Steelers Add Two More Hall of Fame Members, C Dermontti Dawson and CB Jack Butler
by Neal Coolong on Feb 4, 2012 6:11 PM EST
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PrintIt's about (Steelers) time. Add two more Steelers to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Steelers C Dermontti Dawson, a candidate since 2006, will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. He joins Steelers CB Jack Butler, a seniors committee nominee, made it, 53 years after he stopped playing.
Also set for enshrinement in 2012, OT Willie Roaf, DE Chris Doleman, DT Cortez Kennedy and RB Curtis Martin.
Dawson led the Steelers' powerful rushing attack from the mid-90s through the early 2000s. His quickness set him apart from his contemporaries in that he was able to snap and pull around the end, leading the blocking for such successful runners as Barry Foster, Bam Morris and Jerome Bettis.
He had been overlooked the past few years, as were many linemen in general. This class sees some of the best offensive and defensive linemen from the last 20 years.
Willie Roaf was as gifted and dominant a pass protector as the game has ever seen. Kennedy and Doleman were predators hunting quarterbacks for more than a decade.
While some may be upset over Bettis not being selected, but Curtis Martin is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. To put both of them in at the same time seems less meaningful for both players. If Martin goes in as the only running back this year, and Bettis is the same next year, it will even itself out.
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Pittsburgh flavor
to the HOF class this year, as Doleman and Martin went to Pitt. Next year, Larry Allen and Johnathon Ogden appear to be the only serious contenders for first time induction. 2014 looks like a year when receivers can get in as well. That year, Derrick Brooks and Marvin Harrison are up, and I believe Harrison is still having legal trouble, which may hurt him.
Hopefully next year, we’ll see Bettis and the Greenwood from the Vets Committee into the Hall.
Carter should be in
To be so highly ranked in so many receiving categories and not be in is just not right.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Feb 4, 2012 6:42 PM EST up reply actions
I agree. He should have been in a long time ago.
Proud fan of Pittsburgh's professional sports teams and the Pirates too.
by Black&GoldTrain on Feb 4, 2012 7:40 PM EST up reply actions
Until Carter goes in, Hines pretty much has no shot.
Stay thirsty my friends.
by SteelerMessican on Feb 4, 2012 7:53 PM EST up reply actions
Sure
but it is just a little ridiculous that he’s been passed over more than a couple times given his production.
I also agree that the ESPN talking heads can drive something into the ground, so yeah, probably expect them to be complaining on his behalf.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Feb 4, 2012 8:16 PM EST up reply actions
Glad Butler got in...he was one of my picks..
Dawson surprised me a bit…. Martin was also a pick of mine…. really feel Tim Brown gets a bad shake being a Raider… Was quite surprised Haley didnt make it… my mind, he should of been a first time entry…
by OR69faithfull on Feb 4, 2012 8:29 PM EST up reply actions
Charles Haley
had a surly reputation with the media during his playing days, and he’s paying for it now. It will take him longer to gain induction, but Haley does belong, he was a force.
well....
only player in NFL history to be a part of 5 winning superbowl teams… twice, defensive player of the year, 5 time pro bowl selection…. without going into the rest of his accomplishments….
by OR69faithfull on Feb 4, 2012 8:54 PM EST up reply actions
I think he masturbated in a meeting
He was like really mental…
LOL
never heard that…..did watch him play a few games at candlestick….. Im not much for the process really…. Always felt it should be players and players alone whom enshrined their Immortals
by OR69faithfull on Feb 4, 2012 9:11 PM EST up reply actions
He sounds like Kevin Hart's dad
You Gon Learn today!
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Feb 4, 2012 11:39 PM EST up reply actions
Reminded me of an AA story
My cousin went to an orlando program in Florida. I sat in on a couple of his meetings and one of the senior members would follow the presentation of the colored chips by getting up out of his chair to chop his arm forward while screaming “First Down” to applaud the progress. Then we found out one day he got caught by a police officer beating the bishop in a van parked in a church parking lot. My cousin seemed uncomfortable when he told me about it so I mirrored the ref signal and said “Illegal Contact”. Its football related but your masturbation comment was the opening I needed to share that story. So, thank you.
