HOF Class announced

[pensodyssey]

Dirt Dawson in.  Finally.

Curtis Martin, too, but no Bettis.  Surprising because they have nearly identical career numbers, and Bettis was IMHBOO the better of the two.

[jonzr]

He'll get in next year I betcha.

[msdmnr2002]

Grats to Dirt, very well deserved.

I think Bettis got caught in a numbers game.  With two other Steelers getting in this year it made it tough.

Martin is deserving, so no big beef there.

Speaking of beef, four linemen?  Bet that doesn't happen often.

Parcells not making it was the shocker for me.  Thought he was an l-o-c-k LOCK.

[pensodyssey]

Parcells not making it was the shocker for me.  Thought he was an l-o-c-k LOCK.

He might still come back.

[Y2Joyce]

Thank God, man. I need to support a new cause now that this has come through. Could not be prouder. Best guy I've met I the sport. Most knowledge, most passioniate, most prepared. Congrats, Dirty.

Condolences to Bussy. Had no shot when Bouchette was assigned the argument saddle for him AND Dawson. Also Jack Butler's Steeler candidacy hurt Bettis.

Next year for Bettis

I go every year now. Since LeBeau. Let me know if any of you crazy coots are in town but it serves as a pretty popular taigate. I'll be the fat drunk in the 58 jersey

[Brinker]

A little worried that when Hines is eligible he may not get in. I certainly think c carter is HOF worthy.

[msdmnr2002]

A little worried that when Hines is eligible he may not get in.  I certainly think c carter is HOF worthy.

If they made Art Monk wait forever because he was a "stat compiler," then Carter is in the same boat IMO, just was in a more pass-friendly era.  No rings, correct?  Not sure his teams even made it to a SB.

Hines - 2 rings, SB MVP, stats almost beat two Steeler HOF combined.  He'll make it, though likely not first ballot.

[Preacherman0]

They changed the rules of the game because of Hines Ward.  To me, that typically should give you an automatic trip to the HOF--unless it involves the kind of headband you wear.

Seriously, Ward SHOULD be first-ballot, IMO.  He's a unique talent, classic over-achiever, tough as nails.  Love him or hate him, can't deny his impact on the game and on the greatest franchise since the merger.