For Immediate Release For More Information, Contact: January 7, 2012 Joe Horrigan at (330) 456-8207 15 MODERN-ERA FINALISTS FOR HALL OF FAME ELECTION ANNOUNCED Two first-year eligible nominees coach Bill Parcells and guard Will Shields are among the 15 modern-era finalists who will be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when the Hall s Selection Committee meets in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012. Joining the first-year eligible, are 12 modern-era players and a contributor. The 15 modern-era finalists, along with the two senior nominees announced in August 2011 (former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jack Butler and former Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins guard Dick Stanfel) will be the only candidates considered for Hall of Fame election when the 44-member Selection Committee meets. To be elected, a finalist must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent. Although technically a first-year eligible candidate, Parcells has been a finalist twice before (2001, 2002) following his announced retirement as head coach of the New York Jets in 1999. At the time the Hall of Fame By-Laws did not require a coach to be retired the now mandatory five seasons. Parcells returned to coach the Dallas Cowboys in 2003 and the five-year waiting period was in effect when he retired from coaching in 2006. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee s 17 finalists (15 modern-era and two senior nominees*) with their positions, teams, and years active follow: Jerome Bettis Running Back 1993-95 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 1996-2005 Pittsburgh Steelers Tim Brown Wide Receiver/Kick Returner 1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jack Butler* Cornerback 1951-59 Pittsburgh Steelers Cris Carter Wide Receiver 1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins
Dermontti Dawson Center 1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers Edward DeBartolo, Jr. Owner 1977-2000 San Francisco 49ers Chris Doleman Defensive End/Linebacker 1985-1993, 1999 Minnesota Vikings, 1994-95 Atlanta Falcons, 1996-98 San Francisco 49ers Kevin Greene Linebacker/Defensive End 1985-1992 Los Angeles Rams, 1993-95 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1996, 1998-99 Carolina Panthers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers Charles Haley Defensive End/Linebacker 1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys Cortez Kennedy Defensive Tackle 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks Curtis Martin Running Back 1995-97 New England Patriots, 1998-2005 New York Jets Bill Parcells Coach 1983-1990 New York Giants, 1993-96 New England Patriots, 1997-99 New York Jets, 2003-06 Dallas Cowboys Andre Reed Wide Receiver 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins Willie Roaf Tackle 1993-2001 New Orleans Saints, 2002-05 Kansas City Chiefs Will Shields Guard 1993-2006 Kansas City Chiefs Dick Stanfel* Guard 1952-55 Detroit Lions, 1956-58 Washington Redskins Aeneas Williams Cornerback/Safety 1991-2000 Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals, 2001-04 St. Louis Rams In addition to Parcells, other finalists who have been eligible in previous years include Bettis, Brown, Carter, Dawson, Doleman, Haley, Kennedy, Martin, Reed, Roaf and Stanfel. Although they were eligible in previous years, this is the first time Butler, DeBartolo, Greene and Williams have been finalists. From this year s list, four players Butler, Dawson, Kennedy, and Shields spent their entire NFL career with just one team. Butler and Stanfel were selected as senior candidates by the Hall of Fame s Seniors Committee at their August 2011 meeting. The Seniors Committee reviews the qualifications of those players whose careers took place more than 25 years ago. The remaining 15 modern-era finalists were determined by a vote of the Hall s 44-member Selection Committee from a list of 105 preliminary nominees that earlier was reduced to a list of 26 semifinalists. To be eligible for election, modern-era players and coaches must be retired at least five consecutive seasons. Contributors need not be retired. Doleman, Greene, and Haley have been eligible for eight years. Dawson, Kennedy, and Reed have each been eligible for election for seven years, Carter five years, and Brown and Williams three years. Bettis, Martin and Roaf are in their second year of eligibility. Since the retirement minimum for a player prior to 1968 was three years, senior nominees Butler and Stanfel have been eligible since 1963 when the Hall of Fame first opened.
