There’s little doubt Allen deserves inclusion in an All-NFL Corridor of Fame group, however who else belongs on this legendary group? Listed here are our picks:
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Peyton Manning | Manning, who starred for the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, performed quarterback as if he had been a maestro, and it is arduous to consider a greater conductor for this orchestra.
The five-time MVP put up gaudy numbers, twice setting the report for passing touchdowns in a season (49 in 2004, 55 in 2013). However Manning actually stands alone in NFL historical past in his preparation and skill to learn and dictate defenses on the line of scrimmage pre-snap.
After Manning’s induction into the Corridor of Fame in 2021, the Indianapolis Star spoke with former NFL QB Frank Reich, who started his teaching profession as an intern for the Colts in 2006.
Stated Reich of Manning’s potential to govern defenses on the line of scrimmage: “All of the faux indicators. All of the faux phrases. All the time continuously altering issues to try to idiot the opponent… Nobody was doing that stuff on the stage Peyton was doing it.”
Operating again (2): Jim Brown, Walter Payton | Arguably probably the most tough choice is at working again, the place it seems like against the law to not embrace former Detroit Lions star Barry Sanders. However we might really feel even worse not together with Brown or Payton.
Brown, who starred with the Cleveland Browns, is broadly considered as the best working again in NFL historical past and holds the report for highest profession dashing yards per sport common (104.3). Payton, who starred with the Bears, is the league’s second-leading rusher and completed his profession with 4,538 receiving yards.
Tight finish: Tony Gonzalez | In Gonzalez’s 17-year profession, which started with the Chiefs and included a five-year stint with the Falcons, he had 1,325 receptions for 15,127 yards, each probably the most amongst tight ends in NFL historical past. He additionally had 111 TD catches, which path Chargers nice Antonio Gates for many all time on the place.
Large receiver (2): Calvin Johnson, Jerry Rice | Rice, who starred for the Niners and Raiders, is a shoo-in, and whereas a number of worthy candidates have a declare for WR2, we’re taking the one one nicknamed after a personality from the science fiction movie “Transformers.” What a profession Johnson — “Megatron” — had with the Lions.
OL (5): Larry Allen (T), Steve Hutchinson (G), Kevin Mawai (C), Joe Thomas (T), Gene Upshaw (G) | It may be simpler to interrupt into Space 51 than by means of this offensive line. Allen, who famously bench pressed 700 kilos and performed guard throughout his 14-year profession, and Thomas (Browns) anchored the sides. In the meantime, Hutchinson (Seahawks/Vikings), Mawai (star for Jets and Titans) and Upshaw (Raiders) will give Manning a clear pocket and Brown and Payton wide-open working lanes.
