Ochenta y seis Estrellas de la NFL descenderán al Sur de la Florida esta semana cuando, por primera vez, el Pro Bowl AFC-NFC 2010 hará de puntapié inicial a la semana del Super Bowl.
El Pro Bowl AFC-NFC se disputará el domingo 31 de enero en el Sun Life Stadium del Sur de la Florida a las 7:20 PM, hora de New York por ESPN. Será apenas la segunda ocasión que el Pro Bowl y el Super Bowl se celebren en la misma ciudad. El Pro Bowl en 1967 fue disputado en el Coliseo de Los Angeles la semana posterior al Super Bowl I.
“Casi tratas al Pro Bowl como al Super Bowl y te repites a ti mismo una y otra vez: “Este podría ser el único en el que participe”, explica el CENTRO de los New York Giants SHAUN O’HARA. "Estoy emocionado por ello.”
Más de 70,000 aficionados –la mayor cantidad para el Pro Bowl en 50 años– estarán allí para observar el choque 2010 por la supremacía entre las estrellas de la NFL. La NFC ganó tres de los últimos encuentros para tomar una ventaja de 20-19 en el Pro Bowl AFC-NFC (desde 1971).
LAS MAYORES CANTIDADES DE ASISTENTES AL PRO BOWL EN SU HISTORIA
AFICIÓN - FECHA - SEDE
72,250 - 11/1/59 - LA Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)
67,242 - 12/1/64 - LA Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)
66,918 - 20/1/74 - Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
66,634 - 12/1/58 - LA Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)
64,752 - 17/1/77 - Kingdome (Seattle, WA)
62,971 - 15/1/61 - LA Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)
61,374 - 13/1/63 - LA Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)
60,598 - 10/1/65 - LA Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)
60,124 - 15/1/66 - LA Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)
Las Estrellas de los equipos participantes del Super Bowl no tomarán parte del Pro Bowl, pero estarán presentes en el juego y recibirán honores como parte de las festividades previas al puntapié inicial.
La transmisión de ESPN lo llevará hasta dentro del juego de formas inéditas, con la participación de varios jugadores y entrenadores con sus comentarios.
Además, el primer Pro Bowl en territorio continental en 30 años –este juego se desarrolló en Honolulu (Hawai) cada año desde 1980– tendrá el NFL Play 60 Community Blitz. El jueves 28 de enero, el primer “Blitz” de la historia en celebración del Pro Bowl y servicio a la comunidad promete ser el programa comunitario más grande en la historia de la liga. Los jugadores del Pro Bowl de la NFL, junto al comisionado Roger Goodell, construirán un terreno de juegos a medida en la Escuela Académica de Ciencia y Tecnología RISE como uno de los tres eventos “Blitz” que tendrán lugar en el Sur de la Florida.
El Pro Bowl tendrá:
· EL CORREDOR de los Minnesota Vikings ADRIAN PETERSON está igualado en la mayor cantidad de anotaciones terrestres en el Pro Bowl en su carrera con tres (EARL CAMPBELL, CHUCK MUNCIE, MIKE ALSTOTT).
· EL APOYADOR novato de los Green Bay Packers CLAY MATTHEWS, hijo del cuatro veces Todo-Estrella CLAY MATTHEWS se unirá a otras seis parejas de padre-hijo en participar del Pro Bowl desde 1970.
PAREJAS DE PADRE E HIJO EN EL PRO BOWL DESDE 1970
PADRE - HIJO
Bob Griese - Brian Griese
Archie Manning - Peyton Manning & Eli Manning
Ernie McMillan - Erik McMillan
Terry Metcalf - Eric Metcalf
Mosi Tatupu - Lofa Tatupu
Kellen Winslow - Kellen Winslow
Clay Matthews - Clay Matthews
· EL ESQUINERO de los Denver Broncos CHAMP BAILEY (nueve nominaciones) tiene cuatro intercepciones en el Pro Bowl en su carrera, igualando la mayor cantidad en la historia de la NFL (DEION SANDERS, EVERSON WALLS).