George Carlin : "I used a lot of cocaine, and man, it was fun."
by steeltech on Feb 5, 2012 12:36 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Haley stories...
I vaguely recall a book came out about the Cowboys (on and off the field, behind the scenes type of thing). Irvin partying, winning the superbowls, etc. And one of the stories was of how Haley had a monster, and would mess with other guys by taking it out in the middle of a meeting and laying it on the table when the coach wasn’t looking…
If I cared about the Cowboys more, I’d probably research it to get better info, but…
Hurrah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well well deserved for the crew! Congrats to the class and especially to DD!
Lots of Burgh connections here with Doleman and Martin also making it.
As for Carter, I guess we’ll have to hear the Sunday ESPN crew complain about how much of a crime it is that he didn’t get in etc etc……
He will get in eventually
Glad to see Dawson get in
He definitely deserved it. I was pretty certain he would eventually, but it seemed like it should have been sooner. He was the best Center of the ’90’s.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Feb 4, 2012 6:43 PM EST reply actions
I'm surprised that Bettis didn't make the final 10
Didn’t he make the final 10 last year?
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Feb 4, 2012 6:48 PM EST reply actions
Nope
Bettis didn’t make the final ten last year, either. I think they try to stay away from more than one player in any position. Last year, Faulk was a lock, so Bettis and Martin were easy cuts. I think Jerome got caught in the same process this year. I expect he will make it next year.
"We don't fix blame; we fix problems." Dick LeBeau, in an interview with Denver Sports Talk radio, March 2009
http://diaryofaplayoffbeard.blogspot.com/
Ok
Thanks for the correction. For some reason, I was thinking he just missed the cut for induction.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Feb 4, 2012 9:26 PM EST up reply actions
I think they try to stay away from more than one player in any position.
I think you’re right about this and it’s such b.s. Why would they care? If you’re good enough, you’re good enough. It’s like the “too many Steelers” mindset I’ve heard they use. These voters should be held accountable for crap like this. It’s nowhere near as bad as the Rock n Roll HOF, but it seems headed in that direction.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Yeah Bettis hasn't reached Rush's status yet in terms of watching garbage pass him by.
The RR HOF is in Cleveland so it has no legitimacy really.
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Franco Harris:
"If I had to choose today between the moral integrity and character of Joe Paterno and the politicians and commentators criticizing him, I would pick Joe Paterno, hands down, no contest every time."
I liked Curtis Martin, but...
It seems strange to include him in a Hall of Fame when no one knows who he was.
He was probably the least noticeable player with great stats that there ever was.
And count me in the club saying Carter does not belong, regardless of touchdown stats.
C-Mart didn't get in because of Taylor Allderdice HS and Pitt.....
He played in the New York market.
To say no one knows who he was would seem to overlook New York media.
Homer is very, very happy about Dirt Dawson, though. Dirt earned it. Dirt deserved it.
I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson
Then I guess you don’t care about him being fourth all-time in receptions and eighth all-time in yards then either.
Proud fan of Pittsburgh's professional sports teams and the Pirates too.
by Black&GoldTrain on Feb 4, 2012 7:45 PM EST up reply actions
+1
Without a guy named Jerry Rice around, Cris Carter could well be known as one of, if not the best Wide Receiver of the last 25 years
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 8:32 PM EST up reply actions
You said your peace below, lets not blow this up any bigger than it has to be.
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
Just stirrin’ up conversation, you’re entitled to your opinion. To be fair, when Carter retired, many people made that argument. We’re just seeing so many receivers now who are clearly far superior to Carter.
This is my point. Why punish him for being of a different era. If Hines Ward played 20 years ago, he would be a no brainer. Its this pass happy era that is making the water murky
P.s I might retract that:
Without a guy named Jerry Rice around, Cris Carter could well be known as one of, if not the best Wide Receiver of the last 25 years
…statement. Bit bold on my part. I’m hungover as I can ever remember and possibly a little irrational
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 9:43 PM EST up reply actions
He’s not being punished, he’s just being made irrelevant lol
The guys today are better than Carter ever was, and I was saying that in response to the best receiver of the last 25 years comment.
