Jeff Feagles: Hall of Famer?

by cjmulrain on Jun 23, 2009 7:00 AM EDT in News Comment 27 comments

A quote in the Bob Glauber article that Ed linked to recently about Jeff Feagles prompted me to begin my "Feagles for the Hall of Fame" bandwagon again. I haven't been shy about my love for Feagles in the past, prompting Ed to write this post halfway through the Super Bowl season stating that Feagles has no shot. Since mini-camp is over and there doesn't figure to be much Giants news in the next few weeks, I thought this might be a good chance to take another look.

The obvious starting point for this discussion is that in the history of the NFL, 247 players have made the Hall of Fame. Of those 247, only one of them was a player whose contribution to the game came via his leg, and that guy was a kicker (Jan Stenerud). No punter, not even the great Ray Guy, has made it to the Hall of Fame. To say we're talking about a longshot here is a gross understatement. However, I'm not trying to see whether Feagles will make the Hall of Fame, I want to determine if he should make the Hall of Fame.

After playing at the University of Miami and helping them to an undefeated National Championship season in 1987, Feagles was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New England Patriots in 1988. He made the Pro Bowl for the first time in 1995 while a member of the Arizona Cardinals, which until this past season was his only trip to Honolulu. In addition to the Patriots, Cardinals, and Giants Feagles also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Seattle Seahawks.

Over the course of a 21-year (and counting) career, Feagles has amassed a number of NFL records. He has played in 336 consecutive games, blowing away the previous record of 283 straight games held by lineman Jim Marshall. Feagles also holds the records for most punts, most punting yards, and most punts landing inside the 20. It is that last record that probably best defines Feagles: he has never had the strongest leg, but he is consistently one of the most accurate kickers in the league.

As a rookie Feagles finished 3rd in the AFC with 24 punts inside the 20. After last season, he has now placed at least 20 punts inside the 20 in 19 consecutive seasons, an NFL record. This past season Feagles became one of only five players to have a net average of 40.0 yards per punt, though it should be noted that all five players have accomplished this feat in the past two seasons (and Shane Lechler has done it two years in a row).

I think it's pretty hard to dispute that Feagles is one of the greatest punters in NFL history, if not the very best. However, if history is any lesson, even the greatest punters don't get enshrined in Canton. Is that fair, though? I'm not going to argue that punters have as big an impact on the game as quarterbacks or linebackers, or even placekickers, but punters clearly do have an impact on games. It's harder to score when your drive starts from the 5-yard line than it is when it begins from the 20, and a good punter can really help a defense.

As long as NFL teams use a roster spot and pay money to guys who do nothing but kick the football, those guys should get some of the respect they deserve. Feagles has been among the best at his position for 20+ years, which should be enough to get him serious consideration for the Hall of Fame.

Poll

Should Jeff Feagles make the Hall of Fame?

Yes

599 votes

No - Punters don't belong in the Hall of Fame

44 votes

No - Punters should be able to make it, but not Feagles

38 votes

681 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

If the position is in the game

Then they should be considered for the hall. Particularly when they are as prolific, successful, and long lived in the league as Feagles. His position does not score points, it is often switched to new people without any real warning, and they are actually tougher and more useful than most people seem t give them credit for. Punters should have a fair chance to make the hall, and right now Feagles has to be at the top of that list.

by brisulph on Jun 23, 2009 7:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately

Punters get no respect from HOF voters. That’s just how it is. If Ray Guy can’t get in, neither can Feagles. It’s unfortunate, because Feagles has been the best in the business at what he does (creating field position for his team) for a long, long time.

by Ed Valentine on Jun 23, 2009 8:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I say absolutely

If they are the best of what they do, then why not? I understand that their position is less significant than a QB, but they can change the make-up of a game. I even think LS’s are important! lol

Actually, has the HOF ever given an explanation why?

by Hootman on Jun 23, 2009 8:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ray Guy deserves to be in the hall

And so does Feagles. Field position is such an important part of the game that it is just criminal to overlook it. Guy and Feagles both excelled at both long kicks and well placed shorter kicks to pin the opponent inside the 20 and both did it over a long period. That contribution deserves to be recognized, although it probably won’t.

by Tucker Fredrickson on Jun 23, 2009 8:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I have to be honest

I voted yes, because I know how great Feagles is. But if he was on any other team in the league, my reaction would probably be “What? A punter?”

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Jun 23, 2009 9:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

man, i hated the kickers on my crappy college team

actually they were cool guys, more like i was just really jealous. while we’re doing 2 a days theyre kicking balls for a couple hours, then they watch movies in the film room for the rest of the day. jerks.

so thats why i voted no, kickers do not belong in the hall of fame. ever.

Lets hope that when gut check time comes again the Mets will pass it with flying colors.

by kendynamo on Jun 23, 2009 9:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes for kickers - No for Feagles

Man, I feel like I’ve been falling on the wrong side of these votes lately. I think Simms-McConkey put it best though. If Feagles were on another team, would he still be considered HoF worthy by Giants fans? It’s hard for a punter to stand apart from his contemporaries, and really Feagles only does so through his longevity. I think it would take a punter who significantly distinguished from the others to get serious consideration.

by rzor on Jun 23, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I have to disagee with you about Feagles

It’s his longevity that distinguishes him from the other punters. It’s obvious (Giant punter or not), the guy has been doing something special to be around 2 decades.

by njgiant on Jun 23, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with Ed

Jeff has no chance. At least not until Ray Guy gets in. And even then it’ll probably be another lifetime before he does.

by John W on Jun 23, 2009 10:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Feagles?