· El Jugador Ofensivo del Año CHRIS JOHNSON, de los Tennessee Titans, se convirtió en el sexto jugador en la historia de la NFL en acarrear 2,000 yardas (2,006) en una temporada. También estableció la marca de mayor cantidad de yardas desde la línea de golpeo en una sola campaña (2,509).
· EL APOYADOR novato de los Washington Redskins BRIAN ORAKPO encabezó a todos los novatos con 11 capturas en 2009. “Este es un honor tremendo y una sorpresa maravillosa”, se exclama Orakpo de su nominación para el Pro Bowl.
· EL RECEPTOR de los Cincinnati Bengals CHAD OCHOCINCO tuvo la segunda mayor cantidad de yardas recibiendo (156) y la segunda recepción anotadora más larga (90 yardas) en un solo juego en la historia del Pro Bowl, durante la edición de 2004.
Los próximos dos juegos de Pro Bowl regresarán a Honolulu, donde este evento fue disputado desde 1980 hasta 2009. La decisión acerca de si se jugará en la semana previa al Super Bowl o en la siguiente será tomada tras una evaluación del evento de este año.
jueves, 28 de enero de 2010
martes, 19 de enero de 2010
NFL’S “FANTASTIC FOUR” READY FOR CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND - Ingles
“It’s the playoffs,” says New York Jets rookie head coach REX RYAN. “Anything can happen”.
And in the Divisional Playoffs, “anything” did happen, setting the stage for what is certain to be a memorable Championship Weekend:
AFC Championship Game
New York Jets vs Indianapolis Colts
3:00 p.m. ET - CBS
NFC Championship Game
Minnesota Vikings vs New Orleans Saints
6:40 p.m. ET - FOX
Ryan became the sixth rookie head coach in the Super Bowl era to win at least two playoff games as he led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game after a 17-14 victory over the San Diego Chargers in the Divisional Playoffs. New York, the No. 5 seed in the AFC, knocked off the red-hot Chargers, who had won 11 games in a row.
“It’s a big win for our franchise,” says Jets rookie quarterback MARK SANCHEZ. “And we’re not done.”
Up next for the surging Jets, who have won five consecutive road games, is a rematch with the top-seeded Indianapolis Colts, this time for the Lamar Hunt Trophy and the AFC title. New York defeated Indianapolis 29-15 in Week 16, ending the Colts’ NFL-record 23-game regular-season winning streak.
The Colts defeated the Baltimore Ravens 20-3 in the Divisional Round, holding the Ravens without a touchdown in a postseason game for the second time in the past four years. The three points are the fewest allowed by the Colts in the postseason since the 1971 Divisional Playoffs (three vs. Cleveland).
“Our defense did a tremendous job,” says Colts rookie head coach JIM CALDWELL. “Our defense played hard, they tackled well and they were opportunistic. It was a heck of a performance.”
The AFC Championship Game will mark the first conference title game in NFL history to match rookie head coaches.
On the NFC side, the top-seeded New Orleans Saints defeated the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 to advance to their second Championship Game in franchise history (2006). With the Saints and Colts both advancing, 2009 marks the first time both No. 1 seeds have advanced to the Championship Games since 2004.
“We’re excited to get the win,” says New Orleans head coach SEAN PAYTON, who has guided the Saints to their only two NFC Championship Game appearances. “We knew we were playing a good team coming in here with postseason experience. I was encouraged with the overall team effort.”
The Saints’ REGGIE BUSH totaled 217 combined yards and scored on a 46-yard touchdown run and 83-yard punt return. He joined Pro Football Hall of Famer CHARLEY TRIPPI (1947 NFL Championship) as the only players in NFL postseason history to scored a rushing and punt-return touchdown in the same game. Bush also became just the second player in NFL playoff history to score touchdowns of 80 and 40 yards in the same game, joining Washington’s RICKY SANDERS (Super Bowl XXII).