Carter will be in the Hall of Fame. He belongs there. He’s just not really all that much better than anyone else who’s going for the same position.
I agree, the guys today are far superior to what Carter was, but you can only do better than those who came before you. He wasnt to know that receivers would evolve into all these 6’5" monsters with 4.3 speed.
On that note, Tight Ends are getting scary good these days with athletes like Jimmy Graham and Vernon Davis around
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 9:54 PM EST up reply actions
oops..the first name was Rich Gannon, not sure if you could see it.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
i guess ppl
only remember Daunte Culpepper
I love the Steelers.
by tannofsteel84 on Feb 5, 2012 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
I would like to know your reasoning as to why Cris Carter does not belong?
And Martin earned his HOF bust with every yard he ran. Severely underrated because he wasnt a big personality and he had to live with the Jets and their instability
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 8:31 PM EST up reply actions
Well theres
something to be said for what your personal accomplishments did for your teams success… as good as CC was…. all his talents never got the vikings to a superbowl…..
by OR69faithfull on Feb 4, 2012 8:42 PM EST up reply actions
So by your analogy:
Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson, OJ SImpson, Dan Fouts and Warren Moon to name a few are all guys who don’t deserve their place in Canton?
So how about HOF locks such as Tony Gonzalez and LaDainian Tomlinson? They never made it to a Superbowl so they shouldn’t be worthy?
There is a reason why Football is a team game. The greats still stand out when there is not the same quality of team mates next to them.
Barry Sanders was an incredible player despite having a horrendous Offensive Line (and team) for the majority of his career. Cris Carter was still an incredible player despite having pretty crappy Quarterbacks for the majority of his career
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
No....personally.... I feel Tim Brown deserves it more...
If ya go back far enough, youll also find he had a black sheep rep when he played for the eagles…. heck…. Buddy Ryan released him….
by OR69faithfull on Feb 4, 2012 8:59 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with Tim Brown
I think they both deserve it. They either both go in, or neither go in.
The real implication of this is that Hines Ward is going to have a stupidly hard time getting in when he retires
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 9:12 PM EST up reply actions
Yep........but thats not such a terrible thing...
consider how many greats for our 70’s teams are still not enshrined….
Personally over the recent 2 decades, felt the whole process had gotten a bit watered down…. to me….. only the greatest of the greats really should receive the honor…..
by OR69faithfull on Feb 4, 2012 9:16 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree
Hines is a completely different kind of player. He was a dominant run-blocking receiver, and veterans argue he’s the best of all time. He was a 80+ catch guy on a team that lead the league in rushing. He went to four Pro Bowls when he was competing with human freaks like Marvin Harrison and Andre Johnson.
Plus, he’s been a captain of this team for a long time, and he’s got two rings, played in three and has a Super Bowl MVP. Irvin doesn’t have one, or Monk, or Largent, or Lofton, or even Stallworth. Speaking of that, Ward has all the receiving records on a team that has two WRs in the Hall of Fame. Those guys caught passes on a run-first team as well.
You simply cannot talk about the 2000s and not talk about Hines Ward in that conversation. Not the best pure receiver, but he did more of everything than anyone else. And it’s not even close.
Not a first ballot guy, he’ll probably go three or four ballots. Ask Dermontti Dawson or Cortez Kennedy if it really matters when you go in, though.
Personally
I would put Hines in b4 Carter….but by my measure of what canidadate should be…. That player should of been best at his position compared to his peers for the majority of their career…. Where I find Hines contributions to his teams success exceeds Carter… Hines was not the best wideout yr in yr out… this is how the whole process of being inducted has gotten away from its true intent…
by OR69faithfull on Feb 4, 2012 9:29 PM EST up reply actions
I agree. I caught a heap of flak from people a couple years ago when I guaranteed Hines wouldnt be a first ballot Hall of Famer. Now its seems everyone is accepting the idea.
I’m not the one being paid to decide when someone goes in, nor do I know every piece of criteria that involves electing a Hall of Famer.