What about Dave Jennings? I remember him as the best offensive weapon those crappy late 70’s Giants teams had. You’d hope he would boom a big kick, the D could hold and then they’d pick up enough field position for a field goal. Repeat 3 times and you had the makings of a 9-7 victory.

Man it was depressing being a Giant fan when I was a kid.

by mcgatman on Jun 23, 2009 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I voted yes, but

Ray Guy should make it first. No one ever equaled his hang time. He kicked them so high, the ball came down frost on it.

by blue gonz on Jun 23, 2009 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I think the best punters should make it, and though I never saw him I have little doubt that Guy was the best punter ever.

I have to say, though, that in researching some of Feagles stats, I’m blown away by Shane Lechler (the Raiders punter) – I’d say without a doubt he’s the best punter in the NFL right now, and someday he may even be the best ever.

by cjmulrain on Jun 23, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's sad but,

seems like a punter could be the best at his position and also deemed irrelavant at the same time. How can you ask a player to do a job (and he does it very well) and you not reward him with the ultimate praise for a player?

by njgiant on Jun 23, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

bah

my heart breaks for the punters who dont make the HOF.

whats their true value to a team, though? the best punter in the world is worth how much more than than the worst? certainly a hell of a lot less to a team than the spread between peyton manning and ryan leaf. its the same reason the best LOOGY in baseball history isnt getting elected to the HOF. because his value is still a fraction of a league average starting pitcher.

but whatever, maybe the best punter ever deserves to be in the hall. whatevs.

Lets hope that when gut check time comes again the Mets will pass it with flying colors.

by kendynamo on Jun 23, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the difference between a LOOGY and a Punter

is that a LOOGY isn’t a separate position. A guy may be a great LOOGY, but he’s probably the 11th or 12th best pitcher on his team overall. The punter is almost definitely the best punter, and you’d lose a lot if you had your backup QB punting (unless Randall Cunningham was your backup QB)

by cjmulrain on Jun 23, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

An average starting pitcher

would usually be a great middle reliever (I believe the ERA usually drops .8 for the transition to relieving). Eli Manning would make for a pretty terrible punter. I think because the skill set is so drastically different, there’s a case for punters in the NFL – if it can be shown that there’s a significant difference between punters. I think that more research would show that there is, although I’m not sure.

by yellomellojello on Jun 23, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

who said anything about having qbs punting?

im saying whats the marginal win difference you get by having the worlds best punter ever vs a replacement level punter? enough to put that guy in the hall? maybe, but i doubt i vote for him. could be convinced otherwise tho i guess.

Lets hope that when gut check time comes again the Mets will pass it with flying colors.

by kendynamo on Jun 23, 2009 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think

we’ll have a better idea when start watching a marginal punter after Feagles retires. I’m sure I’m not the only one who felt he was the best player on the team at times during the mini-slump (2004ish)

by queler on Jun 24, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

KennyD

I would always have said the same as you until the last 2 years watching Feagles. Putting teams inside their 10 constantly has a considerable effect on the outcome of games, IMHO.

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Jun 24, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Especially

Given the fact that the PR has no chance to return it. It’s one thing to fair catch it or let it bounce into the endzone for a touch back, but Feagles has the art of directional punting. They don’t call it the “coffin corner” for nothing!

by Hootman on Jun 24, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i've heard varying things on guy

Lots of TBs, still out kicked his coverage. Feagles is the best directional punter I know of, is probably the last one ever. He is a defensive “weapon” something that cannot be said for most punters. The only knock I know of, and I’m the only one who seems to notice it, is that he seems to shank it in big situations a little more then i’m comfortable with. I know it’s selective memory, but for example the Westbrook PR game…

by queler on Jun 23, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

as another question

What kickers are in the HOF? I would assume Vinateri has to make it.

by queler on Jun 23, 2009 4:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I didn't vote..

I’m not really sure.. If Ray Guy gets in, then I say absolutely. But if Ray Guy does not.. then no way.

President of the Ramses Barden Fan Club

Fact on Villanova Sports

by Hoyadestroya85 on Jun 23, 2009 5:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Feagles to Tyree

I loved watching punts from around our 40, knowing that it is essentially a long pass from Feagles to David Tyree to catch inside the 5. I can remember a game where Tyree downed 4 inside the 10, 3 of them on the fly. Really nice to watch, and a special skill.

Special teams is part of the game, and should be rewarded. But that being said, if teams don’t find it relevant to Draft a punter (few get drafted), then we shouldn’t be putting them in the HOF. I voted YES though.

by ross_stephen on Jun 23, 2009 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sean Landeta

Giants Stadium has seen its share of terrific punters and all have been significant contributors to our championship teams. Offense make you look good; defense wins games; special teams wins championships…It’s the ultimate team sport. That said, I don’t think Feagles or Landeta or even Guy deserve a spot in the HOF. At the end of the day who cares, you play for the ring.

by giantsdc on Jun 24, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Playing for the ring

TOT YDS AVG TB -20 LG
4 156 39.0 0 2 55

by queler on Jun 24, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Over @ Behind the Steel Curtain

I posted a fanshot.They said that the HOF was hard to get into for any athlete, and impossible for a punter no matter how good. Even though Feagles is the best ever (in my opinion) he still did not have a big enough impact on the game to be considered a Hall of Famer. They also mentioned that until Ray Guy got in, Feagles has no chance.

by ChuckyofNorris on Jun 29, 2009 9:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs