SB Nation Bay Area - Pro Football Hall of Fame Class Of 2012: Eddie DeBartolo, Charles Haley Come Up Shorthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48817/bayrea-fave.png2012-08-05T05:00:12-07:00http://bayarea.sbnation.com/rss/stream/24539452012-08-05T05:00:12-07:002012-08-05T05:00:12-07:002012 NFL Hall Of Fame: Chris Doleman Takes His Place In Canton
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<figcaption>Aug 4, 2012; Canton, OH, USA; Chris Doleman poses with his bust at the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was enshrined in Canton on Saturday night. Former 49ers player Chris Doleman was among the inductees.</p> <p>On Saturday night, former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> defensive end Chris Doleman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton as a member of the Class of 2012. He joined center Dermonti Dawson, defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, cornerback Jack Butler, running back <span>Curtis Martin</span> and offensive tackle <span>Willie Roaf</span> as the inductees who had their busts revealed on Saturday.</p>
<p>Although Doleman only spent three seasons with the 49ers and achieved the bulk of his Hall of Fame success while with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, Niners fans remember him fondly.</p>
<p>Doleman had one of the shortest speeches of the evening, but it was heartfelt and gracious. The most gregarious speech of the night likely belonged to Kennedy, who spoke for over 15 minutes and told a wide range of anecdotes while thanking everyone who had helped him along the way.</p>
<p>It was a memorable night for the inductees and those in attendance. The festivities continue on Sunday with the Hall of Fame game between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> which will officially kick off the 2012 NFL preseason schedule.</p>
<p>You can watch all of the speeches from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/videos?module=HP11_content_stream">Saturday night's 2012 Hall of Fame induction ceremony by visiting NFL.com</a>.</p>
<p><i>For any further updates on the Hall of Fame class of 2012, stay tuned to <a target="_blank" href="http://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/1/7/2689904/nfl-hall-of-fame-class-of-2012-eddie-debartolo-charles-haley-finalists">this StoryStream</a> or visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl">SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub</a></i><i>. For all news and information regarding the San Francisco 49ers, please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/">Niners Nation</a>.</i></p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/8/5/3220576/2012-nfl-hall-of-fameBill Hanstock2012-08-04T18:02:08-07:002012-08-04T18:02:08-07:00Chris Doleman Hall Of Fame Speech: Former 49ers DE Keeps It Short And Sweet
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<p>On Saturday night, Chris Doleman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Doleman spent the bulk of his career with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, but played with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> from 1996 to 1998.</p>
<p>The eight-time Pro Bowl selection and member of the 100 Sacks Club was inducted into the Hall of Fame by his son, who helped him unveil his bust that will be enshrined.</p>
<p>Doleman got a lengthy round of applause for talking about his children and saying that he always tried to bring them up right. He had plenty of thanks to dole out to all of his former teams, teammates and coaches.</p>
<p>Doleman's speech was on the shorter side, especially compared to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> great Cortez Kennedy, who gave an extended speech (although he kept the crowd entertained).</p>
<p><i>For any further updates on the Hall of Fame class of 2012, stay tuned to <a target="_blank" href="http://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/1/7/2689904/nfl-hall-of-fame-class-of-2012-eddie-debartolo-charles-haley-finalists">this StoryStream</a> or visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl">SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub</a></i><i>. For all news and information regarding the San Francisco 49ers, please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/">Niners Nation</a>.</i></p>
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https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/8/4/3220574/chris-doleman-hall-fame-speechBill Hanstock2012-02-05T07:00:55-08:002012-02-05T07:00:55-08:00Pro Football Hall Of Fame 2012: Eddie DeBartolo Snubbed As 2013 Candidates Bring Some Heavy Hitters
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> missed out on having a pair of representative join the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, as both Edward DeBartolo and Charles Haley were among the finalists who did not receive the necessary votes to be enshrined this year. In future years, the going may be tough for DeBartolo if former head coach and fellow snub Bill Parcells remains on the finalist ballot along with him. Non-players seldom get inducted in the same class.</p>
<p>That is assuming DeBartolo will make the group of finalists next year in what is sure to be a stacked class. 2013 will see a new crop of eligibles for the Hall of Fame. These include <span>Larry Allen</span>, <span>Morten Andersen</span>, <span>Priest Holmes</span>, <span>Steve McNair</span>, <span>Jonathan Ogden</span>, <span>Warren Sapp</span>, <span>Michael Strahan</span> and <span>Bryant Young</span>.</p>
<p>Guard Larry Allen played the bulk of his career with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>, but finished it with the 49ers in 2006 and 2007.</p>
<p>Warren Sapp is arguably one of the most famous defensive tackles of all time. He finished his career with four seasons on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> from 2004-2007.</p>