Like I said below, I’m not going to let this erupt into an argument that isnt necessary
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 9:34 PM EST up reply actions
No one's arguing, we're just discussing it
This is exactly what the Hall of Fame voters do.
It’s simple, really…Jerry Rice is a first-ballot Hall of Fame receiver. Is Hines Ward comparable to Jerry Rice? No. If the Hall of Fame had a Hall of Fame, Rice would be one of the first five put in there.
It’s not easy to be a first-ballot guy, and it shouldn’t be.
I’m hungover as, bit more temperamental than usual today.
The thing Hines has that Carter doesnt have is awards and rings. I do think it is unfair to seemingly throw out a guys credentials because he doesnt have a ring. If that were the case, then current players like Gonzalez wont get in right?
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 9:46 PM EST up reply actions
The thing Hines has that Carter doesnt have is awards and rings.
I was a ball boy for the Vikings for a brief stint around 1994-95, and I can tell you with certainty the one thing Ward has that Carter doesn’t is class.
One of the most arrogant, selfish, pompous people I’ve ever come across. I can’t imagine someone being as big a jerk as he was.
Surprised you aren’t a Vikings fan if you managed to be a ball boy for them.
And eh, comes with the territory of being a Wide Receiver.
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 9:51 PM EST up reply actions
1. my family’s from Pittsburgh, rooting for the Steelers was never a question.
2. I was a kid, my dad’s friend was the visiting locker room manager at the Metrodome, what kid’s not gonna jump at the chance to do that for a game or two? Hell, if they asked me today, I’d do it. My brother was the guy holding the cords for coaches this season. He did the Vikings Saints game, and was right behind Sean Payton when he tore a strip off a fullback who got a holding penalty that took away a touchdown.
3. And yes, most, if not all, receivers seem to be like that. There were some really good guys on the team, far more than guys like Carter. John Randle is perhaps the most likable guy I’ve ever come across, and Rich Gannon epitomized class and dignity.
Ah fair enough, bit ignorant on my part, I assumed you mustve been from Minny.
I love watching film on Randle. Dude was crazy
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
It was ALWAYS like that. A short, massively wide ball of energy.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 4, 2012 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
Carter has stats, but if you look at him season-to-season, he was never THE best, in fact, there was oftentimes receivers who were at least at the level he was at. He was a part of the first pass explosion in the league, and he was never a big-play, deep threat kind of guy.
His career stats indicate he’s worthy of being in the Hall, and he definitely will at some point. But was he a real game-changer like Irvin was? Did he dominate the game the way a guy like Art Monk or James Loften or Steve Largent did before teams threw all the time?
We’ll put it into context; in 15 years from now, you’re going to see Cris Carter falling tremendously in terms of where he stands in history. The same thing happened to Largent, but Largent was clearly a year-in elite all-around guy. Career 16 yards-per-catch average.
Carter? Career 12.6. He never caught 40 passes in a year and averaged more than 13.8. And in his big consecutive 122-catch seasons, he averaged a combined 10.7 yards per catch.
That’s weak, you gotta admit.
He was a short-route possession receiver who drew a lot of attention catching tons of short passes in an era where that happened a lot. Keep in mind, he caught 122 and lead the league in 1994. He caught 122 the next year, and did NOT lead the league. Herman freakin Moore did. Rice had 122 as well. THREE GUYS had 122 catches that season. Bruce had 119, Irvin had 111, something called Brett Perriman had 108.
In other words, 100+ catches then isn’t close to what it is today.
Carter wasn’t even close to the most athletic receiver, he was one of the most consistent. Again, his numbers put him in the Hall, but anyone who thinks he absolutely positively is getting screwed by not getting in on his third ballot hasn’t applied context to his career.
I live in Minnesota
I’ve been having this argument for six years now.
It started in a bar with a buddy and a few of his friends. I burst out laughing when he made the confident declaration that, “if Cris Carter doesn’t get in on the first ballot, I don’t see how Rice will either.”
