10 NFL players who should not be in the Hall of Fame

Frank Gatski, C, Cleveland Browns/Detroit Lions, 1946-1957 

Offensive line is possibly the most difficult to evaluate in terms of the Hall of Fame. Linemen tend to be underrated as a critical part of any great team and there probably should be more Hall of Famers from the line.

Howver, Gatski’s accolades don’t stand up to some of his peers. He was named to just one Pro Bowl and three All-Pros. Gatski was never given All-League honors while playing the AAFC despite the fact that the Browns were far and away the most dominant team in the league.

It’s very possible that Gatski’s Hall of Fame credentials were boosted by playing on a Browns team that was the best in the AAFC for a number of years. Five other Cleveland players of the era were elected before Gatski, and he was only a finalist twice in 25 years of eligibility.

The first season Gatski earned All-Pro honors was in 1952, when he played alongside left tackle Lou Garza, who was elected to the Hall of Fame just seven years after retiring. Garza earned nine Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro selections, the sort of accolades more typically associated with Hall of Famers.

Voters weren’t impressed with Gatski, as he wasn’t even a finalist until 1976. It was another nine years until his election, and it’s unclear what exactly caused the sudden change of heart.

Gatski deserves plenty of credit for anchoring an important position on the best team of his era. However, there are many other offensive line candidates who are more decorated.

Next: Dan Dierdorf