“I knew I was going to get a lot of opportunities to make plays and just be a difference-maker for my team,” says Bush. “I just tried to make the most of it every time I had the ball.”
The Minnesota Vikings will travel to the Superdome this weekend to face the Saints as the NFC Championship Game will feature the conference’s top two seeds. The Vikings defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-3 to advance to the club’s first Championship Game since 2000.
“This is what I came back for,” says Minnesota quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who threw a postseason career-high four touchdowns passes. “I feel like I’m playing the same way and with the same enthusiasm I’ve always had. And I know the guys feed off of that. Fans enjoy that because it is real and genuine.”
Vikings wide receiver SIDNEY RICE caught a franchise postseason-record three touchdowns and credited his veteran quarterback.
“Same old Brett,” says Rice. “He’s been doing that since he first came into the league. Moving around, getting the ball out, breaking tackles and even running down field and throwing blocks. It just shows how big a heart he has.”
A closer look at the AFC and NFC Championship Games:
NEW YORK JETS (11-7) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (15-2) (Sunday, CBS, 3:00 PM ET)
For the first time in NFL history, a Championship Game will feature two rookie head coaches: New York’s REX RYAN and Indianapolis’ JIM CALDWELL. The winner will be just the fifth rookie head coach to reach the Super Bowl.
For the Jets, rookies have played a big role during the team’s impressive postseason run. Quarterback MARK SANCHEZ is 2-0 in the postseason and aims to become the first rookie QB to start a Super Bowl and running back SHONN GREENE has posted back-to-back 100-yard games in the playoffs (135 vs. CIN, 128 vs. SD), becoming just the third rookie in NFL history to gain at least 100 rushing yards in each of his first two playoff games.
With the Jets leading 10-7 in the fourth quarter last week against San Diego, Greene extended the lead with a 53-yard touchdown run, the second-longest in franchise postseason history.
“The offensive line executed well,” says Greene. “I got through the first level and once I got to the second level, I had to beat a safety. I made him miss and then it was green in front of me and the end zone was clear.”
New York’s defense, which led the NFL this season allowing 14.8 points per game, held the powerful San Diego offense to 14 points, ending the Chargers’ streak of 22 consecutive games (including playoffs) with at least 20 points.
“That’s the best defense I’ve played all year,” says Chargers running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON. “Against the run and against the pass. They’re really prepared.”
The Jets will need a strong defensive performance this weekend against the Colts and Associated Press NFL MVP PEYTON MANNING. In the Divisional Playoff victory, Manning passed for 246 yards and two touchdowns against a tough Baltimore defense.
“I thought we had good preparation coming into that game,” says Manning. “We came out sharp and kind of set the tempo from the get-go.”
Defensively, the Colts shut down the Ravens’ powerful running game. Indianapolis will need another strong performance this weekend against the Jets’ top-ranked ground attack (172.3 yards per game).
“Our defense did not allow them to move the ball and get in a position to score,” says Caldwell. They just did a great job overall.”
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (13-4) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (14-3) (Sunday, FOX, 6:40 PM ET)
For the first time in franchise history, the New Orleans Saints will host the NFC Championship Game. The NFC’s top seed knocked off the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 in the Divisional Round as quarterback DREW BREES tossed three touchdown passes and running back REGGIE BUSH scored twice.
“There’s no fan base that deserves a championship more than New Orleans and the ‘Who Dat’ nation,” says Brees. “Just the bond that we have with them is special. They give us strength. They give us motivation. We want to do it for them.”
Bush, who became just the second player in NFL postseason history to score a touchdown on a rush and punt return in the same game, electrified the crowd as he amassed 217 total yards.
“He’s a guy who can change the game,” says Saints head coach SEAN PAYTON.
Another guy who can change the game is Minnesota’s 40-year old quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who threw a career postseason-high four touchdown passes in the Vikings’ 34-3 win over Dallas. Favre’s four touchdown passes are twice as many as all other 40-year old quarterbacks have thrown in NFL postseason history combined.