The Selection Committee will meet in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday, February 4, 2012, to elect the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012. The election results will be announced at 5:30 p.m. ET during a one-hour NFL Network special, live from the Super Bowl Media Center. The Class of 2012 will be the 50th class to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. At the 2012 selection meeting, the selectors will thoroughly discuss the careers of each finalist. Although there is no set number for any class of enshrinees, the Pro Football Hall of Fame s current ground rules stipulate that between four and seven new members will be selected each year. No more than five modern-era nominees can be elected in a given year and a class of six or seven can only be achieved if one or both senior nominees are elected. Representatives of the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche will tabulate all votes during the meeting. At the announcement, Pro Football Hall of Fame President/Executive Director Steve Perry will be presented with an envelope containing the names of the nominees elected. Each newly elected member will be contacted immediately by the Hall of Fame. Members of the Class of 2012 in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl will be asked to join the live announcement show. Those not able to attend will be asked to join via teleconference. CLASS OF 2012 17 FINALISTS JEROME BETTIS Running Back 5-11, 243 Notre Dame 1993-95 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 1996-2005 Pittsburgh Steelers 13 seasons, 192 games Selected by Rams in 1st round (10th player overall) of 1993 draft Earned Rookie of Year honors... Finished rookie season with seventh best rookie rushing total in league history... As rookie finished second in rushing yards and third in total yards from scrimmage... First Rams rookie to rush for 1,000 yards since Eric Dickerson, 1983 Rams leading rusher 1993-95 Steelers leading rusher 1996-2001, 2003-04 Steelers leader in total yards from scrimmage, 1996-2001 His fifty 100-plus yard games ranks 1st in Steelers history At time of retirement, his eight 1,000-plus yard seasons was tied for third-best in NFL history His 13,662 ranks fifth all-time in career rushing yards Ranked 19th all-time in combined net yards at time of retirement Voted to Pro Bowl six times: 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2005 Named All-Pro in 1993 (AP, PFWA), 1996 (AP); All-Pro second-team 1997 (AP); All-NFC 1993 (UPI, PW); All-AFC 1996 (UPI, PW), 1997 (PW) Born February 16, 1972 in Detroit, Michigan. TIM BROWN Wide Receiver/Kick Returner 6-0, 195 Notre Dame 1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17 seasons, 255 games Heisman Trophy Winner Selected by Raiders in 1st round (6th player overall) of 1988 draft As rookie led NFL in kickoff returns, return yards, and yards per return average Led NFL in receptions, 1997 Set Raiders franchise records for receptions, receiving yards, and punt return yards At time of retirement his 14,934 receiving yards were second-highest total in NFL history; 1,094 receptions were 3rd; and 100 touchdown catches were tied for 3rd Also gained 190 rushing yards; 3,320 punt return yards, 3 fumble return yards; 1,235 kickoff return yards Total of 19,682 combined net yards, 5th all-time at time of retirement Scored 105 total touchdowns (100 receiving, 1 rushing, 3 punt returns, 1 kickoff return) Voted to Pro Bowl nine times, 1989 and 1992 as kick returner, 1994-98, 2000 and 2002 as a receiver All-Pro choice as a kick returner, 1988 All-Pro wide receiver, 1997 Was named All-AFC as a kick returner, 1988, punt returner, 1991, and wide receiver, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997 Born July 22, 1966 in Dallas, Texas.
JACK BUTLER Cornerback 6-1, 200 St. Bonaventure 1951-59 Pittsburgh Steelers Nine seasons, 103 games Undrafted free agent Established himself as one of game s most effective cornerbacks Ranked as NFL s second all-time leading interceptor when he retired following 1959 season... Known as a great tackler, showed knack for finding football in rookie campaign when he registered five interceptions Following season led all Steelers with seven interceptions Had nine interceptions a season later (1953) including record-tying four interceptions in game vs. Redskins Following season added four more interceptions, two he returned for touchdowns, an NFL record at time Despite 25 interceptions in first four seasons, accolades eluded Butler Oddly, first of four Pro Bowl nods came following 1955 season, only year he failed to intercept a pass In sixth season (1956), selected as secondteam All-NFL choice In 1957 picked off career-best 10 passes tying league lead and was named first-team All- NFL Had nine interceptions in 1958 and two interceptions in 1959 and was voted first-team All-NFL in each of those seasons Suffered career-ending leg injury late in 1959 season Career totals include: 52 interceptions for 827 yards, and four pick-sixes Also had four touchdown receptions and returned one fumble for a score... Was named to NFL s All-Decade Team of the 1950s Born November 12, 1927 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. CRIS CARTER Wide Receiver 6-3, 202 Ohio State 