It nearly came to blows that night, but I still stand by what the voters are telling him. He just doesn’t differentiate himself from other candidates. How much better is he really than Andre Reed? Monk and Irvin have gone in too since he was eligible. Tim Brown is still out there, and I’d say he should go in before Carter does (far more productive per catch in his prime, plus he was a good return man and the Raiders had some ridiculously poor quarterbacks in his day).
LOL is paragraph....
Im a big general mills guy, theyve got corp in minniapolis, and a production facility also….my ties more to their distribution center for the 13 western states in CA….
by OR69faithfull on Feb 4, 2012 9:34 PM EST up reply actions
Carter wasn’t even close to the most athletic receiver,
Isn’t that the very point? Often the best players were those who were not the most athletically gifted, but those who did beyond what they “should have” been able to do.
I mean, our own Hines Ward fits that to a T, and that’s what made him great.
I’m not one of the “Cris Carter is getting absolutely screwed” guys but I still thought he would have been in by now. You can use the argument of yards per catch but how can you fault him for mastering what was his role in the offense. He was the possession receiver. That was his job. Look at Wes Welker, all he does is catch short routes but thats his job.
Anyway, I am not going to sit here and blow this out of proportion with you. He deserves his place eventually.
What I will say is I love how the committee seemingly made a point this year to put in those guys who were well overdue to be elected in
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
Isn’t that the very point? Often the best players were those who were not the most athletically gifted, but those who did beyond what they "should have" been able to do.
Yeah, but catching 10 yard passes 100+ times a season isn’t exactly proof of him being the “best,” is it?
No one’s arguing to put Wes Welker in the Hall of Fame, and if they are in the future, it’s because they’ve got their Belichick hoodies tied on way too tightly.
I agree, though, they needed to clear some of the guys out. Probably see Haley and Carter in next year along with Ogden.
Ok, I’ll retract what I said above about putting Carter in the “the best in last 25 years” category, probably a little hot from reading reasons why Carter does not belong.
I’m not trying to say Wes Welker is HOF worthy, hell no. But, he does get a lot of talk in the media about being the best slot receiver of this generation. Its his job, and hes a master at it.
This is why Wide Receivers are a crappy argument for us when it comes to Hall of Fame. The ones that could come up with something no matter the game situation, route whatever, were the best. Its why guys like Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson (yes I said Calvin) will all be Hall of Famers eventually
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
I see absolutely no reason to suggest right now Calvin Johnson won’t end up in the Hall of Fame. Fitz or Andre Johnson either.
This is really what it comes down to, receivers today are vastly superior to where they were in Carter’s era (except Rice, of course). They’re all much bigger and most are faster, too.
Carter’s career ended with him holding some pretty high spots on the all time records lists. He’ll end it being buried behind the next generation.
Largent was No. 2 in receptions when he retired. Now, he’s 21st.
Exactly. Passing records and receiving records will go. It makes guys like Eric Dickerson and his 2100 yard season all the more amazing. That record may never fall unless the game goes to an 18 game regular season.
You can only be better than those who came before you.
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
well....5 guys have crossed the threshold of 2000 yds...but
If im not mistaken….. OJ is the only one to do it in 14 games….
by OR69faithfull on Feb 4, 2012 9:54 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah you are right
6 guys in nearly 50 years.
I think it is easier to win running the ball these days with a split back system, so I would be surprised if Dickersons record falls in my lifetime.
Formerly known as Steeler_
BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia
by Michael Hewitt on Feb 4, 2012 9:58 PM EST up reply actions
When you think about OJ
doing it in buffalo….on grass, in 14 games, in a cold weather city….really puts perspective to things…
by OR69faithfull on Feb 4, 2012 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
I think it’s one of those rules that will stand basically forever because the game just isn’t played that way anymore. Very impressive, there’s a reason he’s in Canton too (at least I think he’s still in there).
by Neal Coolong on Feb 4, 2012 10:21 PM EST up reply actions
In perspective for Hines...
It took 15 yrs after John Stallworths retirement for him to be inducted…
by OR69faithfull on Feb 4, 2012 9:48 PM EST up reply actions
Delighted for Dermontti
He was an amazing center. He learned from a Hall of Famer, and perhaps surpassed his mentor.