“He’s playing his heart out,” says Minnesota defensive end JARED ALLEN, who had a sack and forced fumble versus the Cowboys.
Vikings wide receiver SIDNEY RICE continued his impressive Pro Bowl season as he had six catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns, tying the NFL postseason record. Rice is just the third player in the past 25 seasons to catch three touchdown passes in his first career playoff start (STERLING SHARPE and WILLIE JACKSON).
“There are faster guys,” says Favre. “There are taller guys. There are quicker guys. But the thing about Sidney is that he wants to be good. It matters to him.”
And in the Divisional Playoffs, “anything” did happen, setting the stage for what is certain to be a memorable Championship Weekend:
AFC Championship Game
New York Jets vs Indianapolis Colts
3:00 p.m. ET - CBS
NFC Championship Game
Minnesota Vikings vs New Orleans Saints
6:40 p.m. ET - FOX
Ryan became the sixth rookie head coach in the Super Bowl era to win at least two playoff games as he led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game after a 17-14 victory over the San Diego Chargers in the Divisional Playoffs. New York, the No. 5 seed in the AFC, knocked off the red-hot Chargers, who had won 11 games in a row.
“It’s a big win for our franchise,” says Jets rookie quarterback MARK SANCHEZ. “And we’re not done.”
Up next for the surging Jets, who have won five consecutive road games, is a rematch with the top-seeded Indianapolis Colts, this time for the Lamar Hunt Trophy and the AFC title. New York defeated Indianapolis 29-15 in Week 16, ending the Colts’ NFL-record 23-game regular-season winning streak.
The Colts defeated the Baltimore Ravens 20-3 in the Divisional Round, holding the Ravens without a touchdown in a postseason game for the second time in the past four years. The three points are the fewest allowed by the Colts in the postseason since the 1971 Divisional Playoffs (three vs. Cleveland).
“Our defense did a tremendous job,” says Colts rookie head coach JIM CALDWELL. “Our defense played hard, they tackled well and they were opportunistic. It was a heck of a performance.”
The AFC Championship Game will mark the first conference title game in NFL history to match rookie head coaches.
On the NFC side, the top-seeded New Orleans Saints defeated the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 to advance to their second Championship Game in franchise history (2006). With the Saints and Colts both advancing, 2009 marks the first time both No. 1 seeds have advanced to the Championship Games since 2004.
“We’re excited to get the win,” says New Orleans head coach SEAN PAYTON, who has guided the Saints to their only two NFC Championship Game appearances. “We knew we were playing a good team coming in here with postseason experience. I was encouraged with the overall team effort.”
The Saints’ REGGIE BUSH totaled 217 combined yards and scored on a 46-yard touchdown run and 83-yard punt return. He joined Pro Football Hall of Famer CHARLEY TRIPPI (1947 NFL Championship) as the only players in NFL postseason history to scored a rushing and punt-return touchdown in the same game. Bush also became just the second player in NFL playoff history to score touchdowns of 80 and 40 yards in the same game, joining Washington’s RICKY SANDERS (Super Bowl XXII).
“I knew I was going to get a lot of opportunities to make plays and just be a difference-maker for my team,” says Bush. “I just tried to make the most of it every time I had the ball.”
The Minnesota Vikings will travel to the Superdome this weekend to face the Saints as the NFC Championship Game will feature the conference’s top two seeds. The Vikings defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-3 to advance to the club’s first Championship Game since 2000.
“This is what I came back for,” says Minnesota quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who threw a postseason career-high four touchdowns passes. “I feel like I’m playing the same way and with the same enthusiasm I’ve always had. And I know the guys feed off of that. Fans enjoy that because it is real and genuine.”
Vikings wide receiver SIDNEY RICE caught a franchise postseason-record three touchdowns and credited his veteran quarterback.
“Same old Brett,” says Rice. “He’s been doing that since he first came into the league. Moving around, getting the ball out, breaking tackles and even running down field and throwing blocks. It just shows how big a heart he has.”
