CLAUDE HUMPHREY – Defensive End – 1968-1974, 1976-1978 Atlanta Falcons, 1979-1981 Philadelphia Eagles

BOB KUECHENBERG – Guard – 1970-1983 Miami Dolphins

JAMES LOFTON – Wide Receiver – 1978-1986 Green Bay Packers, 1987-1988 Los Angeles Raiders, 1989-1992 Buffalo Bills, 1993 Los Angeles Rams, 1993 Philadelphia Eagles

ART MONK – Wide Receiver – 1980-1993 Washington Redskins, 1994 New York Jets, 1995 Philadelphia Eagles

KEN STABLER – Quarterback – 1970-1979 Oakland Raiders, 1980-1981 Houston Oilers, 1982-1984 New Orleans Saints

HANK STRAM – Coach – 1960-1974 Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs, 1976-1977 New Orleans Saints

RALPH WILSON – Owner – 1959 – Present Buffalo Bills

GEORGE YOUNG – General Manager/Administrator – 1979-1997 New York Giants, 1998-2001 National Football League

GARY ZIMMERMAN – Tackle – 1986-1992 Minnesota Vikings, 1993-1997 Denver Broncos

The 14 Modern-Era finalists were determined by a vote of the Selection Committee from a preliminary group of 74 players, coaches, and contributors.  The 15th finalist is Stram, the Seniors Committee nominee.  To be eligible for the 2003 class, Seniors Committee candidates must have completed at least 70 percent of their careers by 1978.  At the annual election meeting, the Seniors Committee nominee must receive the same affirmative majority – a minimum of 80 percent – required of any candidate to be elected.

To be eligible for election, modern-era players must be retired at least five years while a coach needs only to be retired.  A nominee whose major contributions came in areas other than playing or coaching, does not have to be retired to be considered.

At the 2003 election meeting (January 25), the selectors will thoroughly discuss the careers of each finalist before narrowing the field to the Seniors Committee nominee and six modern-era candidates.  At least four modern-era candidates must be elected but the total class, including the Seniors Committee nominee, cannot number more than seven.

Of the 2003 finalists, Stram has been eligible 25 years, Humphrey 17 years, Bethea, Gradishar, and Kuechenberg 15 years, Stabler 14 years, DeLamielleure 13 years, Hayes 12, Carson 10, Lofton five, Monk three, and Allen and Zimmerman are eligible for the first time. 

The Class of 2003 will be announced at a press conference at 12 noon (PST) on Saturday, January 25, at the Super Bowl media center in the San Diego Convention Center.

Representatives of the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche will tabulate all votes during the meeting.  At the press conference, they will present Hall of Fame Executive Director John Bankert with an envelope containing the names of the nominees elected.  The Hall will contact each new member immediately after the announcement.  Members of the Class of 2003 in San Diego for the Super Bowl will be asked to join the press conference.  Those not able to attend will be asked to join via teleconference.

Enshrinement of the Class of 2003 will take place at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, on Sunday, August 3, 2003.

CLASS OF 2003
15 FINALISTS

Marcus Allen

Running Back . . . 6-2, 210 . . . Southern California . . . 1982-1992 Los Angeles Raiders, 1993-1997 Kansas City Chiefs . . . 16 seasons, 222 games . . . Raiders’ first-round draft pick (10th player overall) 1982 draft . . . All-America pick and 1981 Heisman Trophy winner . . . NFL Rookie of the Year in strike-shortened 1982 season . . . Excelled as runner, receiver, blocker . . . Rushed for 191 yards and 2 TDs in Super Bowl XVIII, named game’s MVP . . . Gained 1,000-plus yards in a season three consecutive years . . . Rushed for career-best 1,759 yards in 1985 . . . First player in NFL history to rush for 10,000-plus yards and catch passes for 5,000 more . . .Considered one of the game’s best goal line and short-yardage runners . . . Gained 12,243 yards rushing, 5,411 yards receiving, and scored 145 touchdowns during career . . .  At time of retirement held single-season record for most rushing and receiving yards combined (2,314), second in consecutive 100-yard games, and was third in career combined yardage . . . All-Pro 1982, 1985 and All-AFC 1982, 1984, 1985, 1993 . . . Named to six Pro Bowls: 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1994 . . . Born March 26, 1960, at San Diego, California.