<p>Bryant Young, of course, is well-known to Niners fans. He was selected in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft as the seventh overall pick. He played his entire career in San Francisco at defensive tackle from 1994-2007. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time All-Pro selection, also being named to the 1990s All-Decade Team.</p>
<p>And of course, Roger Craig will also be in the running again next year, after failing to make the list of finalists for the 2012 class.</p>
<p><i>For any further updates on the Hall of Fame class of 2012, stay tuned to <a target="_blank" href="http://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/1/7/2689904/nfl-hall-of-fame-class-of-2012-eddie-debartolo-charles-haley-finalists">this StoryStream</a> or visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl">SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub</a></i><i>. For all news and information regarding the San Francisco 49ers, please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/">Niners Nation</a>.</i></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/2/5/2772019/pro-football-hall-of-fame-2012-class-snub-eddie-debartolo-2013-candidatesBill Hanstock2012-02-04T15:26:44-08:002012-02-04T15:26:44-08:002012 NFL Hall Of Fame Class: Charles Haley Denied Again
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<p>Former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> outside linebacker and defensive end Charles Haley once again came up short in his bid to earn enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 2012 Hall of Fame class was announced, and after making the cut from the final fifteen to the final ten, Haley was unable to get into the final five.</p>
<p>Haley had a fairly gruff relationship with the media, so it is not entirely surprising that he has not made his way into the Hall of Fame. He is a deserving candidate, but when people make these decisions, sometimes personal feelings can get in the way. Haley is a deserving candidate with just north of 100 sacks. He was an absolute monster in the pass rush and as good as anybody at what he did. Add in his unprecedented five Super Bowl rings as a player and he deserves admission.</p>
<p>He will face some stiff competition as guys like <span>Larry Allen</span> and <span>Michael Strahan</span> join the ranks of eligible candidates.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/2/4/2771712/nfl-hall-of-fame-2012-announcement-charles-haley-49ersDavid Fucillo2012-02-04T15:04:12-08:002012-02-04T15:04:12-08:00Pro Football Hall of Fame Class Of 2012: Former 49ers Owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. Doesn't Make Cut
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<p>As the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012 finalists were cut down from 15 to 10, former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. did not make the cut.</p>
<p>It was thought that DeBartolo and Bill Parcells would battle for a spot in the top 10 and it seems that may be true as Parcells did make the cut. DeBartolo owned the 49ers from 1977-2000, a period in which the team won five Super Bowls. The team, from the early '80s into the '90s, was the winningest team in NFL history. DeBartolo is in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame and in the 49ers Hall of Fame.</p>
<p>Parcells ended up not making the cut from ten to five and will be back to battle with Eddie DeBartolo in 2013. It will make for an interesting battle as non-players often have a difficult time getting in. Multiple non-players in the same year is a rarity in particular.</p>
<p>For more on the 49ers, head to <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/">Niners Nation</a>.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/2/4/2771659/pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2012-former-49ers-owner-eddieJason Garrison2012-02-04T14:46:30-08:002012-02-04T14:46:30-08:002012 NFL Hall Of Fame: Tim Brown Not Elected To Hall
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<p>The Pro Football Hall of Fame is in the midst of announcing its class of 2012, but we already know one guy who is not in the class. <span>Tim Brown</span> sent out a tweet indicating he did not get the call from the Hall in 2012:</p>
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<p>Raider nation!! Don't bother to watch tonight they passed on me again!! In fact, no wrs made it again. Gotta get some of y'all in there!!</p>
— Tim Brown (@81TimBrown) <a href="https://twitter.com/81TimBrown/status/165922938741194753" data-datetime="2012-02-04T22:21:25+00:00">February 4, 2012</a>
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<p>It's safe to say Tim Brown is not pleased, and it is understandable why he is so displeased. Brown put together a career body of work that is among the best in NFL history. He ranks fifth in career receptions, fourth in career receiving yards and sixth in career touchdowns. Only one current Hall of Famer ranks ahead of Brown in the career numbers and that is Jerry Rice. I'd say that is fairly impressive company and very much worthy of the Hall of Fame.</p>
<p>The argument against Brown might be that his single season numbers did not blow people away on a consistent basis. He led the league in receptions once, but otherwise was not a frequent league-leader. Of course, given that the Hall of Fame is about the career and not single seasons, that is a fairly weak argument. I would imagine Brown will eventually get into the Hall of Fame, much like Art Monk did. It will just involve the media trying to convince people that a player becomes more Hall-worthy as time moves on, which is pretty weak.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/2/4/2771629/2012-nfl-hall-of-fame-tim-brown-oakland-raidersDavid Fucillo2012-02-04T06:01:07-08:002012-02-04T06:01:07-08:002012 NFL Hall Of Fame Finalists: Eddie DeBartolo, Charles Haley Could Be In This Year's HOF Class
