How realistic is Carter’s chance of getting in this year? It doesn’t look good, frankly. The problem is Tim Brown. Everyone thinks Brown will go in before Carter. And the HOF doesn’t like inducting two guys at the same position in the same year (for some reason). So Brown has to get his call before Carter has a shot. If Brown goes in this year…maybe next year for Carter. Unless the HOF likes Andre Reed more. Which would be stupid, but don’t get me started.

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Last year, the list also included Randall McDaniel, who ended up among the few chosen to be added to the roll call of all-time greats.

Of the three Viking semifinalists, Cris Carter would seem the most deserving candidate.  Unfortunately for Carter, two of this year’s first-year-eligible HOF locks – Tim Brown and Jerry Rice – are at his position, and I doubt voters will want to put three receivers into the hall in the same class.

The list of first-year-eligible players also includes another lead-pipe cinch, running back Emmitt Smith.  A fourth first-year man, Aeneas Williams, is a long-shot at best.

So, with three spots virtually guaranteed, and 22 guys fighting for the others, it’s looking unlikely that Randall McDaniel and the other Viking Hall-of-Famers will be joined by Carter, Doleman or Randle next year.  A Super Bowl win for the franchise would be a nice consolation prize for everyone.