Elvin Bethea

Defensive End . . . 6-2, 260 . . . North Carolina A&T . . . 1968-1983 Houston Oilers . . . 16 seasons, 210 games . . . Oilers’ third-round draft pick (77th player overall) 1968 draft . . . Considered leader on and off field . . . Durable, didn’t miss a game until breaking arm November 13, 1977 . . . When he retired, held three team records relating to career service:  most seasons (16), most career regular season games played (210), most consecutive regular season games played (135) . . . Saw action in eight Oilers playoff games . . . Although not an official NFL statistic until 1982, unofficial 105-career sack total still ranks as team best, as are the 16 sacks in 1973 . . . Led team in sacks six times . . . Recorded 4 sacks and fumble recovery in best single game performance vs. San Diego in 1976 . . . Was also effective against run . . . Even though 1974 was first year such statistics were compiled by Oilers, his 691-career tackles, still among best in franchise history . . . Selected to play in eight Pro Bowls, 1970, 1972-1976, 1979, 1980 . . . All-AFC 1971, 1972, 1974, 1978. . . All-Pro (second team) 1973, 1975, 1978, 1979 . . . Born March 1, 1946 at Trenton, New Jersey.  

Harry Carson

Linebacker . . . 6-2, 237 . . .South Carolina State . . .1976-1988 New York Giants . . .13 seasons, 173 games . . . Giants’ fourth-round draft pick (105th player overall), 1976 draft . . .Defensive end in college . . .Became Giants’ starting middle linebacker halfway through rookie season . . .Earned All-Rookie honors . . .Led Giants defenders in tackles five seasons . . . Had career-high performance in 1982 vs. Green Bay, 20 solo tackles and five assists . . . Ferocious run stopper whose 14 career fumble recoveries ranks second in Giants’ record book . . .Known for his aggressive pursuit, he recorded 11 career interceptions . . .Was a part of the famed Giants linebacker trio of Carson, Lawrence Taylor, and Carl Banks . . .A big-play performer, his interception and 12 tackles vs. Redskins in 1986 virtually assured Giants of NFC East title . . .Made key goal line stand play in Super Bowl XXI when he stopped Broncos running back for no gain. . .Selected to play in nine Pro Bowls, including seven straight (1982-1988). . . All-Pro (first-team) 1981, 1984; (second-team) 1978, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986 . . . All-NFC (first-team) 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1986; (second-team) 1978, 1985 . . . Born November 26, 1953, at Florence, South Carolina.

Joe DeLamielleure

Guard . . . 6-3, 254 . . . Michigan State . . . 1973-1979, 1985 Buffalo Bills, 1980-1984 Cleveland Browns . . . 13 seasons, 185 games . . . All-America and three-time All-Big Ten performer at Michigan State . . . Bills’ first-round pick (26th player overall) in 1973 draft . . . Won All-Rookie honors . . . Durable, played in 185 consecutive games . . . Starter from the first game as rookie and started every game for eight seasons in Buffalo before being traded to Cleveland in 1980 . . . During five years in Cleveland had only three non-starts . . . Most honored member of the Bills’ famed “Electric Company”  offensive line . . . Effective pass blocker who rarely allowed opponent to disrupt team’s pass plays . . . Best known as lead blocker for O. J. Simpson, NFL’s first 2000-yard rusher, 1973 . . .  Selected All-Pro and All-AFC 1975 through 1980 . . . Named to six Pro Bowls, 1976 through 1981 . . .  NFL Players Association named him Offensive Lineman of the Year, 1975 . . . Named to NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team . . . Born March 16, 1951 at Detroit, Michigan.
 

