Above from left: Jim Marshall, Walter Johnson (71).
Below: Alex Karras.
Among defensive linemen missing from the Hall of Fame whose bust should have been added long ago is former Minnesota Viking Jim Marshall. In fact, while researching this post I was shocked that he wasn’t in. I had always assumed he was. He played 20 years in the NFL. At the time of his retirement he was the league’s all-time iron man, having played 302 consecutive games (since surpassed by Brett Favre). He had an NFL record 29 opponent’s fumbles recovered in his career, and was just an iconic figure in the league. Unfortunately, of course, he was also Jim “Wrong Way” Marshall, going down in history as the guy who returned a recovered fumble 66 yards the wrong way against the ’49ers, resulting in a safety. I find it hard to believe that this one bad play is keeping him out of Canton. The late Walter Johnson, an outstanding defender for the 1960s Cleveland Browns, should also get much more consideration than he does for induction. Johnson was to the Browns defense in his era what HOF teammate Gene Hickerson was to the offense – a catalyst for the team’s success. He played 13 seasons and was a perennial Pro Bowler. Alex Karras had a tremendous career with the Detroit Lions, competing for 12 years and playing in 4 Pro Bowls, and also being named to the all-decade team for the 1960s. His chances for induction were hurt immeasurably by his one year suspension in 1963 for gambling. Paul Hornung was also suspended that same season, and he is in Canton. A couple of other players from the ’60s who probably will never get in but deserve a closer look are Roosevelt Grier, former Giant and one-time member of the Rams’ “Fearsome Foursome” defensive front, and Gene “Big Daddy” Lipscomb. Grier was an outstanding defender but was overshadowed on that fabled Ram line by HOFers Deacon Jones and Merlin Olsen. Lipscomb was huge and always seemed like a man playing among boys, and was an outstanding player. He was a 3-time Pro Bowler and MVP of the game twice. He died of a heroin overdose at the age of 31 a few months after winning the Pro Bowl MVP in the 1962 game.
Above from left: Rich “Tombstone” Jackson, Houston Antwine, Tom Sestak (70) with HOF teammate Billy Shaw.
The American Football League, of course, produced great defensive linemen who have been overlooked by the Canton voters. One player who should get more consideration at least has a Hall worthy nickname – Rich “Tombstone” Jackson of the Denver Broncos. He was a 3 time all-star and a tremendous pass rusher, but his career was cut short by a severe knee injury. Houston Antwine was a 6-time AFL all star with the Boston Patriots and a member of the all-AFL team. Tom Sestak’s situation is similar to that of Walter Johnson. Sestak was to the dominant Buffalo Bills defense what HOF teammate Billy Shaw was to the Bills’ offense. Sestak was a 4 time AFL all star in his injury-shortened career, and was a unanimous choice 3 times. Only 6 players were unanimous all-league selections that many times in the 1960s – Sestak and 5 other NFL players who are all in Canton.
Above: Ron McDole (left), Curley Culp.
A couple of players who started their careers in the AFL and transitioned into the NFL in the ’70s, Ron McDole and Curley Culp, deserve a closer look. McDole, the “Dancing Bear”, was a standout defensive end on the same Bills’ defense that Sestak played on. That team held opposing rushers without a touchdown for 17 consecutive games during their dominant 2 year title run. McDole moved on to Washington and was a solid player for George Allen’s “Over the Hill Gang” in the ’70s when most figured his best days were behind him. Culp was a prototype nose tackle in the 3-4 defense of Bum Phillips’ Houston Oiler teams in the ’70s after starring for the Chiefs in the AFL. He was a 6 time Pro Bowler and is credited in some circles as being the first to play the nose tackle position.
Above: L.C. Greenwood (left), Harvey Martin (79) with HOF teammate Randy White.
Two more examples of players who are under-appreciated because of being overshadowed by high-profile teammates are L.C. Greenwood and Harvey Martin. Greenwood, famous for wearing gold cleats, was a second banana to Mean Joe Greene with the Steel Curtain defense of the ’70s, but an outstanding defender and worthy of Canton consideration. Martin was overshadowed by Randy White, although he was voted co-MVP of Super Bowl XII along with White. Martin, who died in 2001, was a 4 time Pro Bowler and a member of the all-decade team for the ’70s.
Probably the most deserving modern day player among defensive linemen is Chris Doleman, who played 15 seasons with the Vikings, ’49ers and Falcons and was an 8 time Pro Bowler. It may just be a matter of time for Doleman to get in, since he has the longevity and the numbers. Also, former Chicago Bear Richard Dent has been a finalist 6 times but still hasn’t garnered the votes to get elected.