A closer look at the AFC and NFC Championship Games:
NEW YORK JETS (11-7) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (15-2) (Sunday, CBS, 3:00 PM ET)
For the first time in NFL history, a Championship Game will feature two rookie head coaches: New York’s REX RYAN and Indianapolis’ JIM CALDWELL. The winner will be just the fifth rookie head coach to reach the Super Bowl.
For the Jets, rookies have played a big role during the team’s impressive postseason run. Quarterback MARK SANCHEZ is 2-0 in the postseason and aims to become the first rookie QB to start a Super Bowl and running back SHONN GREENE has posted back-to-back 100-yard games in the playoffs (135 vs. CIN, 128 vs. SD), becoming just the third rookie in NFL history to gain at least 100 rushing yards in each of his first two playoff games.
With the Jets leading 10-7 in the fourth quarter last week against San Diego, Greene extended the lead with a 53-yard touchdown run, the second-longest in franchise postseason history.
“The offensive line executed well,” says Greene. “I got through the first level and once I got to the second level, I had to beat a safety. I made him miss and then it was green in front of me and the end zone was clear.”
New York’s defense, which led the NFL this season allowing 14.8 points per game, held the powerful San Diego offense to 14 points, ending the Chargers’ streak of 22 consecutive games (including playoffs) with at least 20 points.
“That’s the best defense I’ve played all year,” says Chargers running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON. “Against the run and against the pass. They’re really prepared.”
The Jets will need a strong defensive performance this weekend against the Colts and Associated Press NFL MVP PEYTON MANNING. In the Divisional Playoff victory, Manning passed for 246 yards and two touchdowns against a tough Baltimore defense.
“I thought we had good preparation coming into that game,” says Manning. “We came out sharp and kind of set the tempo from the get-go.”
Defensively, the Colts shut down the Ravens’ powerful running game. Indianapolis will need another strong performance this weekend against the Jets’ top-ranked ground attack (172.3 yards per game).
“Our defense did not allow them to move the ball and get in a position to score,” says Caldwell. They just did a great job overall.”
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (13-4) at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (14-3) (Sunday, FOX, 6:40 PM ET)
For the first time in franchise history, the New Orleans Saints will host the NFC Championship Game. The NFC’s top seed knocked off the Arizona Cardinals 45-14 in the Divisional Round as quarterback DREW BREES tossed three touchdown passes and running back REGGIE BUSH scored twice.
“There’s no fan base that deserves a championship more than New Orleans and the ‘Who Dat’ nation,” says Brees. “Just the bond that we have with them is special. They give us strength. They give us motivation. We want to do it for them.”
Bush, who became just the second player in NFL postseason history to score a touchdown on a rush and punt return in the same game, electrified the crowd as he amassed 217 total yards.
“He’s a guy who can change the game,” says Saints head coach SEAN PAYTON.
Another guy who can change the game is Minnesota’s 40-year old quarterback BRETT FAVRE, who threw a career postseason-high four touchdown passes in the Vikings’ 34-3 win over Dallas. Favre’s four touchdown passes are twice as many as all other 40-year old quarterbacks have thrown in NFL postseason history combined.
“He’s playing his heart out,” says Minnesota defensive end JARED ALLEN, who had a sack and forced fumble versus the Cowboys.
Vikings wide receiver SIDNEY RICE continued his impressive Pro Bowl season as he had six catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns, tying the NFL postseason record. Rice is just the third player in the past 25 seasons to catch three touchdown passes in his first career playoff start (STERLING SHARPE and WILLIE JACKSON).
“There are faster guys,” says Favre. “There are taller guys. There are quicker guys. But the thing about Sidney is that he wants to be good. It matters to him.”
martes, 12 de enero de 2010
HALL OF FAME ELECTION ANNOUNCED
5 MODERN-ERA FINALISTS
FOR HALL OF FAME ELECTION ANNOUNCED
Also Fans “Voice Their Choice”
Three first-year eligible players, Tim Brown, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith, are among the 15 modern-era finalists who will be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when the Hall’s Selection Committee meets in South Florida on Saturday, February 6, 2010.