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<p>On Saturday, the 2012 class of inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be announced. Just one day before Super Bowl XLVI, Hall of Fame Saturday is the advance notice of which Hall of Fame ballot finalists will be enshrined in the Hall in August. This year's class includes a few candidates with ties to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>.</p>
<p>Eddie DeBartolo is a finalist for the first time. As owner of the Niners for 23 years, he oversaw the true glory days of the organization. The man behind the whole show for all five of San Francisco's Super Bowl titles will likely not even be watching the Hall of Fame announcement on Saturday, <a target="_blank" href="http://blog.sfgate.com/49ers/2012/02/03/eddie-debartolo-jr-qa-well-let-our-record-stand-on-its-own/">according to Eric Branch at SFGate</a>.</p>
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<p>I have a flag-football game with my eldest grandson, my 8-year-old. I hope that it will be over. I’m obviously very humbled that we have gotten to this point. I don’t know what’s going to transpire Saturday. I have no high expectations, but because of my career in San Francisco and my players, my coaches, my fans, I’m just thrilled beyond belief. Just to be among that 15.</p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/jim_trotter/01/31/nfl.hall.of.fame.owner/index.html?sct=nfl_bf3_a6">Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated</a> notes that DeBartolo's appearance on the ballot will also serve as a sort of test run or measuring stick for the Hall of Fame "worthiness" of modern-era team owners.</p>
<p>Also among the finalists is defensive end and linebacker Charles Haley, who played with the 49ers from 1986-1991 and finished his career up back in San Francisco in 1999. Between his time with the Niners and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>, he remains the only player to be a part of five winning Super Bowl teams. He led the 49ers in sacks six times, was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and a five-time Pro Bowl selection.</p>
<p>Saturday may be a good day for Bay Area football history, as several players with San Francisco and Oakland ties have a chance at being part of the Hall of Fame class. We will have to wait and see.</p>
<p><i>For complete updates on the Hall of Fame class of 2012, stay tuned to <a target="_blank" href="http://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/1/7/2689904/nfl-hall-of-fame-class-of-2012-eddie-debartolo-charles-haley-finalists">this StoryStream</a>. For all news and information regarding the San Francisco 49ers, please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/">Niners Nation</a>.</i></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/2/4/2770300/nfl-hall-of-fame-2012-finalists-eddie-debartolo-charles-haleyBill Hanstock2012-01-08T08:00:26-08:002012-01-08T08:00:26-08:002012 NFL Hall Of Fame Finalists: Roger Craig Snubbed, Bay Area Fans Harrumph Loudly
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<p>The finalists for the NFL Hall of Fame class of 2012 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/halloffame/story/09000d5d825c81e2/article/hall-of-fame-announces-17-finalists-for-class-of-2012?module=HP11_headline_stack">were announced on Saturday</a>. Among the nominees are former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> owner Edward DeBartolo, Jr. The Bay Area was represented besides DeBartolo, with several former players for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> nominated for the upcoming final vote. To be sure, the list of the 17 finalists is comprised of worthy and lofty names, players and contributors to the sport of football who are all extremely worthy of consideration for induction into the Hall of Fame. But for the longtime residents of the Bay Area, one name from the semifinalists list was glaring in its omission.</p>
<p>Roger Craig, the running back who played for the Niners from 1983-1990, was not on the list of finalists. Craig was part of a team that included Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. A team that defined football in the 1980s and won three Super Bowls. For 49ers fans, Craig was every bit as integral to that dynasty as were Montana and Rice.
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<p>Craig made the Pro Bowl four times, as well as being selected four times as an All-Pro. He made the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. He was the Offensive Player of the Year and the NFC Player of the Year in 1988. Perhaps one of the most impressive stats about Craig is that in the 11 years that he played in the NFL, for each of the three teams he played for, Craig made the playoffs in every year of his career.</p>
<p>When he retired, he was the 49ers franchise leader in rushing yards (although Garrison Hearst and later <span>Frank Gore</span> broke that record). Along with Chuck Foreman, Craig is one of only two running backs ever to lead the league in receptions in a season. He is one of only two NFL players to be elected to the Pro Bowl at both fullback and halfback.</p>
<p>In 2008, Craig was elected to the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, which for the time being, will be the only Hall of Fame in which he resides. It is true that Bay Area residents may look at the running back with rose-colored glasses. Like all local fanbases, the Northern California fans hold the former Niner in higher esteem than do many other NFL pundits. But when you discuss Roger Craig, you must view him within the context of that dominant San Francisco team of the 1980s. For eight years, he played on one of the most iconic football teams in history and was integral to their continued success and lasting legacy.</p>
<p>We'll all keep hoping that one day, Roger Craig will find his way into the Hall.</p>
<p><i>For all news and information regarding the San Francisco 49ers, past and present, please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/">Niners Nation</a>.</i></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/san-francisco-49ers/2012/1/8/2691144/2012-nfl-hall-of-fame-finalists-roger-craig-snub-49ers-bay-areaBill Hanstock