Randy Gradishar

Linebacker . . . 6-3, 233 . . . Ohio State . . . 1974 -1983 Denver Broncos . . . 10 seasons, 145 games . . . Broncos’ first-round pick (14th player overall) in 1974 draft . . . Foundation upon which Broncos built  “Orange Crush” defense . . . Dominant player, caught national attention when he returned interception 44 yards for TD during nationally televised game, 1975 . . . Key to Broncos defense that held opponents to AFC-best average 10 points per game, 1977 . . . That year team finished 12-2, advanced to Super Bowl XII . . . In 1978, behind “Orange Crush” defense team captured AFC Western Division crown . . .  Broncos all-time leader in tackles (2,049) . . . Never missed game, played in 145 consecutive matches . . . Led Broncos defenders in tackles nine consecutive years . . . Accounted for 33 turnovers during career, 20 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries . . . Returned interception 93 yards for TD against Browns, 1980 . . . Twice voted defensive MVP by teammates, 1978 and 1980 . . . Named to seven Pro Bowls . . . All-Pro five straight seasons, 1977-1981 . . . All-AFC 1977-1979, 1981, 1982 . . . Defensive Player of the Year in 1978 . . . Born March 3, 1952 at Warren, Ohio.

Lester Hayes

Cornerback . . . 6-0, 200 . . . Texas A&M . . . 1977-1986 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders . . . 10 seasons, 149 games . . .Raiders’ fifth-round pick (126th player overall) in 1977 draft . . . Played linebacker first two years and safety second two years at Texas A&M . . . Converted to cornerback in pros . . . Excellent in man-to-man coverage, earned a spot in starting lineup as rookie . . . A bump-and-run specialist he recorded 39 interceptions for 572 yards and 4 TDs during 10-year career . . . Career interception total is team high, tied with Hall of Famer Willie Brown . . . At retirement, career interception yardage third best in club history . . .Four career TDs tied him for club record at retirement . . . Five-time Pro Bowl selection (1981-1985) . . . Had finest statistical season in 1980 with league-leading 13 interceptions. . .Had an additional four picks nullified by penalties . . . Had five interceptions in four 1980 playoff games and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year . . . Recorded eight interceptions in 13 post-season games, 2nd in NFL history . . . Scored two touchdowns on interceptions in post-season, second most in NFL history . . . Born January 22, 1955 at Houston, Texas.

Claude Humphrey

Defensive End . . . 6-4, 252 . . . Tennessee State . . . 1968-1974, 1976-1978 Atlanta Falcons, 1979-1981 Philadelphia Eagles . . . 13 seasons, 171 games . . . Falcons’ first-round pick (3rd player overall) in 1968 draft . . . Recorded 11.5 sacks as rookie . . . Named National Football League Defensive Rookie of the Year, 1968 . . . Credited with 122 career quarterback sacks . . . Highly effective pass rusher, led team in sacks nine of 13 seasons . . . Earned first-team All-Pro in 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977 . . . Second-team All-NFL/All-Pro 1969, 1970, 1971, 1974, 1976, 1977 . . . Selected to play in six Pro Bowls . . . Missed just two games prior to season-ending knee injury in 1975 . . . Rebounded with career-best 15 sacks in 1976 and was named team Most Valuable Player . . . Traded to Eagles in 1979 for two fourth-round picks following a brief “retirement” . . . In 1980, team high 14.5 sacks helped Eagles advance to Super Bowl XV . . . Career stats include two interceptions, a fumble recovery for TD, and two safeties . . . Born June 29, 1944 at Memphis, Tennessee.

Bob Kuechenberg

Guard . . . 6-2, 253 . . .Notre Dame . . . 1970-1983 Miami Dolphins . . . 14 seasons, 196 games . . . Selected by Philadelphia Eagles in 4th round (80th player overall) of 1969 draft . . . Released by both the Eagles and Atlanta Falcons . . . Played semi-pro football before signing as free agent with Miami Dolphins in 1970 . . . Highly competitive and driven to succeed, played in more regular season games (196) than any other player in Dolphins history at the time of his retirement . . . Also only player to play in all 19 playoff games in franchise’s history at that time . . . A versatile player, also spent time at tackle and center positions . . .  In 1978 played eight games at guard and seven at tackle, earning Pro Bowl spot at guard and Sporting News All-AFC honors at tackle . . . In 1977 suffered a pair of fractures in back in August but returned to lineup after missing just two regular season starts . . .Named to six Pro Bowls, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984 . . . All-Pro 1975, 1978; All-AFC 1974, 1975, 1978; All-Pro Second Team 1975, 1977, 1978 . . . Had memorable performance in Super Bowl VII victory . . . Born October 14, 1947 at Gary, Indiana.  

