Does Steve Wisniewski have a Hall of Fame profile?

For a third straight year, the Hall of Fame committee bypassed former Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown for induction. There’s no denying he’s a hall of famer and will eventually get in…

But, when?

None of the six men elected; Curtis Martin, Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Willie Roaf, Dermontti Dawson, and senior selection Jack Butler, were wide receivers. Cris Carter and Andre Reed, both who were on the finalist list, played the same position and deserve induction as well. So it could take some time before we see probably the most deserving Raider not in Canton, with a bronze bust in the hall of immortals.

I’ll take a look at the five Raiders that deserve induction into the NFL Hall of Fame:

Tim Brown – Wide Receiver 

Brown, the Silver & Black’s 6^th overall pick in the 1988 draft, played 16-years for the Raiders and currently holds the team record for games played (240), season’s active (16), touchdowns (104), all purpose yards (19,431) and yards from scrimmage (14,924). Brown also has the NFL record with 10-consecutive seasons with at least 75-catches and the mark for being the oldest player (35) to return a punt for a touchdown. Brown was a 9-time pro bowl selection, a second team all-pro in 1997 and was on the NFL’s all decade team for the ‘90s.

Ron Wolf – GM/Personnel

Wolf was an architect of great Silver & Black clubs, as he had a vital role in drafting future hall of fame performers such as, Art Shell, Gene Upshaw, Howie Long and Marcus Allen. He also helped bring in Ken Stabler, Jack Tatum and Matt Millen. Wolf had two tenures with the Raiders, from 1963-to-1975 and again in 1978-1990.

With the Packers, his first major move was to hire Mike Holmgren, who eventually won Super Bowl XXXI, made a second big game appearance a year later against the Broncos while making the playoffs six-times as the general manager. Wolf inked Reggie White, the first marquee player in the league’s free-agent era.

Wolf remained a good friend of Al Davis throughout the years and Oakland consulted with the former executive on many occasions, just recently during their search for a new general manager.

Ray Guy – Punter

He was a major contributor on all three Raider championship teams, was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, a six-time All-Pro, the punter on the league’s storied 75^th Anniversary team and the first punter ever taken in the first-round of the draft. Guy never had a punt returned for a score, with his prowess being stuff of legends league wide.

The NFL has to recognize specialist and their contributions – it’s a travesty they don’t respect kickers and punters, especially since from year-to-year, the emphasis on special teams and how it can affect the outcome of games and ultimately, championship runs, is scrutinized by executives, coaches, players, media and fans.

If any special teamer deserves to get in first, it should be the greatest punter of all-time.

Cliff Branch – Wide Receiver 

Branch’s snubbing is mind-boggling. Especially when you consider that ‘Bullet’ Bob Hayes was inducted in 2009. Branch has been to one more Pro Bowl than Hayes, has two more First-Team All Pro selections, has two more Super Bowl rings and was a greater contributor to Oakland’s lore, than Hayes was to the Cowboys history.

Not only does Branch trump Hayes in awards, championships and highlights, but his stats are comparable. The Raider target played three-more seasons, but his 501-receptions for 8,685-yards and 67 touchdowns are just as impressive as Hayes’ 371-catches for 7,414-yards and 71 touchdowns.

Hayes was legendary due to his world class speed, but ask any cornerbacks who played against Branch in the 70s and ask them who much of a threat he was and they’ll tell you.

Steve Wisniewski – Guard

Yes, one of my all-time favorite players, but a guard who is truly deserving of Hall of Fame honors.

‘The Wiz’ was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection in 13-seasons. More impressive were the eight-times he was chosen as an All-Pro at his spot, including six straight recognitions from 1991-1996. Very few linemen in Raider history embodied what the team was about. He was tough, fiery and many accused him of being the dirtiest player in the league. Opponents hated lining up against him, but they all admired his grit in the trenches, as he was equally adept as a pass and run blocker.

THOUGHTS ON OTHERS…

Ken Stabler, George Blanda and Jim Plunkett

I’m not a big proponent for Tom Flores or Jim Plunkett’s inductions. Sorry Raider fans, but when I think of Hall of Fame, neither of those players come to mind.

Plunkett floundered for eight-years before his 1980 run with the Silver & Black. Undoubtedly, he did great things for the organization after that, winning two Super Bowls, but his credentials are not Canton worthy. Plunkett ended with 164 touchdowns and 198 interceptions. What’s your argument; that his career started slow? Well, with Oakland/Los Angeles, he had 80 touchdowns and 81 interceptions. He did have a 38-19 record with the Silver & Black, but his 72-72-career mark is not inspiring.

As for Flores, yes… he was the man on the sideline of two Super Bowl victories and his contributions run deep, going back to his playing days with the Raiders. His 83-53 record with the Silver & Black as coach in nine-seasons were impressive, but he was never considered a mastermind, rarely do you ever remember him being a difference maker for his coaching analytics and was known more for being a caretaker to great Raider teams.

His three-years in Seattle in which he posted a 14-34 record really smudged his résumé. A 97-87 record is mediocre, but those two Super Bowl victories are headlights that should catch the attention of some voters. Unfortunately, and rightfully I think, shouldn’t blind people into voting for him.

Lester Hayes was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time Super Bowl champion and the 1980 Defensive Player of the Year. Of the others mentioned in this section, he may be the one most deserving. I could’ve easily snuck him into my top-five, as his coverage ability and great nicknames; “the Judge” and “Lester the Molester” were indicative of his style pf play in bump and run coverage.

Ken Stabler in action during pre-game festivities.