What a tradition we have had at that position.
Center Tradition
Steelzombie, you are correct. From Mansfield to Webster, Dawson, Hartings, and now Pouncey, it is rare to see a run from the 1960s to today.
Don't forget about Mahan and Hartwig!
Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever
-Napoleon Bonaparte
There’s a lot of stuff we wouldn’t have to clean up if the city provided basic human rights, like a Port-A-Potty.
-OWS Protester
Cornell University Class of 2014
by LV Steelers Fan on Feb 4, 2012 7:48 PM EST up reply actions
LOL, that was so wrong.
I’m just cringing thinking of those two.
Proud fan of Pittsburgh's professional sports teams and the Pirates too.
by Black&GoldTrain on Feb 4, 2012 7:50 PM EST up reply actions
How could we forget!?
Hartwig was serviceable, though. Mahan was a disaster
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Feb 4, 2012 8:12 PM EST up reply actions
Much deserved!!
Dawson was the definition of consistency. He was able to follow a great HOF center and become one himself. He was able to do it all and always at a high level. He made it look so easy. He had strength, mobility, durability and was a leader in the locker room. Congratulations to one of the greatest of all time. Congrats to Jack Butler as well!
Proud fan of Pittsburgh's professional sports teams and the Pirates too.
I remember hearing an interview with Merrill Hoge about the coaches in Chicago picking his brain about the Steelers offense after he signed with the Bears.
He was explaing one of the Steelers running plays, and when he got to the part about the pulling center, the Bears’ coaches couldn’t believe that a center could pull. He was talking about Dawson, of course.
’
I always think about that story whenever I think about Dirt. He was the premiere center in the league during his prime. Certainly a worthy inductee into Canton.
Great news for Dirt Dawson!
’Bout time indeed! As one of the dominant players of his position, he very much deserved it. Hope that the Bus gets in soon.
Bound to cover just a little more ground.
Awesome!
Always been a huge Dawson fan, even when I was a kid (probably about the time I should’ve figured out I was a junkie, since all my friends were skill position fans). I was actually just at the HoF about a month or so ago, and my Dad and I were talking about how Dawson deserved to be there, but likely wouldn’t because there were already so many Steelers in. Very glad to see him in.
The glare of the spotlight is harsh, and the pressure that success breeds immense. We revere our heroes, but expect much. And criticism can come as easily as praise.
Perspectives become reality.
Twitter: @shanecglass
Yinz are coming to Canton this year, right?
I thought the NFL really needed to throw Canton a bone for destroying the HOF celebration last year. Even though they had a pretty good class of enshrinees, most of the events were empty because the HOF game was cancelled. I don’t know how many millions Canton lost in revenue because of that. The NFL really should put the Packers or the Cowboys in the game to bring in that fan base, along with Steeler Nation. If you haven’t been to Canton for Hall of Fame weekend, you are missing a great experience. I’ve gone for the last three years. My wife and I enjoy it so much, it’s now our annual vacation. I’ll take a bunch of pictures and share them here.
"We don't fix blame; we fix problems." Dick LeBeau, in an interview with Denver Sports Talk radio, March 2009
http://diaryofaplayoffbeard.blogspot.com/
Man I love this
When are we just gonna get our own wing in Canton?
Dawson finally gets in and its about time, Center is a really underrated position that never gets enough credit.
Hopefully Pouncey can follow in his footsteps. Can’t wait to see Bettis get in next year.
Congrats Dirt Dawson!
What a crazy legacy @ center for the Steelers. Other than a year with Mahan, the center position has been incredible.
What will happen to the voting process?
Quick thought: What will happen to the voting process for the major sports’ Halls of Fame if so many of the “old media” print outlets (and their writers who get a vote) fold and go out of business? Will it be left to “new media” writers or bloggers (doubtful)? OR, do you all think it will finally be given over to the current members of each Hall of Fame and perhaps a few current players as well? Each teams’ NFLPA rep, perhaps? Coaches? Owners?
When you work out your biceps, do you want six little ones? No, of course not--you want one big one; I took the same approach with my ab. -- Me
That’s funny, I was just looking at that today.
