Football Hall Of Fame Members

There are many NFL football Hall of Fame members but only a few of them are spoken of in the hushed tones as the greatest players to ever play at their positions. Of these men, some were Super Bowl heroes, others were dominant defensive players and even more were simply the best in the game. While the arguments rage on about who was the best-of-the-best, these five players were given the ultimate tribute by their peers, induction into the NFL Hall of Fame.

1. Earl Campbell – The Houston Oilers bruising running back became an NFL football Hall of Fame member on his first try in 1991. Campbell played for the Oilers and was one of the toughest, most dynamic running backs the league had ever seen. In much the manner of Jim Brown or, years later, Jerome Bettis, Campbell sometimes preferred to just lower his head and bulldoze his way into the end zone. Campbell ran for 9,407 yards with 74 touchdowns in his career but, unfortunately, never won a Super Bowl championship ring.
2. Jerry Rice – In many bar room arguments, people bicker over who was the best running back of all time or the greatest quarterback to play the game. There is one argument you will never hear and that is the fact that Jerry Rice is, without competition, the best wide receiver to ever play in the NFL. Rice set numerous records while playing for the San Francisco 49ers, including receptions, receiving yards and total touchdowns. After 13 Pro Bowl appearances, Jerry Rice is the NFL football Hall of Fame member that remains the greatest player at his position and one of the best to ever play the game.
3. John Elway – John Elway was a former multi-sport star who also was drafted by the New York Yankees baseball club. However, it was his accomplishment on the football field that defined who he is. On his way to becoming an NFL football Hall of Fame member, Elway led the Denver Broncos to five Super Bowls, winning his final two. What is amazing about John Elway is that the quarterback knew exactly the perfect time to hang it up, retiring from the sport as a Super Bowl Champion. Elway has returned to football recently in the front office but will always be known for his amazing come from behind wins and gutsy performances that made him an NFL legend.
4. Lee Roy Selmon – A lot of talk is given to offensive players but it is the defensive players that man the trenches who deserve recognition as well. The first player the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted when they received their expansion franchise was former Oklahoma Sooners standout Lee Roy Selmon. It should tell you all you need to know about the defensive monster to learn he was elected as a NFL football Hall of Fame member in his first year of eligibility although his team never competed at a high level.
5. Troy Aikman – The Dallas Cowboys faced tough times in the ‘80s after being a dominant team throughout the previous decade. Then, the Cowboys struck gold in the 1989 NFL Draft and ended up with their second NFL football Hall of Fame member in the team’s illustrious history. Aikman did nothing but help bring the Dallas Cowboys back from the depths and lead them to three Super Bowl wins in four seasons. He retired as one of the career leaders in QB rating during postseason competition.