Tim Brown not elected into the 2010 HOF class
Former Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown was not elected into the 2010 Hall of Fame class.
The former 6th overall choice in the 1988 draft played 16-campaigns for the Silver & Black and during that illustrious career, he tallied 1,094 receptions (4th in league history), 14,934 receiving yards (4th all-time) and 100 touchdown grabs (6th).
Brown’s former coach, Jon Gruden, campaigned on his behalf during the week stating, “He dominated the game. He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer, without a doubt.
“What Tim Brown did with the quarterback position the way it was is quite amazing. The number of quarterbacks who threw him touchdown passes…
“He did not have a Joe Montana for eight years, a Peyton Manning, a Brett Favre. Not to be discriminatory against the quarterbacks he did have, but he played in different offenses and was great in any system.”
During his time as a Raider, his teams compiled a 134-122 record with 6 playoff appearances.
What probably hurt Brown was that the greatest receiver in league history was eligible as well. Jerry Rice was a lock to be inducted with running back Emmitt Smith, and that tilt may have cut-down any opportunity for Brown to get his bust in Canton in his first year of eligibility.
Brown did not reach the games grandest stage until 2002, when the Tampa Buccaneers defeated Oakland 48-21 in Super Bowl XXXVII.
Earlier in his career, Brown was as dominant as any receiver in the league, compiling 80 or more catches in 9 out 10-years from 1993 to 2002.
His prowess as a return man also made him a threat to hit paydirt upon entering the NFL, but in 2001, Brown made history by returning a punt 88-yards for a score making him the oldest player in league history to achieve that feat.
Brown was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, was on the NFLs all decade team of the 1990s and holds nearly all the receiving marks for the Silver & Black.
He ended his career as a member of the Buccaneers after Oakland released him before the 2004 season.
At Notre Dame, Brown won the 1987 Heisman Trophy.
Earlier in the week, he acknowledged that his induction may not happen, “It wouldn’t be the worst thing,” he said, “to happen in Dallas next year.”
“You understand it’s a vote,” stated Brown. “I’m pretty certain one day it will happen.”
It should have been today.
NOTES
- First WR to win the Heisman Trophy
- Rookie-season record for most combined yards gained, with 2,317 yards (1988).
- NFL record for 10 consecutive seasons with at least 75 receptions.
- Raider Records: games played, touchdowns, receiving yards, catches and touchdowns, punt return yards, returns and touchdowns, all-purpose yards and yards from scrimmage.
- Brown caught his 100th career TD versus the Raiders.
