Hall of Fame has revealed 25 modern-era semifinalists

[kartanoman]

Inclusive.

Is that going to be the caveat on Eli Manning should he get the call announcing his selection?

Wouldn't that be appropriate as the ultimate back-handed compliment of all after a career of accomplishments which brought great pride to the Football Giants organization, not to mention NFL memories that will forever stand thr test of time as among the greatest ever.

Sure, inclusive ... whatever you want to call it.

For a matter of perspective, the magnitude of the game has grown considerably since the initial round of Hall of Fame inductions were announced in the early 1960s. As such, the number of teams have grown as have the number of players per team roster as well as number of games per season, not to mention the playoffs and Super Bowl, which did not even exist in the early 1960s.

The semifinalists are all well deserving of being strongly considered for a bust in Canton. I respect that everyone has an opinion whether one should make the final cut versus another. Diluting, though, is disrespectful to them and their respective football journies. They didn't get selected by popular vote but, instead, how their contribution added to the very fabric of the professional sport itself. Every individual on that list, and even those who were down-selected, all have distinguished themselves to that very end.

Perhaps instead of looking at it as an inclusive event, which it undoubtedly is, for obvious reasons, the choice made by Goodell to make it an Academy Award-like atmosphere turns people off to the concept. That is something I would agree with and the extra bravado we can all do without and more preservation of dignity that can build back in. But don't lessen the honor for those who have earned it fairly.

Every Hall of Fame inductee has a special story that is his football journey. Many have been featured in the critically acclaimed NFL Films series, "A Football Life." That program has largely stood down after 10 years but remains one of my all-time favorite NFL Films works. In fact, I've come to respect more players outside the Giants' organization, whom I despised in my youth, because of that program and learning more about the individual and letting go a little of the tribal warfare hatred.

Simply put, I respectfully disagree with anyone who suggests the Hall of Fame is diluted or inclusive in a negative context. It is a central gathering place to celebrate professional gridiron football from its earliest days to the present and its players, coaches and contributers who helped grow the sport into what is becoming a global passion. If the founding fathers knew the sport would reach nations far from America, they would never have believed it. Not only was it possible, but it is being demonstrated before our very eyes.

THAT is what inclusive should mean in the proper context.

Peace!

[TDToomer]

I thought baseball didn't have a limit on any given year. 

Btw, there are plenty of cheaters in the baseball hall.  Pretty sure in my lifetime I saw guys get kicked out of games for doctoring balls and then get into the HOF. 

There is no limit on MLB inductions but it's odd that some years you will have 5 players inducted while another year like in 2021 no one gets enough votes. Other sports have a set number to get inducted each year which is the way it should be.

Spitballs, sandpaper, pine tar, corked bats all lead to a few games suspension. You can't compare that to players busted and serving long suspensions for gambling and PEDs. Those are the players I am talking about.

[uconnjack8]

I feel like Kuechly is the top candidate for this years group.  Short but amazing career.

I think Vinatieri might be the most interesting discussion.  Not sure if his stats and whatever numbers are truly great, the amount of game winning clutch kicks he had might be enough.