James Lofton

Wide Receiver . . .6-3, 192 . . .Stanford . . .1978-1986 Green Bay Packers, 1987-1988 Los Angeles Raiders, 1989-1992 Buffalo Bills, 1993 Los Angeles Rams, 1993 Philadelphia Eagles . . .16 seasons, 233 games . . .An Academic All-America choice at Stanford as well as an accomplished track star . . .Selected by Green Bay in 1st round (6th player overall) of 1978 NFL Draft . . .A deep-threat receiver, he possessed both speed and great hands . . .Nine times he recorded more than 50 receptions in a season. . .Was the first NFL player to score a touchdown in three different decades. . . In 16 seasons, he caught 764 passes for 14,004 yards – an NFL record at the time of his retirement – and 75 touchdowns . . .Lofton’s 43 games with 100-plus receiving yardage was third best at time of retirement . . .Led Packers in receptions each year except one (1979) . . .Six times he gained more than 1,000 yards receiving in a season . . .At age 35 became the oldest NFL player to gain more than 1,000 yards in a season . . .Named All-Pro four times, All-NFC three times, and was selected to play in eight Pro Bowls. . .Born July 5, 1956, at Fort Ord, California. 

Art Monk

Wide Receiver . . . 6-3, 210 . . . Syracuse . . . 1980-1993 Washington Redskins, 1994 New York Jets, 1995 Philadelphia Eagles . . . 16 seasons, 224 games . . . Selected by Washington in 1st round (18th player overall) of 1980 draft . . . Prototype for today’s bigger, stronger receivers . . . Caught 58 passes as a rookie and was unanimous All-Rookie choice . . . Had 50 or more receptions in a season nine times . . . Gained 1,000 or more receiving yards in a season five times . . . Set then-NFL records for catches in a season (106), most consecutive games with at least one reception (164), and career receptions (820). . . Finished career with 940 catches . . . Had finest season in 1984, catching eight or more passes in six games, five games of 100-plus receiving yards, and in one game caught 10 passes for 200 yards . . . Named Redskins 1984 Most Valuable Player . . . First Redskin to produce three consecutive 1,000 receiving yard seasons . . . A three-time Pro Bowl selection, was All-Pro choice in 1984 and 1985 . . . First- or second-team All-NFC three times . . . Born December 5, 1957 at White Plains, New York.

Ken Stabler

Quarterback . . . 6-3, 215 . . . Alabama . . . 1970-1979 Oakland Raiders, 1980-1981 Houston Oilers, 1982-1984 New Orleans Saints . . . 15 seasons, 184 games . . . Selected by Raiders in 2nd round (52nd player overall) 1968 draft . . . Spent first two seasons on Raiders’ inactive/reserve squad . . . Became starter in 1973 . . . That year led Raiders to AFC Championship game, first of five consecutive trips to AFC title game, and first of seven consecutive winning seasons under Stabler . . . Led league in passing, finishing season with 103.4 passer rating, 1976  . . . Completed 12 of 19 passes for 180 yards as Raiders easily defeated Minnesota Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI . . . During 10 seasons in Oakland, was named All-Pro twice, All-AFC three times, selected to play in four Pro Bowls . . . Named NFL/AFC Player of the Year, 1974 and 1976 . . .   Traded to Oilers following 1979 season . . . Twice passed for more than 3,000 yards in season, 1979, 1980 . . . At time of retirement, 59.85 career pass completion percentage was second to Joe Montana, who at time had played just six seasons . . . Ten consecutive post-season games with TD pass then-NFL record . . . Career stats: 2,270 completions for 27,938 yards and 194 touchdowns . . . Born December 25, 1945 at Foley, Alabama. 