1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins 16 seasons, 234 games Selected by Philadelphia in the fourth round of the 1987 Supplemental Draft First reception as a pro was a 22-yard touchdown catch Durable; he played a full 16-game season in 13 of his 16 seasons In 2000, became only the second player in NFL history to catch 1,000 career passes Recorded 1,000 receiving yards in a season eight straight years Broke the 100-yard receiving plateau 42 times during his career Ranked second on the NFL's all-time list for total receptions (1,101) and receiving touchdowns (130) at retirement His 130 TD receptions came from 13 different passers Caught 70-plus passes in 10 seasons His 122 receptions in 1994 was a then-nfl single-season-record Named to the NFL s All-Decade Team of the 1990s and received the 1999 NFL Man of the Year Award In 2002, returned to the field when he joined the Miami Dolphins in midseason when injuries decimated team s receiving corps Was first- or second-team All-Pro 1994, 1995, and 1999 Selected to play in eight Pro Bowls (1994-2001) Born November 25, 1965, in Troy, Ohio. DERMONTTI DAWSON Center 6-2, 288 Kentucky 1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers 13 playing seasons, 184 games Steelers second-round draft pick (44th player overall), 1988 NFL Draft Second-team All-SEC at Kentucky Started five of eight games played as a rookie at right guard Missed eight weeks at midseason with knee injury Became starting center in 1989 replacing future Hall of Famer Mike Webster Doubled as team s long snapper, 1988-1993 Named Co-AFC Offensive Lineman of the Year (with Richmond Webb) by NFL Players Association, 1993 Selected as NFL Alumni Offensive Lineman of the Year, 1996 Played in 170 consecutive games before streak ended in 1999 due to hamstring injury His exceptional speed and strength enabled him to do things not typical of a center Named first-team All-Pro six consecutive years (1993-98) Selected to play in seven consecutive Pro Bowls (1993-99) Anchor on offensive line that led Steelers to five AFC Central Division championships and one AFC championship Born June 17, 1965 in Lexington, Kentucky. EDWARD J. DEBARTOLO, JR. Owner Notre Dame 1977-2000 San Francisco 49ers Purchased 49ers in 1977 with vision to create top-notch organization, on and off field Known as a "players owner, led franchise to unprecedented winning during tenure In 1979, hired Bill Walsh as team s head coach, drafted quarterback Joe Montana, and created atmosphere conducive to winning Fortunes of franchise changed soon thereafter In 1981, 49ers finished 13-3 to claim NFC Western Division title and won hard fought playoff battles with New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys and capped the year with a thrilling 26-21 victory over Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XVI DeBartolo infused team roster with talent that resulted in San Francisco enjoying amazing string of winning seasons Team averaged 13 wins per season, including playoffs, during a span from 1981 to 1998 (not including strike-shortened 1982 season). During DeBartolo s ownership team claimed 13 division titles, made 16 playoff appearances, advanced to NFC championship game 10 times, and was first franchise ever to win five Super Bowls (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV, XXIX) Franchise posted the best winning percentage in NFL in both the decades of the 1980s and 1990s Was named NFL Man of the Year by Football News, 1989 as the nation s top sports executive DeBartolo was also highly respected inside NFL circles and served on league s realignment and expansion committees Born November 6, 1946 in Youngstown, Ohio. CHRIS DOLEMAN Defensive End/Linebacker 6-5, 270 Pittsburgh 1985-1993, 1999 Minnesota Vikings, 1994-95 Atlanta Falcons, 1996-98 San Francisco 49ers 15 playing seasons 232 games Selected by Vikings in 1st round (4th player overall) in 1985 draft Drafted as linebacker, moved to starting defensive end position final three games of second season Tallied team-high 11 sacks in 1987 First of six sack titles with Vikings Named All-NFL, All-NFC and voted to first Pro Bowl in 1987... Finest season came in 1989, led NFL with 21 sacks, one shy of single-season record at time In 1992, named NFC s Defensive Player of the Year when he recorded 14.5 sacks and 64 tackles, returned interception for touchdown, forced six fumbles, recovered three fumbles, and had safety Spent two
seasons with Atlanta (1994-95) three with the San Francisco (1996-98) Returned to Vikings for final season, 1999 His 150.5 sacks was NFL s fourth best at time of retirement Tied for third in the NFL Record Book with eight seasons 10 or more sacks Also intercepted eight passes returning two for touchdowns; recorded two safeties; and scored touchdown on a fumble recovery during career Named to eight Pro Bowls; first-team All-Pro in 1987, 1989, 1992 and first-team All-NFC four times A member of the NFL s All-Decade Team of 1990s Born October 16, 1961 in Indianapolis, Indiana. KEVIN GREENE Linebacker/Defensive End 6-3, 247 Auburn 1985-1992 Los Angeles Rams, 1993-95 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1996, 1998-99 Carolina Panthers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers 15 seasons, 228 games Selected by Rams in 5th round (113th player