Fansided

30 biggest Hall of Fame snubs in NFL history

By Jarrett Bailey

Ken Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Ken Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 29: Linebacker Pat Swilling #56 of the New Orleans Saints tries to beat tackle Mike Kenn #78 of the Atlanta Falcons in an NFL game at the Fulton County Stadium on September 29, 1991 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Saints defeated the Falcons 27-6. (Photo by Gin Ellis/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 29: Linebacker Pat Swilling #56 of the New Orleans Saints tries to beat tackle Mike Kenn #78 of the Atlanta Falcons in an NFL game at the Fulton County Stadium on September 29, 1991 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Saints defeated the Falcons 27-6. (Photo by Gin Ellis/Getty Images) /

29. Pat Swilling

Pat Swilling was one of the best defensive players on the Saints “Dome Patrol” defense that made New Orleans winners for the first time in franchise history.

Swilling was drafted by the Saints in the third round of the 1986 NFL Draft, and would go on to put together a portfolio that is Hall of Fame worthy. He made it to his first Pro Bowl in 1989, as he and Sam Mills (more on him later) patrolled the second level of the defense. He was a Pro Bowler every season from 1989-92, and was a two-time All-Pro selection in that span, as well.

Swilling left New Orleans after the 1992 season and was with the Lions from 1993-94. He was a Pro Bowler once again with Detroit in 1993. He retired after the 1998 season as a member of the Oakland Raiders. He finished his career as a five-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro. He also won the 1991 Defensive Player of the Year as the Saints had one of their best seasons in team history.

Swilling’s resume speaks for itself. He is definitely worthy of Hall of Fame honors. The door isn’t shut on that happening, but the fact that he has waited this long is telling.

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