouldn't you say Rice was the soul of San Fran's team? The man put two QBs in the HOF.

He's played for nearly a quarter of a century. He'd better have the best stats. I'd like to see Mikey's numbers if he played for 75 years, too.

[2233boys]

He's played for nearly a quarter of a century. He'd better have the best stats. I'd like to see Mikey's numbers if he played for 75 years, too.

Or on a team that threw first ran second. People tend to neglect to mention Irvin played the bulk of his carrer with Emmitt Smith and the run heavy offense yet still put up great numbers better than many in the Hall of Fame. He is better than any rec of the 90's save Rice, who is the standard by which all rec will forever be measured.

Steve Young going in his first year is a crock.

[ravidubey]

Why is there always an excuse to why non-Cowboys have good stats? Why wouldn't you say Rice was the soul of San Fran's team? The man put two QBs in the HOF.

Of course Rice was great-- but like Emmitt Smith he was a great player who led by example. Rice was not the emotional leader of the 49ers. Guys like Harris Barton, Ricky Watters, and William Floyd were the vocal leaders of those early-90's teams.

Irvin not only was a vocal leader he also backed up what he said with dominance on the field and in practice.

As for Carter's stats, again a great player on a passing team. He had some decent games in the playoffs Irvin's Cowboys were run-first despite having Irvin, Harper, and Novacek because they had Emmitt Smith. Irvin not only caught a lot of balls but he caught first downs and made big plays against tough competition-- Irvins YPC was 15.9 for his career next to Carter's 12.6.

[blindzebra]

A career where you were considered the best or one of the best at your position for a prolonged period of time.

A player that revolutionized their position.

A player that held records during their era, both team and league.

Winning MVPs, going to Pro Bowls, being selected All Pro during your career.

Being a pivotal player on a championship team(s).

I listed them in order of importance.

I'd say you need all 5 or 4 out of 5 to be a first ballot.

You need 3 out of 5 to get in.

[The30YardSlant]

What Qualifies for Hall of Fame?

Not being a Dallas Cowboys..... :rolleyes:

[phildominator]

Out of the other 80s/90s receivers, who else do you feel deserves to be in the Hall of Fame? Andre Rison, Andre Reed, Chris Carter, James Lofton, Anthony Carter, Al Toon, Henry Ellard, Herman Moore, Ernest Givens or anyone else I left of the list...

I feel that if you say Michael Irvin wasn't in the class of Jerry Rice and doesn't belong in the Hall of Fame, I could agree with that. However, if Irvin doesn't get in, than none of the receivers I listed above don't deserve to get in either, except maybe Andre Reed. Not to get the last kick in, but Lynn Swann definitely doesn't deserve to get in then.