2021 NFL Hall of Fame

Quite a good list of players and coaches

First off is Alan Faneca. He was a force as one of Pittsburgh's linemen being their first pick in 1998. Blocked for some strong running games of the day when Jerome Bettis was leading the way and a Super Bowl. Pro Bowler nine times, also had a couple good years with the Jets before ending it with Arizona in 2010. Not sure what the criteria is for linemen. Must have really impressed given what the teams he was on was able to do. Can't complain.

Next is the coach selection, Tom Flores. While his numbers aren't great because of his three years with the Seahawks from 1992 to 94, he was integral to the Raiders from 79 to 87. Following John Madden's retirement from coaching, he picked up the team and got them to win the Super Bowl his second year and his second title in 83. A Latino coach, there is representation for what he was able to do. Great choices in guys like Marcus Allen and Howie Long as guys like Jim Plunkett and Gene Upshaw were getting older. Flores was also able to not get distracted by owner Al Davis and all the things going on during the 80s, especially when they moved to Los Angeles. That alone should make him Hall of Fame worthy.

Surprised but not at the same time, Calvin Johnson got in first ballot. I didn't think he'd get in first try given his stats are over 11 thousand yards and 83 touchdowns. I'm used to receivers waiting a while. Second overall pick of 07 and his career all in Detroit, he did a lot of damage in his final six years, especially when Matthew Stafford stayed healthy. Leading touchdown receiver in 2008, the 0-16 team. Led the league in yards in 2011 and 12, the 12 year being the record one, shattering Jerry Rice's yards that he got in 1995. Six time Pro Bowler, knew he would get in. Couldn't imagine being first ballot. But Canton gets a really good player.

This must have been long overdue for John Lynch. Third round pick in 1993, he didn't light things up until a few years into his career. A lot of has to do with his ferocious play. Very big hitter. That's why he was a nine time Pro Bowler and knew when to make those big plays. When you think Tampa's defense, I feel like he's left behind considering guys like Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks. It did get him a Super Bowl. His stats are not the greatest with just over a thousand tackles and 26 interceptions. Safety wise, that's not too bad given his position. How he is in San Francisco now as a GM probably helps a little bit. Maybe it was the right year to get him. Not saying he doesn't deserve it, but better late than never.

I don't even need to explain Peyton Manning. First overall pick of 1998. Lead the league in interceptions with 28, a rookie record that is still there. Improvements over the years. Rarely getting sacked in Indianapolis. Gets them the elusive Super Bowl in 2006. Lots of records, MVPS, leading in stats at the time of retirement in yards and touchdowns thrown. Injury forces him out and he does to Denver. Single season records in touchdowns and yards. Not a good final year, but ends it with a Super Bowl win. Very obvious first ballot guy. Where he goes outside of his TV show, he can do whatever he wants.

Bill Nunn, I don't have a lot to say. But considering he was able to do during his time with Pittsburgh, it meant something for the Rooneys. Being there from 1968 until his passing in 2014, he was in the front office. The guy could find talent that was necessary. More than likely, that's how they were able to build such a big team in the 70s and the team holding relevancy in the 90s and 2000s. More than its fair share of Hall of Fame players, how this guy didn't get in when he was alive, I don't know. But the consistency of the franchise gets him the enshrinement. 

Drew Pearson may be a controversial one to younger people. But what they fail to understand is how different the league was in the 70s. You weren't seeing 4000 yard seasons consistently with two or three receivers with a thousand plus yards each. If you want to blame somebody, blame the 1999 Rams. But Pearson was a consistent player and a favorite for Dallas and their quarterback, Roger Staubach.  The Hail Mary was due to those two in 1975. His stat line is good for the 70s and 80s at 7800 yards and 48 touchdowns. Who knows what could have been if it wasn't for a car accident in 1984 that ended his career. Still, you'd think he would have had a fighting chance considering a Super Bowl and being part of the 70s Hall of Fame team. The disappointment last year may have set in for the NFL to get him in. If they're going to do that, then get Everson Walls in. Fuck the Dwight Clark catch, which wasn't even that special of a catch. That stigma should have been erased when he won the Super Bowl with the Giants

Last is Charles Woodson. Fourth overall in 98, he was a leading man in regards to the secondary he was with. Huge knack for making some big tackles and picking off the opposing team. A rookie of the year and Pro Bowls in his first four years, health issues plagued the later years of his first stint with the Raiders. Did a lot more when he went to Green Bay. That includes a Super Bowl, two time leading interception guy, a defensive player of the year award. Did decent his second stint with the Raiders. At 1200 plus tackles and 65 interceptions, a team player all the way, Not a surprise he's first ballot.

Don't know if there will be ceremonies for last years to go with this, but there's some really special groups that will be remembered for years to come.