Joining the three first-year eligible players, are 11 other modern-era players and a longtime head coach. The 15 modern-era finalists, along with the two senior nominees announced in August 2009 (former Detroit Lions cornerback Dick LeBeau and former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little) will be the only candidates considered for Hall of Fame election when the 44-member Selection Committee meets. To be elected, a finalist must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent.
Also, for the first time fans are invited to vote for their choice for the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Van Heusen Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan’s Choice at www.fanschoice.com.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame, Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation and JC Penney Company have teamed to provide the first-ever dedicated forum for fans to debate, discuss and voice their choice by voting for the Hall of Fame Enshrinee Class of 2010. The robust forum also includes stats on all candidates and opinions from football experts, Hall of Fame players and fans around the country.
The official Hall of Fame Selection Committee’s 17 finalists (15 Modern-Era and two Senior Nominees*) with their positions, teams, and years active follow:
* Tim Brown – Wide Receiver/Kick Returner – 1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
* Cris Carter – Wide Receiver – 1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins
* Don Coryell – Coach – 1973-77 St. Louis Cardinals, 1978-1986 San Diego Chargers
* Roger Craig – Running Back – 1983-1990 San Francisco 49ers, 1991 Los Angeles Raiders, 1992-93 Minnesota Vikings
* Dermonti Dawson – Center – 1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers
* Richard Dent – Defensive End – 1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Indianapolis Colts, 1997 Philadelphia Eagles
* Russ Grimm – Guard – 1981-1991 Washington Redskins
* Charles Haley – Defensive End/Linebacker – 1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys
* Rickey Jackson – Linebacker – 1981-1993 New Orleans Saints, 1994-95 San Francisco 49ers
* Cortez Kennedy – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks
* Dick LeBeau* – Cornerback – 1959-1972 Detroit Lions
* Floyd Little* – Running Back – 1967-1975 Denver Broncos
* John Randle – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Minnesota Vikings, 2001-03 Seattle Seahawks
* Andre Reed – Wide Receiver – 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins
* Jerry Rice – Wide Receiver – 1985-2000 San Francisco 49ers, 2001-04 Oakland Raiders, 2004 Seattle Seahawks
* Shannon Sharpe – Tight End – 1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens
* Emmitt Smith – Running Back – 1990-2002 Dallas Cowboys, 2003-04 Arizona Cardinals
Carter, Dawson, Dent, Grimm, Kennedy, Randle, Reed, and Sharpe have all been finalists in previous years. Although they were eligible in previous years, this is the first time Coryell, Craig, Haley, Jackson, Little, and LeBeau have been finalists.
From this year’s list, five players – Dawson, Grimm, Kennedy, LeBeau, and Little – spent their entire NFL career with just one team.
LeBeau and Little were selected as senior candidates by the Hall of Fame’s Seniors Committee at their August 2009 meeting. The Seniors Committee reviews the qualifications of those players whose careers took place more than 25 years ago. The remaining 15 modern-era finalists were determined by a vote of the Hall’s 44-member Selection Committee from a list of 131 preliminary nominees that earlier was reduced to a list of 25 semifinalists. To be eligible for election, modern-era players and coaches must be retired at least five years (prior to 2007 coaches were eligible immediately after retiring).
Since Coryell retired prior to the 2007 change in coach’s eligibility, he has been eligible the longest of the modern-era nominees, 23 years. Grimm has been eligible 14 years, while Craig has been eligible 12 years. Jackson has been eligible for 10 years, Dent eight years, Haley six years, Reed, Dawson and Kennedy five years, Carter three years, Randle and Sharpe two years. Brown, Rice and Smith are in their first year of eligibility. Senior nominees LeBeau and Little have been eligible 33 years and 30 years respectively.
The Selection Committee will meet in South Florida, on Saturday, February 6, 2010, to elect the Hall of Fame Class of 2010. The election results will be announced at 5 p.m. ET during a one-hour NFL Network special, live from the Broward County Convention Center.
