Feagles a Hall of Famer? That will never happen

by Ed Valentine on Nov 3, 2007 3:00 PM EDT in New York Giants News

I have seen New York Giants punter Jeff Feagles mentioned as a Hall of Fame candidate in a couple of places recently. So, let's talk about that a little bit.

Feagles has absolutely zero chance of being elected to the Hall of Fame. Check the Hall of Fame roster. There are 241 members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Among them are exactly zero punters. Zero. Zip. Nada. There is one measly placekicker, Jan Stenerud, and that is it.

Feagles, a 20-year veteran, is unquestionably an all-time great punter. He holds the record for career punts (1,546) and his specialty has long been pinning the opposition inside its 20-yard line. He holds the record for punts downed inside the 20 with 483.

Feagles is something that very few punters can claim to be -- a weapon for their team instead of just a guy who boots the ball to the other team. I hope the Giants keep talking him out of retiring for another 5-6 years.

But, Hall of Fame? That is not going to happen.

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Too true

I mentioned in the last comment section that if kickers got any respect, Feagles could have a chance, but unfortunately, they don't. Vinatieri is probably the only kicker today who has a realistic chance at the hall, and that's only because of his Super Bowl exploits (maybe Morten Anderson too, just because he's been kicking since before the NFL-AFL Merger). But you never know, things could change...15 years ago, relief pitchers NEVER made the baseball hall of fame, but now they are starting to get in with more frequency.

by cjmulrain on Nov 3, 2007 4:53 PM EDT reply actions

Your comment

and one I read on another message board is what got me thinking about it. Sadly, it will take a change in perception for punters to get any respect from Hall of Fame voters.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 3, 2007 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Thats a Shame!

I always just assumed Ray Guy was in there so I guess there's no chance for Feagles.. In my eyes both of these should be in there. There's no way to calculate how many games the Feagles and in particular Tyree combo have won for us but, I bet it's several at least. Feagles has been doing this forever and I believe he's actually improved somewhat with age. What a shame!

by big blue wrecking crew on Nov 3, 2007 5:11 PM EDT reply actions

ray guy

Read about Ray Guy. Feagles is definately better the Ray Guy. Ray Guy outkicked his coverage everytime. Feagles is the best punter I think. If he doesn't get in, no one will. Add in the consecutive game record I think that might be enough. Vinateri will get in, he's done way to much not too.

by queler on Nov 4, 2007 10:32 AM EST reply actions

What I remember about Ray Guy

was that his hang time was extraordinary and the balls he kicked went so high they came down with frost on them. He played on some great Oakland teams, and I don't recall those teams having poor punt coverage. It was a while back, and my aging memory may be failing me.

by george cronin on Nov 4, 2007 2:25 PM EST reply actions

Guy

Guy was the most extraordinary punter I ever saw, purely in terms of leg strength. Feagles is just as good, but in a different way. These would be the two guys who would get in, if a punter ever does. I also agree that Vinatieri has to be a Hall of Fame placekicker.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 4, 2007 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

If closers can get in...

Baseball has finally started to recognize closers are legit hall of fame candidates. For a long time no one would have voted for a closer because they only pitch one inning... FInally, people have realized what an integral part of a baseball team the closer is.

I wonder if that could happen with kickers? I think what people need to get over is this thought that if so and so linebacker or so and so WR can't get in how can some punter? Well, you wouldn't penalize a WR for not having enough tackles? It's apples and oranges. Kickers are real members of the team with important jobs that often decide games. If they are among the greatest to ever play their position then they deserve to be in the hall.

People say "they aren't real football players." Only, they obviously are. They suit up, they're on the field... They deserve to be judged against their peers, not defensive ends or QBs.

This is what it comes down to.

Player X is among the best, and at times the best, player at his position for the better part of 20 years and continued to play consistently well deep into his career. Should Player X be in the hall of fame?

If you answer yes, how could you vote to keep Feagles out?

Bleeding Green Nation Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Nov 4, 2007 5:35 PM EST reply actions

Green

I hear you, and I agree. In baseball, I think it's a travesty that Goose Gossage is not yet in the Hall. Similarly, I think Guy belongs. There will be a huge change in attitude needed for that to happen, though.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 4, 2007 8:57 PM EST up reply actions