overall) in 1985 draft... Played primarily on special teams as rookie, only season he didn t register a sack Did not have any starts in second season, but played in all 16 games and managed seven sacks Added 6.5 sacks in 1987 and by fourth season was bona fide pass rusher for Rams, registering career-high 16.5 sacks, including career-best 4.5 sacks in win over 49ers in season finale that clinched playoff spot for Rams Following year matched his 16.5 sacks total Had double-digit sack totals ten times, second in record book at the time Only time missed recording 10 sacks in any of last eight seasons was 1995 when he had team-leading nine sacks for Steelers Named to Pro Bowl five times (once with the Rams, twice with Steelers and Panthers) Selected first-team All-Pro, 1989 with Rams, 1994 with Pittsburgh and 1996 with Carolina Captured league sack title twice, 1994 and 1996 A member of NFL s All-Decade Team of 1990s Played in six conference championship games and one Super Bowl Led team in sacks 11 times and amassed 160 total sacks, third alltime at time of retirement Also had three safeties, 26 opponent fumble recoveries, and five interceptions Born July 31, 1962 in New York, New York. CHARLES HALEY Defensive End/Linebacker 6-5, 242 James Madison 1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys 12 playing season, 169 games Selected by 49ers in 4th round (96th player overall) in 1986 draft Only player in NFL history to play on five winning Super Bowl teams (SBs XXIII, XXIV, XXVII, XXVIII, XXX) Began career at linebacker and led 49ers in sacks in each of first six seasons Recorded four double-digit sack totals with 49ers including 12 as rookie and career-high 16 in 1990 Moved to defensive end after trade to Dallas Added two more double-digit sack seasons, 1994, 1995 Suffered serious back injury, limited to just five games, 1996 Retired after undergoing surgery After a two-year hiatus, signed with 49ers as backup defensive end for two playoff games in 1998 In 1999 came back for final season, added three sacks to finish career with 100.5 Twice named NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1994), voted to five Pro Bowls, named All-Pro twice, once as linebacker, once as defensive end Played in six NFC championship games over seven seasons Starting at left outside linebacker in 49ers 1988, 1989, 1990 championship games; at right defensive end in Cowboys 1992, 1993, 1994 conference championships Member of 10 division championship teams during his 12 seasons Born January 6, 1964 in Gladys, Virginia. CORTEZ KENNEDY Defensive Tackle 6-3, 298 Northwest Mississippi Community College; Miami (FL) 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks 11 playing seasons, 167 games Seahawks 1st round draft pick (3rd player overall), 1990 NFL Draft First Team All-America choice at Miami in 1989 Extremely durable, played in 167 of possible 176 games Injury ended streak of 116 straight games played and club record 100 consecutive games started Named firstteam All-Rookie by PFWA Voted to a team-record eight Pro Bowls (1992-97, 1999, 2000) Named first-team (1992, 1993, 1994) or second-team (1991, 1996) All-Pro five times Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 while playing for a 2-14 team That season led all interior linemen with 14 sacks and career best 92 tackles; had four forced fumbles; recovered fumble and batted down two passes Recorded one of finest seasons in 1999 recording 73 tackles, 6.5 sacks, intercepting two passes, helping Seahawks reach playoffs for first time since 1988 In all, registered 58 sacks, intercepted three passes and scored one touchdown on fumble recovery during career He twice led the team in sacks (1992 and 1995) Born August 23, 1968 in Osceola, Arkansas. CURTIS MARTIN Running Back 5-11, 207 Pittsburgh 1995-97 New England Patriots, 1998-2005 New York Jets 11 playing seasons, 168 games New England Patriots third round draft pick (74th player overall) of 1995 draft Although missed most of senior season with ankle injury, showed no effects during rookie season Ran 30 yards on first NFL carry, scored game-winning touchdown and became first Patriots player to rush for 100 yards in pro debut Had rookie-record-tying nine 100-yard games Finished year as AFC s leading rusher; 1,487 yards, 14 touchdowns Named Rookie of the Year, voted to first of five Pro Bowls Joined Hall of Famer Barry Sanders as only runners ever to start careers with 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons Led his team in rushing in each of his 11 seasons Had finest year in 2004 with career-high 1,697 yards winning his lone NFL rushing title Also tied career-high nine games with 100-plus yards rushing Suffered knee injury in final year snapping streak of 119 consecutive starts that kept him from reaching 1,000-yard mark for only time in career First- or second-team All-Pro 1999, 2001, 2004 Retired as NFL s fourth all-time leading rusher; 14,101 yards on 3,518 carries, 90 rushing touchdowns... Rushed for 100-plus yards 56 times... Caught 484 passes for 3,329 yards and 10
