Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest Hall of Fame omission

By Russell S. Baxter

FLUSHING, NY - OCTOBER 23, 1977: Wide Receiver Cliff Branch #21 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball after a catch against the New York Jets October 23, 1977 during an NFL Football game at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. Branch played for the Raiders from 1972-85. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
FLUSHING, NY - OCTOBER 23, 1977: Wide Receiver Cliff Branch #21 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball after a catch against the New York Jets October 23, 1977 during an NFL Football game at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. Branch played for the Raiders from 1972-85. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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It is that time of the year when football honors its legends. And here are a few more good candidates who deserve Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame membership now stands at 318 with the additions of fable general manager Bobby Beathard, wide receivers Randy Moss and Terrell Owens, linebackers Robert Brazile, Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis, safety Brian Dawkins and legendary Green Bay Packers guard Jerry Kramer this year.

But what about so many more players, coaches and executives that are worthy of this honor?

In terms of our 32 selections, the onus here was on former players. That’s not the say that there are coaches and administrators that are due to be enshrined in Canton. And rest assured those men and others candidates will be mentioned throughout each of the team’s pages. Also keep in mind that several of the names listed here have been finalists for the honors at least once.

Are some of the choices here somewhat of a stretch? That’s certainly reasonable. Remember the criteria here. The selections are all currently Hall of Fame eligible. For some of the younger franchises, making a selection is easier said than done. In any case, enjoy the trip down memory lane.

Arizona Cardinals: WR/DB Roy Green

When Larry Fitzgerald finally opts to hang up his cleats, he figures to walk right into Canton. And while players at his position have had their problems being inducted as soon as they are eligible (only 6-of-27 modern-day wide receivers in the Hall of Fame are first-ballot selections), it’s hard to believe the league’s third-leading pass-catcher (for now) would not be an immediate choice.

Meanwhile the Cardinals have had their share of other prolific pass-catchers throughout their long history. One of those began his career as a defensive back and joined the franchise while it was still in the Gateway City. In 1979, the then-St. Louis Cardinals use a fourth-round selection on safety Roy Green from Henderson State University.

He played 12 seasons with the club from 1979-90 and still ranks fourth in Cardinals’ history in 522 receptions, good for 8,496 yards and 66 scores. That after catching only one pass in his first two years in the league when he was primarily focusing on defense.

Green, who finished his career with the Philadelphia Eagles (1991-92) also scored TDs during his career as a runner, punt returner and kickoff return artist. He finished his NFL career with 559 catches. And while roaming the secondary, picked off four passes and recovered four fumbles in his first four NFL seasons.

Next: Atlanta Falcons