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D.T. Must Wait for Canton
Feb. 4, 2006
Bobby Bell and Willie Lanier each had to wait four years. Len Dawson had to wait for seven years. Buck Buchanan waited for a decade.
And, so too will Derrick Thomas have to wait for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Class of 2006 for Canton was announced Saturday afternoon and Thomas was not part of that six-man group that will be inducted in August. Joining the Hall of Fame will be quarterback Troy Aikman, linebacker Harry Carson, head coach John Madden, quarterback Warren Moon, defensive lineman Reggie White and tackle Rayfield Wright.
Thomas was one of the 15 finalist that was discussed during a lengthy and lively meeting of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, a group of 39 writers and broadcasters from around the country. Veterans of this committee said the list of 15 was one of the best collections of playing and coaching talents they’ve had to deal with in years during the Hall of Fame process.
I am part of this committee and have been for the last 11 selection meetings and it was easily the most talented group from top to bottom that I’ve had to sort through. There was one lock in White and one near lock in Aikman. After that, there was serious discussion of all the remaining candidates, some of it heated, as the committee tried to fill out the class. Madden and Wright were nominated by the seniors committee and there was a great push to support the decision that put them up for nomination.
That chewed up four of the six maximum spots, leaving 11 players fighting for two spots.
Disappointed but not discouraged about D.T.’s chances would best characterize my post-meeting thoughts. There remains support for Thomas in the committee. There also remain voters who have questions about his overall qualifications. More than ever, I’m convinced he will one day have his bust in Canton.
But a bit of patience is needed, as evidenced by the great Chiefs players who have already gone into the Hall of Fame:
 Bobby Bell retired after the 1974 season, which made him eligible for the class of 1980. However, he did not earn induction until the class of 1983, a four-year wait. Willie Lanier retired after the 1977 season, which made him eligible for the class of 1983. He was inducted with the class of 1986, a four-year wait. Len Dawson retired after the 1975 season, which made him eligible for the class of 1981. He was inducted with the class of 1987, a seven-year wait. Buck Buchanan retired after the 1975 season, which made him eligible for the class of 1981. However, he did not earn induction until the class of 1990, a 10-year wait.The best news from the Hall of Fame meeting for Thomas was the election of Carson, the former New York Giants linebacker. There was a definite feeling that the pro-Carson forces were not going to vote for another linebacker until Carson was inducted. He’s been a finalist for the last six years.
from KC Chiefs.com
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