touchdowns His 17,421 combined net yards placed him 10th all-time Born May 1, 1973 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. BILL PARCELLS Coach Colgate, Wichita State 1983-1990 New York Giants, 1993-1996 New England Patriots, 1997-99 New York Jets, 2003-06 Dallas Cowboys 19 seasons, 303 games Regular season record: 172-130-1 Postseason record: 11-8 Overall record: 183-138-1 Parcells reversed the fortunes of four NFL teams After a 3-12-1 season (1983), he took Giants to playoffs twice as Wild Card In 1986 led Giants to 14-2 record and defeated Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI Led Giants to NFC Eastern Division title in 1989 In 1990 won second world championship with dramatic victory over Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV Left coaching for two years, returning in 1993 with New England Patriots Within two years led Patriots to playoffs after seven-year absence Two years later, 11-5 Patriots were AFC representative in Super Bowl XXXI In 1997 took over 1-15 New York Jets and led them to 9-7 record in 1997, 12-4 record and AFC championship game in 1998 for the best two-year turnaround of a 1-15 team in NFL history Coached Dallas Cowboys from 2003 until 2006 Became first coach to coach four different teams into the playoffs when his 10-6 Cowboys played in the 2003 Wild Card Game NFL Coach of the Year 1986, 1994 Born August 22, 1941 in Englewood, New Jersey. ANDRE REED Wide Receiver 6-2, 190 Kutztown 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins 16 seasons, 234 games Selected by Buffalo in fourth round (86th player overall) of 1985 NFL Draft Most prolific receiver in Buffalo Bills history His 941 career receptions still Bills record and 266 more than number two on that list His 13,095 career reception yardage, 36 games with 100-plus receiving yards, and 15 catches in a game are current team records Known for his yards after catch His 951 career receptions were third all-time in NFL history at the time of his retirement His 13 seasons, including nine consecutive, with 50-plus receptions was exceeded only by Jerry Rice at time of Reed s retirement Reed is tied with Bills running back Thurman Thomas for team best career touchdowns (87), most on passes from Jim Kelly Kelly-Reed tandem held NFL record for career receptions (663) until 2004 when eclipsed by Peyton Manning to Marvin Harrison Known for toughness as he made most of his receptions over the middle A four-time All-AFC choice and three-time All-NFL second-team, was selected to play in seven consecutive Pro Bowls (1989-1995) Added an additional 85 catches for 1,229 yards, including five 100-yard games in postseason play Born January 29, 1964 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. WILLIE ROAF Tackle 6-5, 300 Louisiana Tech 1993-2001 New Orleans Saints, 2002-05 Kansas City Chiefs 13 seasons, 189 games Selected by New Orleans in 1st round (8th player overall) of 1993 draft First offensive lineman selected Started all 16 games at right tackle, did not miss offensive snap during first season earning All-Rookie honors... Following year switched to left tackle and was voted to first of 11 Pro Bowls, named first-team All-Pro, All-NFC, and NFLPA s NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year for first of two consecutive seasons... Played nine seasons in New Orleans, starting 131 regular season games Also started two playoff games including franchise s first-ever postseason win, a 31-28 victory over defending Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams in 2000 NFC Wild Card Game Knee injury shortened 2001 season to just seven games Traded by the Saints to Chiefs in exchange for a third-round draft pick... Rebounded from injury to regain form and earned All-Pro honors in three of four seasons with Chiefs Was a key part of Kansas City s offensive line that helped Chiefs lead NFL in points scored in 2002, 2003... Team also led AFC in total yards in 2003 and NFL in 2004, 2005 Was named first-team All-Pro seven times (1994-96, 2000, 2003-05), All-NFC six times, and All-AFC three times A member of the NFL s All-Decade Team of the 1990s Born April 18, 1970 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. WILL SHIELDS Guard 6-3, 320 Nebraska 1993-2006 Kansas City Chiefs 14 seasons, 224 games Selected by Chiefs in 3rd round (74th player overall) of 1993 draft Placed into lineup in first NFL game after starting left guard suffered injury Next week was inserted as starting right guard Started every game from that point through retirement Never missed a game during 14-season career, 224 games played, 223 starts are franchise records As rookie helped Chiefs to an 11-5-0 mark and AFC Western Division crown, first division title for team since 1971 Chiefs won four division titles and made six playoff appearances during Shields career Earned 12 straight Pro Bowl berths Named first-team All-Pro in 1999, 2002, and 2003, picked as second-team All-Pro four times Was All-AFC seven times including each of final six seasons Chiefs led NFL in total yards gained in 2004 and 2005 and topped AFC in that category in 2003 Led NFL in points scored in 2002 and 2003 highlighted by running back Priest Holmes then-record 27 rushing touchdowns in 03 In 1994, Chiefs offensive line established a franchise record allowing a mere 19 sacks A member of the NFL s All-Decade Team of the 2000s Joined Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas in 1999 as only active players named to Chiefs 40th Anniversary Team Born September 15, 1971 in Fort Riley, Kansas.