At the 2010 selection meeting, the selectors will thoroughly discuss the careers of each finalist. Although there is no set number for any class of enshrinees, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s current ground rules stipulate that between four and seven new members will be selected each year. No more than five modern-era nominees can be elected in a given year and a class of six or seven can only be achieved if one or both senior nominees are elected. Representatives of the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche will tabulate all votes during the meeting.
At the announcement, Pro Football Hall of Fame President/Executive Director Steve Perry will be presented with an envelope containing the names of the nominees elected. Each newly elected member will be contacted immediately by the Hall of Fame. Members of the Class of 2010 in South Florida for the Super Bowl will be asked to join the live announcement show. Those not able to attend will be asked to join via teleconference.
The Van Heusen Fan’s Choice campaign which launched in September, mirrors the Hall of Fame’s selection process and will name the first-ever Fan’s Choice Class live on NFL Network just prior to the official announcement from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Van Heusen Fan’s Choice Top 15 list includes seven candidates who also appear on the official Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee list including: Tim Brown, Cris Carter, Richard Dent, Charles Haley, Jerry Rice, Shannon Sharpe and Emmitt Smith.
Others who made the Van Heusen Fan’s Choice Top 15 list who didn’t make the official Hall of Fame Selection Committee list include an athletic trainer, Otho Davis; a coach, Tom Flores; as well as former players, Cliff Branch, Todd Christensen, Ray Guy, Lester Hayes, Ed “Too Tall” Jones , and Jim Plunkett.
The Final Round of fan voting begins today and the top 15 Fan’s choices will be combined with the Hall of Fame Selection Committee choices for one powerhouse list of candidates looking for fans’ votes to become a part of the inaugural Fan’s Choice class.
Fans are encouraged to visit www.fanschoice.com to vote for their favorites before the Fan’s Choice Class is revealed on February 6.
FOR HALL OF FAME ELECTION ANNOUNCED
Also Fans “Voice Their Choice”
Three first-year eligible players, Tim Brown, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith, are among the 15 modern-era finalists who will be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when the Hall’s Selection Committee meets in South Florida on Saturday, February 6, 2010.
Joining the three first-year eligible players, are 11 other modern-era players and a longtime head coach. The 15 modern-era finalists, along with the two senior nominees announced in August 2009 (former Detroit Lions cornerback Dick LeBeau and former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little) will be the only candidates considered for Hall of Fame election when the 44-member Selection Committee meets. To be elected, a finalist must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent.
Also, for the first time fans are invited to vote for their choice for the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Van Heusen Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan’s Choice at www.fanschoice.com.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame, Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation and JC Penney Company have teamed to provide the first-ever dedicated forum for fans to debate, discuss and voice their choice by voting for the Hall of Fame Enshrinee Class of 2010. The robust forum also includes stats on all candidates and opinions from football experts, Hall of Fame players and fans around the country.
The official Hall of Fame Selection Committee’s 17 finalists (15 Modern-Era and two Senior Nominees*) with their positions, teams, and years active follow:
* Tim Brown – Wide Receiver/Kick Returner – 1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
* Cris Carter – Wide Receiver – 1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins
* Don Coryell – Coach – 1973-77 St. Louis Cardinals, 1978-1986 San Diego Chargers
* Roger Craig – Running Back – 1983-1990 San Francisco 49ers, 1991 Los Angeles Raiders, 1992-93 Minnesota Vikings
* Dermonti Dawson – Center – 1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers
* Richard Dent – Defensive End – 1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Indianapolis Colts, 1997 Philadelphia Eagles
* Russ Grimm – Guard – 1981-1991 Washington Redskins
* Charles Haley – Defensive End/Linebacker – 1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys
* Rickey Jackson – Linebacker – 1981-1993 New Orleans Saints, 1994-95 San Francisco 49ers
* Cortez Kennedy – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks
* Dick LeBeau* – Cornerback – 1959-1972 Detroit Lions
* Floyd Little* – Running Back – 1967-1975 Denver Broncos
* John Randle – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Minnesota Vikings, 2001-03 Seattle Seahawks
* Andre Reed – Wide Receiver – 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins
* Jerry Rice – Wide Receiver – 1985-2000 San Francisco 49ers, 2001-04 Oakland Raiders, 2004 Seattle Seahawks
* Shannon Sharpe – Tight End – 1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens
* Emmitt Smith – Running Back – 1990-2002 Dallas Cowboys, 2003-04 Arizona Cardinals
Carter, Dawson, Dent, Grimm, Kennedy, Randle, Reed, and Sharpe have all been finalists in previous years. Although they were eligible in previous years, this is the first time Coryell, Craig, Haley, Jackson, Little, and LeBeau have been finalists.
