Biggest Hall of Fame snub for all 32 NFL teams

PASADENA, CA- JANUARY 9: Jim Marshall #70 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on from the bench against the Oakland Raiders during Super Bowl XI on January 9, 1977 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Raiders won the Super Bowl 32 -14. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

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New York Giants #21 running back Tiki Barber celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter during the Philadelphia Eagles vs New York Giants game on December 17, 2006, at Giants Stadium Philadelphia Eagles 36 New York Giants 22 (Photo by Tom Berg/NFLPhotoLibrary) /

New Orleans Saints

Biggest Hall of Fame Snub: LB Pat Swilling

An underappreciated defender who spent the first seven years of his career in New Orleans, Swilling made a tremendous impact as a pass rusher. Swilling recorded 107.5 sacks in his career, including a league-leading 17 sacks in 1991 when he was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year.

A four-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, Swilling helped New Orleans and Detroit reach the postseason six times only to see his teams lose their first playoff game each time. That lack of postseason success may be a differentiator for Swilling, who is likely considered a Hall of Very Good player by most voters.

New York Giants

Biggest Hall of Fame Snub: RB Tiki Barber

Barber really had two separate careers in New York, a disappointing first three seasons followed by seven that saw him become one of the NFL’s best running backs. Things really took off for Barber in 2002, when he left fellow committee member Ron Dayne in the dust by rushing for nearly 1,400 yards and adding another 597 yards through the air, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s best dual-threat running backs.

The biggest reason that Barber isn’t in the Hall of Fame is due to his decision to retire at age 31 after the 2006 season in order to try to get a jump on a future broadcasting career. That decision came after a campaign where he compiled over 2,000 yards from scrimmage, a sign that Barber was nowhere near done. Another two or three years of excellent production may have gotten Barber into the Hall of Fame.

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