Now that the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame is in the books, it’s time to look ahead to the possible class of 2016.
Recently, the Pro Football Hall of Fame released their list of 108 nominees for induction. Those nominees will be narrowed down to between 4 and 8 individuals who will actually be inducted into the legion of football greats.
Here is the list of former Minnesota Vikings players and coaches that are eligible to be Hall of Famers:
- Brett Favre, quarterback (2009-2010)
- Herschel Walker, running back (1989-1991)
- Chris Hinton, offensive line (1994-1995)
- Joey Browner, safety (1983-1991)
- Darren Sharper, safety (2005-2008)
- Morten Andersen, kicker (2004)
- Gary Anderson, kicker (1998-2002)
- Tony Dungy, coach (1992-1995)
Sep 5, 2015; Hattiesburg, MS, USA; Former NFL and Southern Miss Golden Eagle quarterback Brett Favre was honored at halftime of their game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
First things first. We all know that Brett Favre is best known for his time with the Green Bay Packers, but Minnesota Vikings fans were lucky to get a little bit of his magic. This will be the first time that the “Silver Fox” will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but that shouldn’t stop the gunslinger from being one of the few chosen.
There are some painful names on this list. Herschel Walker brings up some horrible memories for Minnesota Vikings fans. Also, just hearing the name Gary Anderson can give fans flashbacks that cause them to reach for the nearest bottle of alcohol. While these are names that we’d rather just forget, they are a huge part of football history.
The one name on this list that blew me backwards when I saw it was Darren Sharper. Seriously? I understand he was a good safety in the NFL, but his off-the-field issues and legal problems make him an individual that the Pro Football Hall of Fame should want absolutely nothing to do with. Personally, I’m ashamed that he was ever a part of the Minnesota Vikings organization, but I can’t go back in time and change it.
A notable omission from this list once again is former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall. While he does have the honor of having one of the most boneheaded plays in NFL history, the rest of his accomplishments should make him a top candidate for induction.
What do you think of this list of candidates? Do you think any former Minnesota Vikings will make the Pro Football Hall of Fame? Let me know your opinion in the comments below.
Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews
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