From this year’s list, five players – Dawson, Grimm, Kennedy, LeBeau, and Little – spent their entire NFL career with just one team.
LeBeau and Little were selected as senior candidates by the Hall of Fame’s Seniors Committee at their August 2009 meeting. The Seniors Committee reviews the qualifications of those players whose careers took place more than 25 years ago. The remaining 15 modern-era finalists were determined by a vote of the Hall’s 44-member Selection Committee from a list of 131 preliminary nominees that earlier was reduced to a list of 25 semifinalists. To be eligible for election, modern-era players and coaches must be retired at least five years (prior to 2007 coaches were eligible immediately after retiring).
Since Coryell retired prior to the 2007 change in coach’s eligibility, he has been eligible the longest of the modern-era nominees, 23 years. Grimm has been eligible 14 years, while Craig has been eligible 12 years. Jackson has been eligible for 10 years, Dent eight years, Haley six years, Reed, Dawson and Kennedy five years, Carter three years, Randle and Sharpe two years. Brown, Rice and Smith are in their first year of eligibility. Senior nominees LeBeau and Little have been eligible 33 years and 30 years respectively.
The Selection Committee will meet in South Florida, on Saturday, February 6, 2010, to elect the Hall of Fame Class of 2010. The election results will be announced at 5 p.m. ET during a one-hour NFL Network special, live from the Broward County Convention Center.
At the 2010 selection meeting, the selectors will thoroughly discuss the careers of each finalist. Although there is no set number for any class of enshrinees, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s current ground rules stipulate that between four and seven new members will be selected each year. No more than five modern-era nominees can be elected in a given year and a class of six or seven can only be achieved if one or both senior nominees are elected. Representatives of the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche will tabulate all votes during the meeting.
At the announcement, Pro Football Hall of Fame President/Executive Director Steve Perry will be presented with an envelope containing the names of the nominees elected. Each newly elected member will be contacted immediately by the Hall of Fame. Members of the Class of 2010 in South Florida for the Super Bowl will be asked to join the live announcement show. Those not able to attend will be asked to join via teleconference.
The Van Heusen Fan’s Choice campaign which launched in September, mirrors the Hall of Fame’s selection process and will name the first-ever Fan’s Choice Class live on NFL Network just prior to the official announcement from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Van Heusen Fan’s Choice Top 15 list includes seven candidates who also appear on the official Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee list including: Tim Brown, Cris Carter, Richard Dent, Charles Haley, Jerry Rice, Shannon Sharpe and Emmitt Smith.
Others who made the Van Heusen Fan’s Choice Top 15 list who didn’t make the official Hall of Fame Selection Committee list include an athletic trainer, Otho Davis; a coach, Tom Flores; as well as former players, Cliff Branch, Todd Christensen, Ray Guy, Lester Hayes, Ed “Too Tall” Jones , and Jim Plunkett.
The Final Round of fan voting begins today and the top 15 Fan’s choices will be combined with the Hall of Fame Selection Committee choices for one powerhouse list of candidates looking for fans’ votes to become a part of the inaugural Fan’s Choice class.
Fans are encouraged to visit www.fanschoice.com to vote for their favorites before the Fan’s Choice Class is revealed on February 6.
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