DICK STANFEL Guard 6-3, 236 San Francisco 1952-55 Detroit Lions, 1956-58 Washington Redskins Seven seasons, 73 games Selected by Detroit in 2nd round (19th player overall) of 1951 draft Anchor of dominant Lions team of that era Suffered knee injury while preparing to play in the College All-Star game before joining the Lions Injury sidelined him for entire 1951 season Took the field following year, quickly established himself as team leader Lions advanced to the NFL championship game in first three seasons Stanfel played Won back-to-back world titles 1952-53 Teammates recognized his outstanding play, naming him team s Most Valuable Player in 1953 championship season An honor rarely bestowed to an offensive lineman After four seasons in Detroit, was traded to Washington Redskins as part of blockbuster four-team deal In Washington, was reunited with college coach and mentor Joe Kuharich Played three seasons in Washington and continued to be regarded among NFL s elite players While still at the top of game, retired at age 31 to pursue coaching career Followed Kuharich to Notre Dame as an assistant coach before embarking on lengthy NFL coaching career Earned firstteam All-Pro honors in five of seven seasons including all three years with the Redskins Voted to four Pro Bowls Named to the NFL s All-Decade Team of 1950s Born July 20, 1927 in San Francisco, California. AENEAS WILLIAMS Cornerback/Safety 5-11, 194 Southern University 1991-2000 Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals, 2001-04 St. Louis Rams 14 seasons, 211 games Selected in the 3rd round (59th player overall) of 1991 NFL Draft One of finest defensive backs ever Starred at cornerback for first 12 years of career before moving to safety Earned Pro Bowl nods at both positions, seven times at cornerback and once as safety Had first career pick and four deflected passes in NFL debut Finished year tied for most interceptions in NFC with six, also recorded 17 passes defensed, 48 tackles Named NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year by NFL Players Association Earned Pro Bowl nod and All-NFC acclaim for first time in 1994 when he added another conference interception title with career-high nine interceptions Named first-team All-NFC 1995, 1996, 1997, and 2001 Selected to NFL s All-Decade Team 1990s Recorded interception in every season but last and had five or more picks in a season six times Led Cardinals in interceptions seven times and Rams leading interceptor in 2003 In all, registered 55 interceptions for 807 yards His nine pick-sixes tied him for second all-time at time of retirement Shared NFL record for longest fumble return in upset victory over Redskins 11/5/00, 104 yards for a TD Recorded interception in record four straight postseason games during span from 1998 to 2001 Started at left cornerback for St. Louis in 2001 NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl XXXVI Born January 29, 1968 in New Orleans, Louisiana. IF ELECTED SPECIAL NOTES ON 2012 FINALISTS THE ROSTER OF HALL OF FAME MEMBERS COULD INCREASE FOR 15 NFL TEAMS The Pittsburgh Steelers have three finalists who spent a significant part of their careers with the team. Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers each have two finalists. The Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, and the Washington Redskins each have one finalist who spent all or a significant part of their careers with that team. If elected Jerome Bettis, Jack Butler and/or Dermontti Dawson would be the 19th, 20th and/or 21st longtime Pittsburgh Steelers elected to the Hall of Fame. Other Steelers Hall of Fame members include Mel Blount, Terry Bradshaw, Bill Dudley, Joe Greene, Jack Ham, Franco Harris, John Henry Johnson, Walt Kiesling, Jack Lambert, Bobby Layne, Chuck Noll, Art Rooney, Dan Rooney, John Stallworth, Ernie Stautner, Lynn Swann, Mike Webster, and Rod Woodson.
Tim Brown would be the 14th Oakland/Los Angeles Raider elected to the Hall of Fame. He would join Marcus Allen, Fred Biletnikoff, George Blanda, Willie Brown, Dave Casper, Al Davis, Mike Haynes, Ted Hendricks, Howie Long, John Madden, Jim Otto, Art Shell, and Gene Upshaw. Cris Carter and/or Chris Doleman would be the 11th, and/or 12th Minnesota Vikings elected to the Hall of Fame. They would join Carl Eller, Jim Finks, Bud Grant, Paul Krause, Randall McDaniel, Alan Page, John Randle, Fran Tarkenton, Ron Yary, and Gary Zimmerman. Edward DeBartolo, Jr. and/or Charles Haley would be the 14th and/or 15th member of the San Francisco 49ers elected to the Hall of Fame. He would join 13 other 49ers Hall of Fame members including Fred Dean, Jimmy Johnson, Ronnie Lott, Hugh McElhenny, Joe Montana, Leo Nomellini, Joe Perry, Jerry Rice, Bob St. Clair, Y.A. Tittle, Bill Walsh, Dave Wilcox, and Steve Young. Kevin Greene would become the 16th longtime St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams elected to the Hall of Fame. He would join 15 previously elected Rams Hall of Famers including George Allen, Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk, Tom Fears, Elroy Hirsch, Deacon Jones, Tom Mack, Ollie Matson, Merlin Olsen, Dan Reeves, Les Richter, Jackie Slater, Norm Van Brocklin, Bob Waterfield, and Jack Youngblood. Charles Haley would be the 14th Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame member. Troy Aikman, Tony Dorsett, Bob Hayes, Michael Irvin, Tom Landry, Bob Lilly, Mel Renfro, Deion Sanders, Tex Schramm, Emmitt Smith, Roger Staubach, Randy White, and Rayfield Wright are the current Cowboys Hall of Fame members. Cortez Kennedy would join Steve Largent to become the second longtime Seattle Seahawk elected to the Hall of Fame. Curtis Martin would be the fifth longtime New York Jet elected to the Hall of Fame, joining Weeb Ewbank, Don Maynard, Joe Namath, and John Riggins. Bill Parcells would be the 19th longtime New York Giants member elected to the Hall of Fame. He would join Morris Red Badgro, Roosevelt Brown, Harry Carson, Benny Friedman, Frank Gifford, Mel Hein, Sam Huff, Alphonse Tuffy Leemans, Tim Mara, Wellington Mara, Steve Owen, Andy Robustelli, Ken Strong, Fran Tarkenton, Lawrence Taylor, Y.A. Tittle, Emlen Tunnell, and Arnie Weinmeister. Parcells also spent shorter stints with the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Dallas Cowboys. Andre Reed would be the ninth Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame member. He would join Joe DeLamielleure, Jim Kelly, Marv Levy, Billy Shaw, O.J. Simpson, Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas, and Ralph Wilson, Jr. Willie Roaf would join Jim Finks and Rickey Jackson to become only the third longtime member of the New Orleans Saints elected to the Hall of Fame.