Hank Stram

Coach . . . Purdue . . . 1960-1974 Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs, 1976-1977 New Orleans Saints . . . 17 seasons, 238 games . . . Regular season record: 131-97-10 . . . Postseason record: 5-3 . . . Overall record: 136-100-10 . . . Assistant coach at University of Miami when hired as first head coach of Dallas Texans, (Texans moved to Kansas City, renamed Chiefs, 1963) of new American Football League, 1960 . . . Won 1962, 1966, 1969 AFL championships . . . Led Chiefs to two Super Bowl appearances, lost to Green Bay in Super Bowl I, defeated Minnesota in Super Bowl IV . . . Only coach in AFL history to take team to two Super Bowls . . . His 23-7 Super Bowl IV victory gave credibility to AFL . . . Recorded most wins by a team during 10-year history of AFL . . . Won more championships than any AFL coach . . . Led 1971 Chiefs to AFC Western Division championship . . . Developed “moving pocket,” using talents of quarterback Len Dawson . . . Devised “two tight end offense” and “stack defense” . . . Excellent evaluator of talent, five Stram-coached Chiefs players are members of Hall of Fame . . . Named AFL Coach of the Year in 1968 . . . Born January 3, 1924 at Chicago, Illinois.     

Ralph Wilson

Founder/Owner . . . Virginia, Michigan . . . 1959-present Buffalo Bills . . . One of original founders of American Football League, Wilson formed Buffalo Bills in 1959 . . . During tenure as team owner, Bills won AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965, AFC titles in 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 on way to unprecedented four consecutive appearances in Super Bowls XXV, XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII . . . Bills 103 regular season wins, second most in NFL during 1990s . . . Helped lead AFL through early years making tough decisions that were necessary for league’s survival. . . Began talks with Carroll Rosenbloom, then owner of NFL’s Colts in January 1965, that eventually resulted in AFL-NFL merger . . . Considered “voice of reason” Wilson served as President of AFL, was on AFL’s Expansion Committee and AFL-NFL Negotiations Committee . . . Was prominent in 1977 negotiations between NFL Management Council and NFL Players Association . . . Has served as Chairman of NFL Pension Committee, Labor Committee, Super Bowl Site Committee, NFL Expansion Committee, NFL Realignment Committee . . . Born October 17, 1918 at Columbus, Ohio.

George Young

General Manager/Administrator . . . Bucknell, Johns Hopkins, Loyola . . . 1979-1997 New York Giants, 1998-2001 National Football League . . . Little All-America and All-East honors as a defensive tackle at Bucknell . . . General manager of Giants, rebuilt team by drafting key players such as Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor . . . Hired Bill Parcells as head coach . . . During tenure, Giants earned eight playoff berths, and victories in Super Bowls XXI, XXV . . . Prior to Young’s arrival, Giants had not made playoffs since 1963 . . . Was named NFL Executive of the Year unprecedented five times, 1984, 1986, 1990, 1993, 1997 . . . Following 1997 season, joined NFL front office as executive vice president for football operations . . . Served as chairman of NFL Competition Committee. . . Prior to joining Giants was on staff of Baltimore Colts (1968-1974) as scout, offensive line coach, director of player personnel, offensive coordinator . . . With Miami Dolphins (1974-1978) was director of personnel and pro scouting . . . Born September 22, 1930 at Baltimore, Maryland . . . Died December 8, 2001.

Gary Zimmerman

Tackle . . . 6-6, 294 . . . Oregon . . . 1986-1992 Minnesota Vikings, 1993-1997 Denver Broncos.  . . 12 seasons, 184 games . . . Selected in first round (3rd player overall) 1984 supplemental draft . . . Originally selected by Giants, signing rights traded to Vikings for two second-round picks in 1986 draft . . . Spent two seasons with the L.A. Express of failed USFL before reporting to Vikings . . . After joining Vikings, began streak of 169 consecutive starts that lasted until 1996 when surgery sidelined him . . . Anchored offensive line that helped Vikings lead NFC in rushing, 1991 . . . Acquired by Broncos in trade prior to start of 1993 season . . . With Zimmerman blocking, Broncos recorded most successful offensive output in franchise history . . . Led AFC in total combined yards, 1995 . . . Led NFL in that category, 1996, 1997 . . . Broncos also led NFL in rushing, 1996 . . . Equally adept at pass blocking, Minnesota and Denver quarterbacks led their conferences in passing 1986, 1988, 1993, 1996 . . . One of just handful of players to earn honor of being named to two NFL All-Decade Teams, 1980s, 1990s . . . Earned first- or second-team All-Pro honors eight times . . . Selected to play in seven Pro Bowls . . .  Born December 13, 1961 at Fullerton, California.