There is one voter from each city with a team, and I believe eight at-large bids. Most are still newspaper writers, with a few TV guys here and there. But I think there are six or seven guys who now work for online publications, and I think they were grandfathered in from their previous vote.
Either way, people don’t think journalists are the right people to vote for these things, but they’re the best of all options. Players don’t typically follow the rest of the league, and don’t have any better of a perspective of what someone playing a different position on a different team does.
Not to mention the fact the sports writer is in a position to be far more objective than a player. Terrell Suggs absolutely hates Hines Ward, and he has gone out of his way several times mentioning that. How could we possibly expect Suggs’ vote on Ward being in the Hall of Fame to be considered impartial?
What about all the Jets and Colts players on eligible Patriots players? Writers don’t have those kinds of rivalries and personal biases. Theoretically, at least, but it’s certainly less likely to be slanted to a large degree.
by Neal Coolong on Feb 4, 2012 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
I dont necessarily share that view re players...
Perspective changes considerably once out of the game…. any candidate must then wait 5 yrs for his first chance to get on the ballot…. I would not have any active players a part of the nomination-selection commitee… In essence, it would be a list of players who competed prior or during a nominee’s career… Those heat bias’s are soon put to respect of ones peers level of competition… and as members of the commitee gave up their duties a vote of that same commitee would then vote in his replacement… As for the actual process of enshrining members, could be any format..personally, I would like to see a 90% of votes to be enshrined… but really the system could be well thought out…
I just read something on a site( I visit so many not sure where) but… Frank Gifford went out of his way to write an endorsing letter to the merits of Jack Butlers nomination, and now, enshrinement…. I think in the end, there is no one less influenced by media-hype-pressures, then the men who battled those same candidates year in and year out… Im not saying the current system hasnt been successful…but journalism on a whole is suffering a bit in this new age, where the internet has so much influense even subconciously of ones views and opinions… where players have 1st party experience with the possible nominees… I dont see how you can have a fairer system then former players nominating and enshrining their own peers…. Are the yearly news or jourmelism awards judged or considered by NFL players?
by OR69faithfull on Feb 5, 2012 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
I think players have the best and most unique perspective of judging the talent of their opponents… a wideout over his career will see every corner in the league, some 3 times a yr… Isnt a wr uniquely suited to judge a Corners skill set, or adaptability to a wideouts changed routes… Like… a tackle being uniquely qualified to evaluate a DE’s abilities…. A diverse commitee encompassing all positions would certainly IMHO be the best possible quailified group to consider a retired players wotrhiness for Hall of Fame honors
by OR69faithfull on Feb 5, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
Players do have that unique perspective, but they also only see them when they play each other, or if they watch them in the playoffs. Most players are too busy with their own lives and preparing for their games to see all the games that a guy on another team played. That said, it would be nice if they had some input. I just wouldn’t leave it all up to them.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
100 player Commitee
3 rep’s from each team 4 senior reps.
Of those 100….. 50 hall of famers…. 50 non hall of famers….
my bet….. no stat heavy non deserver is ever inducted…. a room of immortals has better perspective to whom is worthy then anyone….
by OR69faithfull on Feb 6, 2012 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
Steelers Versus Other team players...
If a Steeler is up for the Hall of Fame, they should automatically be chosen over ANY other team players. :-)
Couldn't be happier for Butler and Dirt!
I love the Bus and he’ll be there with them because he has earned it but Dawson was my sentimental favorite this year.
Butler’s accomplishments were AMAZING (something like 103 takeaways in a time when passing was not the bread and butter of an offense) and for him to have waited as long as he did… well, this Steeler fan is very grateful that he finally got his induction.
This was yet another great day to be Steeler Nation!
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
"Oh... you're a northerner. What exactly do they call 'you people' from Pittsburgh?" "They just call us LUCKY."
Just did some checking into Jack Butler
52 interceptions in 103 games played. That’s called dominating a position. Steelers.com has a very nice highlight reel of him posted on their website.
I guess I have to do some work to my list of players that should be in the Hall of Fame
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl
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