Will Shields would be the 10th longtime member of the Kansas City Chiefs to be elected. He would join Bobby Bell, Buck Buchanan, Len Dawson, Lamar Hunt, Willie Lanier, Jan Stenerud, Hank Stram, Derrick Thomas, and Emmitt Thomas. Dick Stanfel would be the 15th longtime Detroit Lions elected. Other Lions enshrined into the Hall of Fame include Lem Barney, Jack Christiansen, Earl Dutch Clark, Lou Creekmur, Bill Dudley, Dick Night Train Lane, Yale Lary, Bobby Layne, Dick LeBeau, Barry Sanders, Charlie Sanders, Joe Schmidt, Doak Walker, and Alex Wojciechowicz. Dick Stanfel would be the 20th Washington Redskins Hall of Fame member. George Allen, Cliff Battles, Sammy Baugh, Bill Dudley, Turk Edwards, Ray Flaherty, Joe Gibbs, Darrell Green, Russ Grimm, Chris Hanburger, Ken Houston, Sam Huff, Sonny Jurgensen, George Preston Marshall, Wayne Millner, Bobby Mitchell, Art Monk, John Riggins, and Charley Taylor are the current Redskins Hall of Fame members. Aeneas Williams would be the 12th member of the Cardinals (Chicago/St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona) franchise to be elected to the Hall of Fame. Cardinals in the Hall of Fame include Charles Bidwill, Jimmy Conzelman, Dan Dierdorf, John Paddy Driscoll, Dick Night Train Lane, Ollie Matson, Ernie Nevers, Jackie Smith, Charley Trippi, Roger Wehrli, and Larry Wilson. THE MODERN-ERA POSITION ROSTER WILL CHANGE AFTER 2012 ELECTION (The Modern-Era is defined as a majority of an enshrinee s career occurred after 1946) If elected Jerome Bettis and/or Curtis Martin would be the 29th and/or 30th modern-era running back elected to the Hall of Fame. The other modern-era running backs in the Hall of Fame include Marcus Allen, Jim Brown, Earl Campbell, Larry Csonka, Eric Dickerson, Tony Dorsett, Marshall Faulk, Frank Gifford, Franco Harris, Paul Hornung, John Henry Johnson, Leroy Kelly, Floyd Little, Ollie Matson, Hugh McElhenny, Lenny Moore, Marion Motley, Walter Payton, Joe Perry, John Riggins, Barry Sanders, Gale Sayers, O.J. Simpson, Emmitt Smith, Jim Taylor, Thurman Thomas, Charley Trippi, and Doak Walker. Tim Brown, and/or Cris Carter, and/or Andre Reed would be the 22nd, 23rd and/or 24th modern-era receivers in the Hall of Fame. Other Hall of Fame modernera receivers include Lance Alworth, Raymond Berry, Fred Biletnikoff, Tom Fears, Bob Hayes, Elroy Hirsch (also a halfback), Michael Irvin, Charlie Joiner, Steve Largent, Dante Lavelli, James Lofton, Don Maynard, Tommy McDonald, Bobby Mitchell (also a halfback), Art Monk, Pete Pihos, Jerry Rice, John Stallworth, Lynn Swann, Charley Taylor (also a halfback), and Paul Warfield. Jack Butler and/or Aeneas Williams (also S) would become the 16th and/or 17th modern-era cornerbacks elected to the Hall of Fame. He would join Herb
Adderley, Lem Barney, Mel Blount, Willie Brown, Darrell Green, Mike Haynes, Jimmy Johnson, Dick Night Train Lane, Dick LeBeau, Ronnie Lott (also S), Mel Renfro (also S), Deion Sanders, Emmitt Thomas, Roger Wehrli, and Rod Woodson (also S). Chris Doleman (also LB) and/or Charles Haley (also LB) would become the 17th and/or 18th modern-era defensive ends to be elected to the Hall of Fame. Other Hall of Fame defensive ends are Doug Atkins, Elvin Bethea, Willie Davis, Fred Dean, Richard Dent, Carl Eller, Len Ford, Dan Hampton (DT-DE), Deacon Jones, Howie Long, Gino Marchetti, Andy Robustelli, Lee Roy Selmon, Bruce Smith, Reggie White, and Jack Youngblood. Dermontti Dawson would become the ninth modern-era center to be elected to the Hall of Fame. Other Hall of Fame centers include Chuck Bednarik (also LB), Frank Gatski, Jim Langer, Bruce Matthews (also G-T), Jim Otto, Jim Ringo, Dwight Stephenson, and Mike Webster. Bill Parcells would be the 16th modern-era