Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Hall of Fame Semi-Finalist

The NFL Hall of Fame announced the 26 modern era finalist and four of them have ties to Steeler Nation. The Steelers second all time leading rusher Jerome Bettis 1996-2005, former linebacker Kevin Greene 1993-1995, safety Donnie Shell 1974-1987 and center Dermontti Dawson 1988-2000. Another Steeler great Jack Butler also made the senior committee ballot pushing the Steelers total to five of 28 players.

With a weak class this year it is possible that we could see up to four of these players in the hall this year. In my opinion Jerome Bettis, Kevin Greene, Dermontti Dawson and Jack Bulter should make the final cut. No one is more deserving than Jack Butler.

Butler retired from the NFL in 1959, playing in 103 games recording 52 interceptions and four touchdowns. Butler retired from the league second all time in interceptions but is still waiting for his opportunity for this honor. To put Butlers picks into perspective, former Steeler and Hall of Famer Rod Woodson played in 102 games in his first seven seasons and only recorded 28 interceptions. Compare that to Butler's 52 interceptions in 103 games.

There are very few, if any Hall of Famers that can compare to Butler's stats.

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