IF ELECTED . . . SPECIAL NOTES ON 2003 FINALISTS

THE ROSTER OF HALL OF FAME MEMBERS COULD INCREASE FOR 11 NFL TEAMS

The Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders have three finalists who spent all or a significant part of the their careers with that team.  The Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and New York Giants are represented by two finalists, while the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, Houston Oilers, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Redskins are represented with one finalist who spent all or a significant part of the their careers with those teams.

If elected . . .

Marcus Allen, Lester Hayes, and/or Ken Stabler would be the 12th, 13th, and/or 14th Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders elected to the Hall.  Fred Biletnikoff, George Blanda, Willie Brown, Dave Casper, Al Davis, Mike Haynes, Ted Hendricks, Howie Long, Jim Otto, Art Shell, and Gene Upshaw are the other Raiders Hall of Famers.

Joe DeLamielleure and/or Ralph Wilson would be the 5th and/or 6th member(s) of the Buffalo Bills to be elected.  Jim Kelly, Marv Levy, Billy Shaw, and O.J. Simpson are the other Bills Hall of Fame members.

Randy Gradishar and/or Gary Zimmerman would be the first and/or second players to play all or a significant part of their careers as members of the Denver Broncos.

Gary Zimmerman would also join six other Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame members, Jim Finks, Bud Grant, Paul Krause, Alan Page, Fran Tarkenton, and Ron Yary.

Harry Carson and/or George Young would be the 17th and/or 18th member(s) of the New York Giants to be elected.  Red Badgro, Roosevelt Brown, Frank Gifford, Mel Hein, Sam Huff, Tuffy Leemans, Tim Mara, Wellington Mara, Steve Owen, Andy Robustelli, Ken Strong, Fran Tarkenton, Lawrence Taylor, Y.A. Tittle, Emlen Tunnell, and Arnie Weinmeister, preceded them.

Elvin Bethea would be the fifth Houston Oilers player elected to the Hall of Fame.  He would join George Blanda, Earl Campbell, Ken Houston, and Mike Munchak.

Claude Humphrey would be the first player to play a significant part of his career with the Atlanta Falcons to be elected to the Hall of Fame.

Bob Kuechenberg will be the ninth long-time member of the Miami Dolphins to be elected.  Nick Buoniconti, Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, Jim Langer, Larry Little, Don Shula, Dwight Stephenson, and Paul Warfield are the other Dolphins Hall of Fame members.

James Lofton will join 19 previously enshrined Green Bay Packers.  He is preceded by Herb Adderley, Tony Canadeo, Willie Davis, Forrest Gregg, Arnie Herber, Clarke Hinkle, Paul Hornung, Cal Hubbard, Don Hutson, Henry Jordan, Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi, John “Blood” McNally, Mike Michalske, Ray Nitschke, Jim Ringo, Bart Starr, Jim Taylor, and Willie Wood

Art Monk would be the 16th Washington Redskins Hall of Fame member.  He would join George Allen, Cliff Battles, Sammy Baugh, Bill Dudley, Albert Glen “Turk” Edwards, Ray Flaherty, Joe Gibbs, Ken Houston, Sam Huff, Sonny Jurgensen, George Preston Marshall, Wayne Millner, Bobby Mitchell, John Riggins, and Charley Taylor.

Hank Stram would be the 7th Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame member.  He would join Bobby Bell, Buck Buchanan, Len Dawson, Lamar Hunt, Willie Lanier, and Jan Stenerud.

Although they did not spend “all, or a significant part” of their overall playing careers with another team, three players – Marcus Allen with the Kansas City Chiefs, Joe DeLamielleure with the Cleveland Browns, and James Lofton with the Buffalo Bills – did experience considerable success with a team other than the one with which they spent the majority of their careers.
 

THE MODERN-ERA POSITION ROSTER WILL CHANGE AFTER 2003 ELECTION

If elected . . .

