Hall of Fame Finalists
The Pro Football Hall of Fame could add as many as eight members Saturday. The 46-person selection committee has three tasks: first, vote yes or no on the lone Senior Finalist, Mick Tingelhoff; second, vote yes or no on the two Contributor Finalists; and third, debate the 15 Modern Era finalists, pare the list to 10, then to five, and vote yes or no on the five finalists. Eighty percent is needed on the yes or no votes for election.
SENIOR FINALIST
Mick Tingelhoff, center, Vikings (1962-78).
Signed as a free agent out of Nebraska, played 17 seasons and started all 240 games in his career. Played in 19 playoff games, on 10 division champions, and played in four Super Bowls, all losses. All-Pro seven consecutive seasons (1964-70), six-time Pro Bowler. Tingelhoff is 74.
CONTRIBUTOR FINALISTS
Bill Polian, executive, Chiefs (1978-82), Bills (1984-92, Panthers (1995-97), Colts (1998-2011). Turned fortunes of Buffalo, Carolina and Indianapolis. Scout for Kansas City, general manager in Buffalo, Carolina and Indy. Helped teams to eight conference title games and five Super Bowls. Six-time NFL executive of the year. He is 74.
Ron Wolf, executive, Raiders (1963-74, 1979-89), Bucs (1976-78), Jets (1990-91), Packers (1991-2001). Player personnel director when Raiders won nine division titles and played in eight AFL/AFC title games and three Super Bowls. General manager of expansion Tampa Bay, which made NFC title game in fourth season. GM of Packers for back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. Wolf is 76.
MODERN ERA FINALISTS
Morten Andersen, kicker, Saints (1982-94), Falcons (1995-2000, 2006-07), Giants (2001), Chiefs (2002-03), Vikings (2004). Holds NFL records for points (2,544), field goals (565) and games played (382). Played 25 seasons, seven Pro Bowls, five-time All-Pro. Native of Denmark, fourth-round pick out of Michigan State in 1982.
Jerome Bettis, running back, Rams (1993-95), Steelers (1996-2005). At time of retirement was fifth in NFL history in rushing yards (13,662) and 19th in net yards. Six-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, won in Super Bowl with Steelers. First-round pick (10th overall) out of Notre Dame in 1993.
Tim Brown, receiver/returner, Raiders (1988-03), Bucs (2004). Sixth year as a finalist. At time of retirement was second in NFL history in receiving yardage (14,934), third in receptions (1,094) and third in TD catches (100). Played 17 seasons, nine-time Pro Bowler, was All-Pro as both receiver and returner. Won Heisman Trophy at Notre Dame.
Don Coryell, coach, Cardinals (1973-77), Chargers (1978-86). Overall record of 114-89-1. Revived Cardinals in mid-1970s, then installed explosive "Air Coryell" offense with Chargers. Died in 2010 at age 85.
Terrell Davis, running back, Broncos (1995-2001). First-year finalist whose career ended because of knee injuries. Led Denver to two Super Bowl victories. Rushed for 2,008 yards in 1998. Three-time All Pro had 7,607 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns in just 78 games.
Tony Dungy, coach, Bucs (1996-01), Colts (2002-08). Former Gophers quarterback was 148-79 overall and won Super Bowl XLI with Indianapolis. Made playoffs four times in Tampa Bay, won at least 12 games in six of seven seasons with Colts. First black coach to win a Super Bowl.
Kevin Greene, linebacker/end, Rams (1985-92), Steelers (1993-95), Panthers (1996, 1998-99), 49ers (1997). Fourth year as finalist, played 15 seasons. Had 10 double-digit sack seasons and 160 in his career, third most at the time of his retirement. All-Pro with three different teams.
Charles Haley, end/linebacker, 49ers (1986-91, 1999), Cowboys (1992-96). Only player in NFL history to play on five Super Bowl champions. Had 100.5 career sacks. Was two-time NFC Defensive Player of the Year, named to five Pro Bowls, two-time All-Pro. Sixth time as a finalist.
Marvin Harrison, receiver, Colts (1996-2008). Set NFL single-season record for catches (143) in 2002. On Super Bowl XLI champion and was a six-time All-Pro, an eight-time Pro Bowler. Second in NFL history in catches (1,102) and fourth in receiving yards (14,580). Caught 128 touchdown passes and had a catch in 190 consecutive games. First-round pick (19th overall) out of Syracuse.
Jimmy Johnson, coach, Cowboys (1989-93), Dolphins (1996-99). Won two Super Bowls with Dallas, where he was 51-37 overall and 7-1 in playoffs. Made playoffs three times in Miami. Fox Sports analyst is 71.
John Lynch, safety, Bucs (1993-2003), Broncos (2004-07). Nine-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro. Helped Tampa Bay to Super Bowl XXXVII title. Played 15 seasons, 224 games. Had 26 career interceptions and more than 1,000 tackles.
Orlando Pace, offensive tackle, Rams (1997-2008), Bears (2009). First player taken in 1997 draft out of Ohio State. Blocked for three consecutive MVPs on powerful St. Louis offensive teams. Seven-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro at 6-7, 320 pounds. On Super Bowl XXXIV champion.
Junior Seau, linebacker, Chargers (1990-2002), Dolphins (2003-05), Patriots (2006-09). Played 20 seasons, 268 games. Twelve Pro Bowls, 56.5 sacks, 18 interceptions. Played in Super Bowls with Chargers and Patriots. NFL defensive player of the year in 1992, was first-round choice (fifth overall) out of USC in 1990. Committed suicide in 2012 at age 43.
Will Shields, guard, Chiefs (1993-2006). After subbing into his first game, started 223 consecutive games. On four division champions and was in 12 consecutive Pro Bowls. Three-time All-Pro first team, four-time second-teamer. Chiefs led NFL in yards gained twice.
Kurt Warner, quarterback, Rams (1998-2003), Giants (2004), Cardinals (2005-09). Never drafted, played in Arena League and in Europe before starring in St. Louis. Two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl XXXIV MVP. Played in two Super Bowls with Rams, one with Cards. Ninth in all-time passer rating. First year of eligibility.