For the most part every analyst and former NFL player that gets asked about Dick's legitimacy as a H.O.F. is sincere in their praise of the man in relation of Le beau's playing career as a CB for the Detroit Lions from '59-'72...but I'm stil miffed at the few critics who feel like Le Beau is only getting consideration for the Hall because of his contribution as a D.Coordinator in the NFL (and a great defensive innovator for the game I will also add)...and yes the senior committee Hall of Fame voters I'm sure are considering his coaching gifts that span multiple decades (even if they don't admit it) but lets be real about the D.Lebeau the player

He was a very good corner back in the NFL that amassed 62 interceptions in his career, currently in the top 5 all time for that category, and he played the position right-meaning he was a well-rounded 'all tools' player that never took a play off. Dick's problem was something that was no fault of his own, he played opposite the legend Dick 'Night Train' Layne, which meant most QB's chose not to throw towards Night Train which meant Dick was a player of target every Sunday and a lesser average player would have settled in and took on that challenge with trepidation, but Lebeau did not, he took advantage of all those balls being thrown his way and in the end he took 62 balls away from the opposing offenses, total, throughout his NFL career

Lebeau deserved to get in years ago under the standard post-career guidelines but it didn't happen because a lot of voters feel like players that play opposite great/first ballot h.o.famers can't stand out enuff individually and is often over-shadowed. Well here's hoping the coach Steeler players call 'dad' gets his just-due n 2010 and finally gets invited to Canton, Ohio....(to participate as a recipient not a coach in an exhibition game)