The Raiders historical commitment to excellence is on display as the 25 semifinalists were announced for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Out of 25 men who are being considered for the ultimate honor in Football, six of them donned the Silver and Black during their career.
The Raider semi-finalists:
Cliff Branch WR:
Career: 1972-85 (Raider 72-85)
501Catches 8685 yards 67 TDs
Branch was the quintessential deep threat receiver. He was known for his speed and ability to stretch the field. He won three Super Bowl rings in Silver and Black. He was a four time Pro Bowl selection and three time All Pro. His numbers are similar to Hall of Fame members and contemporaries John Stallworth and Lynn Swann.
Tim Brown WR:*
Career: 1988-2004 (Raider 1988-2003)
1094 catches 14934 yards 100 TDs
Tim Brown was known as Mr. Raider during his playing days. He led the team in receiving for ten consecutive years. He was selected for the Pro Bowl 9 times. He was a model of consistency catching 80 or more passes from 93-02 and in excess of 1000 yards receiving from 93-01. He was a member of the NFL's All-90s team.
Roger Craig RB:
Career: 1983-93 (Raider 1991)
1991 attempts 8189 yards 56 TDs 566 rec 4911 17 TDs
Roger Craig was an integral part of the 49ers dominance of the eighties. He was a double threat as a runner and receiver who ws the first to have 1000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season. He was selected to four Pro Bowls and was All Pro once. He was a member of the All-80's team.
Ray Guy P
Career: 1973-86 (Raider 73-86)
1049 Punts 44493 yards
Ray Guy is considered the best pure punter ever. He had seven Pro Bowl appearances and was a three time All Pro. He was a member of the NFL's All-70s team. He is one of three players on the NFL's All-75 team who has not been selected to the Hall (Jerry Rice, another of the three is on the ballot for the first time this year.). He also has three Super Bowl rings.
Lester Hayes CB
Career: 1977-1986 (Raider 77-86)
39 Interceptions
Lester Hayes burst on to the scene in 1980 grabbing 13 interceptions, and threatening the single season record held by Dick "Night Train" Lane. After his breakout season, he didn't see much action his way, and quarterback just avoided his side of the field.
Jerry Rice WR*
Career: 1985-2004 (Raider 2001-04)
1549 Rec 22895 Yards 196 TDs
Where to begin with Jerry Rice? Member of the All 75 team. He was on the NFL's All 80s and All 90s teams. He was selected to 13 Pro Bowls and was a ten time All Pro.The year he turned 40, he was an integral part of the Oakland Raiders AFC Championship run where he caught 92 passes for 1211 yards.
There is no doubt that Rice will get the call. He and Emmitt Smith are the two no-doubters for this year. This could be the year that one of the long snubbed Raiders in Branch or Guy finally get the call they have deserved.
BOLD denotes their primary credentials were earned as Raiders.
You can also find Patrick Patterson on Thoughts from the Dark Side.
* First time candidate
Comments
Once again the debate about which Raiders should be in the HOF begins. Branch and Hayes should have been in a long time ago. Along with so many other Raiders. I made a promise that when Plunkett gets the nod I will be there. I liked that Phil Sims stated on the Thrusday game how Plunk is the only QB with two SB's is not in. Tim Brown is a no brainer and will get his votes. As for Rice and Craig they will go in as niners. Still so many Raiders that should be in the HOF.
Go Raiders!!!
Both Plunkett and Coach Flores should be in!
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