Emmitt SmithRunning Back
Dallas Cowboys 1990-2002
Arizona Cardinals 2003-4
The final of 'The Triplets' (after Troy Aikman 2006 and Michael Irvin 2007) to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He is All Time career leader in rushing yards 18,355 and Rushing TDs 164, plus having a the All Time record of 100+ yard rushing games 78, as well as attempts 4,409 . In 1993 he became the only running back to ever win a Super Bowl championship, the NFL Most Valuable Player award, the NFL rushing crown, and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player in one season.
Of course the Triplet have three Superbowl Rings XXVII, XXVIII, XXX.
He also holds a number of post-season records. ncluding rushing touchdowns (19), consecutive games with a rushing touchdown (9) and 100-yard rushing games (7). His 1,586 yards rushing is also top on the NFL postseason chart, and he shares the total playoff touchdown mark of 21 with Thurman Thomas. He is also one of only 5 NFL players to have amassed over 10,000 rushing yards and 400 receptions.
When he annouced his retirement from the Cardinals he was given a one day no pay contract back in Texas so he coud retire a Cowboy.
Jerry RiceWide Receiver
San Francisco 49ers 1985-2000
Oakland Raiders 2001-2004
Seattle Seahawks 2004
Denver Broncos 2005 (Off season and practise squad only)
Jerry was always going to be an automatic first year eligible inductee when the time game for him to end his career (like Emmitt above). Even after his 16 years with San Francisco. He holds all the major wide receiver records too numerous to list here. As well as the all time leader in the NFL in touchdowns 208. Only in his last 2 seasons with the 49ers did he fail to reach 1000 yards when he was fit to suit up for every one of the 16 games.
He won three Superbowls XXIII, XXIV, XXIX. Was selected to the Pro-Bowl in 13 seasons, name first team All-Pro on 11 occasions.
He was a legend in his own career.
1,549 receptions
22,895 yards
Russ GrimmGuard
Washington Redskins 1981-91
Grimm was one of the famous Redskins' 'Hogs' offensive line from the late 80s to 90s before it lost it's supremacy to the massive men of divisional rivals the Cowboys. But the hogs were deemed one of the best front fives of all time. He led the Skins to the Superbowl 4 times and picked up rings on three occasions. XVII (1983), XXII (1988), XXVI (1992).
Upon retirement he started coaching at Washington. Through to 96 and Tight end coach, then to 2000 as the offensive line coach. In 2000 he moved to the Pittsburgh Steelers as Offensive Line coach and picked up a 4th ring in 2005. In 2007 he moved to the Arizona Cardinals as assistant head coach and offensive line team coach.
Rickey JacksonLinebacker
New Orleans Saints 1981-93
San Francisco 49ers 1994-5
In the year that the Saint's finally make the big show their all time career sack leader (with 123) is a worthy inductee in the Hall of Fame. In six different seasons he recorded 10 or more sacks. His final career stats are 136 (8 unofficial in the 1981 strike season), 8 interceptions which he returned for 68 yards. He also recovered 29 fumbles, at the time of his retirement this was the second most.
When he moved to the 49ers in 1994 he got the the Superbowl and lifted the ring, he may be hoping his beloved Saints all do the same tomorrow.
His #57 shirt has been retired by the Saints.
Dick Le BeauCorner Back/Free Saftey
Detroit Lions 1957-72
Coach
Philadelphia (special teams) 1973-5
Green Bay Packers (defensive back field) 1976-9
Cincinnatti Bengals (defensive back field) 1980-3
(defensive co-ordinator) 1984-91
Pittsburgh Steelers (defensive back field) 1992-4
(defensive co-ordinator) 1995-6
Cincinnatti Bengals (defensive co-ordinator/assistant head coach) 1997-2000
(head coach) 2000-2002
Buffalo Bills (assitant head coach) 2003
Pittsburgh Steelers (defensive co-ordinator) 2004-present
As a player he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns but was cut before the season but the Lions swooped on his as a free agent. In his 14 seasons he was a leading interceptor in the back field. 62 career interceptions (7th all time) for 762 return yards and 3 touchdowns, and holds the NFL record for consecutive game appearances for a cornerback with 171. He also recovered 9 fumbles, returning them for 53 yards and a touchdown. It is for his playing career that he is inducted.
As a coach five time he has been involved in winning AFC Championships (1981, 1988, 1995, 2005, 2008), in the latter two he added the next game winning Superbowls XL and XLIII.
Floyd LittleRunning Back
Denver Broncos 1967-75
In what was the first combined NFL-NFL draft he was the 6th pick for the AFL Broncos, the first time a first round draft pick had signed for an AFL side. From 1968-73 he led the NFL in rushing. He retired as the 7th leading career rusher with 6,323 years and 54 touchdowns. In 1970 he led the AFC with 901 yards, but the following year was the first AFC 1000 yarder with 1,133 leading the entire league.
He was the smallest back to lead the league in rushing since before World War II but was also versatile in that he was the only player to return punts for Touch Down in both 1967 and 68.
His #44 shirt was the first to be retired at the Broncos, and he finally joins the 6 rushers who were ahead of him in career yards when he retired.
John RandleDefensive Tackle
Minnesota Vikings 1990-2000
Seattle Seahawks 2001-3
Originally undrafted before being picked up by the Viks at training camp. IN 1993 appeared in his first of 7 Pro-Bowls after 11.5 sacks, he reached double digit sacks in a season on 8 separate occasions including a career-high and league leading 15.5 in 1997. He had sacked future hall of famer Brett Farve more than any other player.
When he retired his career 137.5 sacks ranks him 5th in the all time list. This was the second year he was eligible for induction.
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