coach elected to the Hall of Fame. Coaches in the Hall of Fame include George Allen, Paul Brown, Weeb Ewbank, Joe Gibbs, Sid Gillman, Bud Grant, George Halas, Tom Landry, Marv Levy, Vince Lombardi, John Madden, Chuck Noll, Don Shula, Hank Stram, and Bill Walsh. Kevin Greene and/or Charles Haley (also DE) would be the 23rd and/or 24th modern-era Hall of Fame linebackers joining Chuck Bednarik (also C) Bobby Bell (also DE), Nick Buoniconti, Dick Butkus, Harry Carson, George Connor (also DT- OT), Bill George, Jack Ham, Chris Hanburger, Ted Hendricks, Sam Huff, Rickey Jackson (also DE), Jack Lambert, Willie Lanier, Ray Nitschke, Les Richter, Joe Schmidt, Mike Singletary, Lawrence Taylor, Derrick Thomas, Andre Tippett, and Dave Wilcox. Cortez Kennedy would be the 14th defensive tackle elected to the Hall of Fame, joining Buck Buchanan, Art Donovan, Joe Greene, Dan Hampton (also DE), Henry Jordan, Bob Lilly, Leo Nomellini, Merlin Olsen, Alan Page, John Randle, Ernie Stautner, Arnie Weinmeister, and Randy White. Willie Roaf would become the 19th tackle to earn election into the Hall of Fame. Other Hall of Fame tackles include Bob Brown, Roosevelt Brown, Lou Creekmur (also G), Dan Dierdorf, Forrest Gregg (also G), Lou Groza (also PK), Stan Jones (also G-DT), Bruce Matthews (also G-C), Mike McCormack, Ron Mix, Anthony Muñoz, Jim Parker (also G), Bob St. Clair, Art Shell, Jackie Slater, Rayfield Wright, Ron Yary, and Gary Zimmerman. Edward DeBartolo, Jr. would be the 20th contributor inducted into the Hall of Fame. He would join Bert Bell, Charles Bidwill, Joe Carr, Al Davis, Jim Finks, George Halas, Lamar Hunt, Earl Curly Lambeau, Tim Mara, Wellington Mara, George Preston Marshall, Hugh Shorty Ray, Dan Reeves, Art Rooney, Dan Rooney, Pete Rozelle, Ed Sabol, Tex Schramm, and Ralph Wilson, Jr.
Will Shields and/or Dick Stanfel would become the 14th and/or 15th guards elected to the Hall of Fame. They would join Joe DeLamielleure, Russ Grimm, John Hannah, Gene Hickerson, Stan Jones (also T-DT), Larry Little, Tom Mack, Bruce Matthews (also C-T), Randall McDaniel, Mike Munchak, Jim Parker (G-T), Billy Shaw, and Gene Upshaw. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, a multi-day celebration of the enshrinement of the newest Hall of Fame Class, is held each year in Canton. The festival which culminates with the Enshrinement Ceremony and NFL Hall of Fame Game includes 18 special events over an 11-day period. Two major events are the Enshrinees Dinner (Friday, August 3), and the Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable (Sunday, August 5). It is at the Enshrinees Dinner where each member of the Class of 2012 will be presented his gold Pro Football Hall of Fame Jacket. At the Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable, the Class of 2012 will be featured center stage as they share memories of the game and their personal feelings about being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Individual Enshrinement tickets and Fan Packages for the 2012 Enshrinement Festival are on sale now. Additional ticket information for the Enshrinement Ceremony, NFL Hall of Fame Game and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival events can be found on the Hall of Fame s website (Profootballhof.com). ** For detailed biographies and media news clips on each of the Class of 2012 Finalists please log onto the Pro Football Hall of Fame s media website: www.profootballhof.com/media login: canton Conversation about the Pro Football Hall of Fame s selection process for 2012 can be streamlined on Twitter by using the Hall of Fame s designated hashtag #PFHOF12. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is found at @ProFootballHOF on Twitter and on Facebook.