Brett Favre headlines Hall of Fame Class of 2016; Terrell Owens denied
It didn’t take long for Brett Favre to earn induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Six seconds to be exact.
That’s how long his presentation lasted, with no discussion necessary.
Favre was the only sure thing among the 15 modern-era finalists when Saturday’s voting began. The 46 selectors didn’t waste any time in electing Favre in his first year of eligibility.
The other candidates, though, required far more discussion in a meeting that lasted 8 hours and 49 minutes.
In the end, Tony Dungy, Kevin Greene, Marvin Harrison and Orlando Pace joined Favre in the Class of 2016, along with seniors candidates Ken Stabler and Dick Stanfel and contributor Eddie DeBartolo.
Terrell Owens, who played for the Cowboys from 2006-08, didn’t make the first cut from 15 to 10. His candidacy discussion needed 43 minutes, 12 seconds — the longest of any modern-era candidate — despite his numbers.
Owens ranks sixth all time in receptions (1,078) and second in receiving yards (15,934) and receiving touchdowns (153). He caught 235 passes for 3,587 yards and 38 touchdowns in his 46 games with the Cowboys.
Unfortunately I did not make it. CONGRATS to the 2016 HOF CLASS. Thanks to ALL MY FANS for ur unwavering love & support. #ONLYGODCANJUDGEME
— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) February 7, 2016
Owens, Favre and guard Alan Faneca were the first-year eligible candidates. Faneca also was eliminated on the cut to 10, along with kicker Morten Andersen, safety Steve Atwater and running back Edgerrin James.
Coach Don Coryell, running back Terrell Davis, tackle Joe Jacoby, safety John Lynch and quarterback Kurt Warner didn’t survive the cut from 10 to five.
Favre, who played for the Falcons, Packers, Vikings and Jets in a 20-year career, clearly is the star of the Class of 2016. He retired after the 2010 season as the all-time record holder in pass attempts (10,169), completions (6,300), yards (71,838) and touchdowns (508) and victories (186), though Peyton Manning since has eclipsed him in yards and touchdowns and tied him in victories.
“There’s always this talk about Bart Starr and all the championships he won. He had a remarkable career,” retired Hall of Fame general manager Ron Wolf told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “But as far as playing the position, I think you have to take Brett Favre over Bart Starr.”
The other inductees in his class had a much longer wait.
Stabler made it in his 27th year of eligibility and his fourth year as a finalist; Stanfel in his 54th year of eligibility and third as a finalist; DeBartolo in his fourth year as a finalist; Pace in his second year of eligibility and second year as a finalist; Dungy in his third year of eligibility and third year as a finalist; Greene in his 12th year of eligibility and second as a finalist; and Harrison in his third year of eligibility and third year as a finalist.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016
Eddie DeBartolo Jr., owner
1977-2000 (49ers)
Under his leadership, San Francisco became arguably the greatest dynasty in NFL history. Hired Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh, drafted Joe Montana. The 49ers averaged 13 wins from 1981-98, won five Super Bowls and reached 10 NFC title games.
Tony Dungy, coach
1996-2008 (Buccaneers, Colts)
Engineered the transformation of a laughingstock Tampa Bay franchise into a perennial playoff contender. Indianapolis never won fewer than 10 games in his seven seasons, and he guided his team to victory in Super Bowl XLI, the first black head coach to do so.
Brett Favre, QB
1991-2010 (Falcons,
Packers, Jets, Vikings)
The only lock on this year’s ballot, Favre was a three-time MVP who guided the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XXXI. When he retired, he was the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards (71,838) and TDs (508), since surpassed only by Peyton Manning.
Kevin Greene, LB/DE
1985-1999 (Rams, Steelers, Panthers, 49ers)
Racked up 160 sacks, third on the all-time list. Had 10 seasons of double-digit sack totals, including a career-high 16.5 in 1988 and 1989. Two-time first-team All-Pro had 23 career forced fumbles and 26 recoveries.
Marvin Harrison, WR
1996-2008 (Colts)
Peyton Manning’s favorite target was a three-time first-team All-Pro who had eight straight seasons of more than 1,100 yards receiving. Harrison ranks third all-time in receptions (1,102), fifth in receiving TDs (128) and seventh in yards (14,580).
Orlando Pace, OT
1997-2009 (Rams, Bears)
Became the first offensive lineman drafted first overall since 1968 and immediately became the anchor of St. Louis’ line. Was Kurt Warner’s blind side protector during the Rams’ prolific run in the early 2000s and a three-time first-team All-Pro.
Ken Stabler, QB
1970-84 (Raiders, Oilers, Saints)
Senior nominee led Raiders to seven straight winning seasons, five division titles, five AFC title games and won Super Bowl XI. “The Snake” was league MVP in 1974 and an icon of the 1970s NFL. Died July 8, missing out on his selection by seven months.
Dick Stanfel, G
1952-58 (Lions, Redskins)
Senior nominee helped Detroit advance to NFL Championship Game in each of his first three seasons and to championships in 1952 and 1953, when he was voted team MVP. Five-time first-team All-Pro selection was also a member of NFL’s 1950s Team of the Decade.
Staff and wire reports
This story was originally published February 6, 2016 at 8:02 PM with the headline "Brett Favre headlines Hall of Fame Class of 2016; Terrell Owens denied."