NFL 2021 Hall of Fame Class Picks: Quarterbacks
Those gloried halls of gladiators. Are we not entertained by their momentary heroics? If I could, I would put them all in, but nevertheless, all cannot bathe in the milk and honey of the NFL hereafter.
Now, I have no clue how the voters decide, so I’m merely going to use my own ephemeral criteria for these picks, ideally settling on or two players per position.
This year, eight quarterbacks are eligible for Hall of Fame induction: Drew Bledsoe, Randall Cunningham, Jake Delhomme, Jeff Garcia, Dave Krieg, Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb, and Steve McNair. Let’s review.
Drew Bledsoe. Mostly remembered for a case of internal bleeding and that fateful substitution that launched the 20-plus-year career of a certain first-ballot hall-of-famer. Unfortunately, Drew’s accolades lie more in wine production than in the halls of Canton.
Pro Football Reference lists Bledsoe as going 98–95 with a 57.2 completion %, one Super Bowl appearance (loss to Green Bay in 1997). He was good for 24 Fourth Quarter Comebacks, 31 Game-Winning Drives.
As for wine, “Doubleback has received numerous accolades including a spot on the Wine Spectator Top 100 List.”
I was a big Bledsoe fan, but I have to give Drew a sentimental wave and a “pass” on induction this year, with a hearty good luck to you, sir vintner.
Randall Cunningham. When I was a kid, he was THE MAN. Going over the top of the pile for a touchdown. Nothing beat it. Fun to watch, with a respectable record of 82–52–1, and 16 years in the NFL. I’d love to see him in, but the stats probably don’t measure up. Intangibles? For sure. Randall is a whispered soft “yes” from me because of that.
Jake Delhomme. Eleven NFL seasons, mostly remembered for a pretty exciting Super Bowl loss to New England in 2003. Five other teams share that record, of course, so that in itself is not remarkable. And, for a Super Bowl attendee, his record is average: 56–40 with a decent career completion % at 59.4. I’m sorry Jake, but this is an easy “pass” for me.
Jeff Garcia. He had some good years with San Fransisco and is remembered for taking over a dynasty previously led by Joe Montana and Steve Young, as well as bolstering the career of Terrell Owens. But, his career record is just .500. He bounced around a lot after his time in SF, so it’s another easy “pass.”
Dave Krieg.18 years in the NFL, mostly with Seattle, and he was 98–77 with three Pro Bowl selections. I confess that I don’t remember him. Perhaps I just didn’t have Seattle in my peripheral vision as a fan growing up. So, he’s a pass from me, and I’ll defer to others who might have a greater impression of Krieg’s career.
Peyton Manning. First-time ballot and he’s in as far as I’m concerned. I don’t even like him very much, and the dude only won two Super Bowls despite being on Super Bowl caliber teams. Too many playoff disappointments. But, it’s undeniable that a record of 186–79, 65.2 Completion %, 539 TDs, and elected to the Pro Bowl in almost every single season that he played. All that plus commercial success like few before him.
Donovan McNabb. Another illustrious member of the class of “lost to the Patriots in the Super Bowl.” McNabb never had a chance in 2004 — probably New England’s strongest team, at least defensively. Career-wise, he went 98–62–1, had a 59.0 Completion %, and made six Pro Bowls with two different teams. This year? I don’t see it happening for him.
Steve McNair. No joking here with such a tragic end to his life. McNair was a general on the field who is most known for losing a Super Bowl by actual mere feet to the “Greatest Show on Turf.” He went 91–62 with a 60.1 Completion %, but only two Pro Bowls. He flashed here and there, but there was a lack of consistency that doesn’t help to put McNair at the top of this list.
This year it’s easy. Peyton Manning all the way. We’ll have to endure another speech delivered from the mouth that rests just below his giant forehead. We might have to suffer through an uptick in commercials. And I’m giving a second vote to Randall Cunningham for everything he was that Manning was not.