Marcus Allen would join 22 other modern-era running backs in the Hall of Fame.  Other running backs include Jim Brown, Earl Campbell, Larry Csonka, Eric Dickerson, Tony Dorsett, Frank Gifford, Franco Harris, Paul Hornung, John Henry Johnson, Leroy Kelly, Ollie Matson, Hugh McElhenny, Lenny Moore, Marion Motley, Walter Payton, Joe Perry, John Riggins, Gale Sayers, O.J. Simpson, Jim Taylor, Charley Trippi, and Doak Walker.

Ken Stabler would join 18 modern-era quarterbacks in the Hall of Fame, including George Blanda (also a kicker), Terry Bradshaw, Len Dawson, Dan Fouts, Otto Graham, Bob Griese, Sonny Jurgensen, Jim Kelly, Bobby Layne, Joe Montana, Joe Namath, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach, Fran Tarkenton, Y.A. Tittle, Johnny Unitas, Norm Van Brocklin, and Bob Waterfield.

James Lofton and/or Art Monk will join 16 other modern-era receivers in the Hall of Fame.  Other Hall of Fame modern-era receivers include Lance Alworth, Raymond Berry, Fred Biletnikoff, Tom Fears, Elroy Hirsch (also a halfback), Charlie Joiner, Steve Largent, Dante Lavelli, Don Maynard, Tommy McDonald, Bobby Mitchell (also a halfback), Pete Pihos, John Stallworth, Lynn Swann, Charley Taylor (also a halfback), and Paul Warfield.

Joe DeLamielleure and/or Bob Kuechenberg would be the 8th and/or 9th modern-era player(s) who played primarily as guards to be elected.  Other Hall of Fame guards are John Hannah, Larry Little, Tom Mack, Mike Munchak, Jim Parker (G-T), Billy Shaw, and Gene Upshaw.

Gary Zimmerman would be the 13th modern-era player who played primarily as a tackle to be elected.  Other Hall of Fame tackles include Roosevelt Brown, Lou Creekmur, Dan Dierdorf, Forrest Gregg, Mike McCormack, Ron Mix, Anthony Muñoz, Jim Parker (G-T), Bob St. Clair, Art Shell, Jackie Slater, and Ron Yary.

Elvin Bethea and/or Claude Humphrey would become the 11th and/or 12th modern-era defensive end(s) to be elected to the Hall of Fame.  Other Hall of Fame defensive ends are Doug Atkins, Willie Davis, Len Ford, Dan Hampton (DT-DE), Deacon Jones, Howie Long, Gino Marchetti, Andy Robustelli, Lee Roy Selmon, and Jack Youngblood.

Harry Carson and/or Randy Gradishar will be the 16th and/or 17th modern-era Hall of Fame linebacker(s) joining Bobby Bell (also DE), Nick Buoniconti, Dick Butkus, George Connor (also DT and OT), Bill George, Jack Ham, Ted Hendricks, Sam Huff, Jack Lambert, Willie Lanier, Ray Nitschke, Joe Schmidt, Mike Singletary, Lawrence Taylor, and Dave Wilcox.

Lester Hayes will be the 17th modern-era defensive back in the Hall of Fame.  Other Hall of Fame defensive backs include Herb Adderley, Lem Barney, Mel Blount, Willie Brown, Jack Christiansen, Mike Haynes, Ken Houston, Jimmy Johnson, Paul Krause, Dick “Night Train” Lane, Yale Lary, Ronnie Lott, Mel Renfro, Emlen Tunnell, Larry Wilson, and Willie Wood.

Hank Stram would be the 13th modern-era coach elected to the Hall of Fame.  He would join George Allen, Paul Brown, Weeb Ewbank, Joe Gibbs, Sid Gillman, Bud Grant, Tom Landry, Marv Levy, Vince Lombardi, Chuck Noll, Don Shula, and Bill Walsh.

Ralph Wilson, Jr. and/or George Young would be the 18th and/or 19th contributor(s) elected to the Hall of Fame.  They would join Bert Bell, Charles Bidwill, Joe Carr, Al Davis, Jim Finks, George Halas, Lamar Hunt, Curly Lambeau, Tim Mara, Wellington Mara, George Preston Marshall, Hugh “Shorty” Ray, Dan Reeves, Art Rooney, Dan Rooney, Pete Rozelle, and Tex Schramm.