Ken Stabler was clutch, a coach on the field and led the Raiders to victory in Superbowl XI. Two of his targets are in the Hall of Fame, but not the guy who got ‘em the ball?

‘The Snake’ had a career record of 96-49-1 and a masterful 69-26-1 run with the Raiders. He was a Hall of Fame finalist in 1990, 1991 and 2003. You have to think that as time passes, Stabler will be buried under an avalanche of great passers that will be inducted before him.

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Tim Brown vs. the San Diego Chargers in 2003.

Tim Brown, who was among 17 finalists to be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012, will have to wait another year to get into Canton.

Brown, the Silver & Black’s 6^th overall pick in the 1988 draft, played 16-years for the Raiders. He was a prolific wide receiver and a threat on special teams as a returner early in his career, coming out of Notre Dame where he won the 1987 Heisman Trophy.

He currently holds the team record for games played (240), season’s active (16), touchdowns (104), many other receiving marks along with marks for all purpose yards (19,431) and yards from scrimmage (14,924). Brown also has the NFL record with 10-consecutive seasons with at least 75-catches and the mark for being the oldest player (35) to return a punt for a touchdown.

Among other accolades, he was a 9-time pro bowl selection, a second team all-pro in 1997 and was on the NFL’s all decade team for the ‘90s.

In February of 2010, his former coach campaigned for his enshrinement. “He dominated the game. He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer, without a doubt,” said Jon Gruden.

On his official twitter account, Brown stated: “Raider nation!! Don’t bother to watch tonight they passed on me again!! In fact, no wrs made it again. Gotta get some of y’all in there!!”
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Howie Long & Al Davis share a moment in Canton.

In this two part series, SBReport.net takes a look at the nineteen Raiders that have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Howie Long – Defensive Lineman – Inducted: 2000

In 13-seasons, Long was one of the league’s most versatile linemen, equally adept at end or tackle. An eight-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion (XVIII), Long was fierce as a Raider and could’ve played in any era of football.

Ronnie Lott – Safety – Inducted: 2000

Arguably the greatest safety to ever play, Lott made a pit stop in Los Angeles for two seasons (1991-1992). He led the league in interceptions (8) in 1991 and made the last of his ten Pro Bowls as a member of the Raiders.

Dave Casper – Tight End – Inducted: 2002

The tight end was selected five times to Pro Bowl squads, was a five-time All Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion (XI and XV). He was also involved in two of the Raiders most historic plays; the “Ghost to the Post” versus the Colts during a 1977 divisional playoff game and “the Holy Roller” in 1978 against the Chargers.

Marcus Allen – Running Back – Inducted: 1993

One of the greatest weapons the Raiders ever had. His 74-yard run for a score in Super Bowl XVIII and 191-yard performance remains one of the greatest memories in club history. In 1982, he was the league’s offensive rookie of the year and in 1985, the NFL’s most valuable player.

James Lofton – Wide Receiver – Inducted: 2003

James Lofton spent time on the Oakland coaching staff.

He played two years for the Silver & Black and was a coach with the Raiders in 2008. Lofton was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time first team All Pro and ended with 764 passes for 14,004 yards and 75 touchdowns in his 16-campaigns.

Bob Brown – Tackle – Inducted: 2004

Brown played in Oakland the last three-years of his career. In 1971, his first season with the Silver & Black, Brown played in his last of six Pro Bowls.

John Madden – Head Coach – Inducted: 2006

The Raider Nation was in attendance during Madden's induction ceremony.

The legendary figure began his career as a linebackers coach with the Raiders in 1967. He then became their head coach in 1969 and won a Super Bowl in 1976. Madden ended with a 103-32-7 regular season record and later became the voice of the league as an analyst for varying networks.

Rod Woodson – Cornerback/Safety – Inducted: 2009

The league never saw a player so adept at cornerback and have a equally impressive end to his career at free-safety. Woodson tallied 71-career interceptions and was a Super Bowl champion with the Ravens in 2000, as part of the best defenses the league has ever seen. His arrival in Oakland was vital in 2002. The then 37-year old Woodson led the NFL in interceptions (8), making the Pro Bowl and helping the team to the Super Bowl.

Rod Woodson helped Oakland reach a Super Bowl in 2002 & was a secondary coach in 2011.

Jerry Rice – Wide Receiver – Inducted: 2010

The “GOAT” was with the Raiders from 2001-through-2004. The 13-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time Super Bowl champion had 243-receptions, 3,286-yards and 18 touchdowns with Oakland.

Part one of SBReport’s look at Raider hall of famers:

A look back at all the Raiders in the NFL Hall of Fame (pt. 1)

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Jim Otto during pre-game festivities in Oakland.

In this two part series, SBReport.net takes a look at the nineteen Raiders that have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Jim Otto – Center – Inducted: 1980

You can call him Mr. Raider. Otto joined the newfound Raiders in 1960 and the team never saw another center along the offensive line for 15-campaigns. He was a nine-time AFL All-Star, three-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro. Till this date, Otto still remains a presence at Raider games and works for the organization.

George Blanda – Quarterback/Kicker – Inducted: 1981

From 1967-to-1975, Blanda provided Raider fans with memorable moments. At 43, he had a remarkable streak of games that featured him tossing three touchdowns in relief of an injured Daryle Lamonica versus the Steelers, kicking a 48-yard field goal with three seconds remaining to salvage a tie against the Chiefs and against the Browns, Blanda came off the bench to toss a tying score and then kick a game winning field goal as time wound down. He had two more amazing feats; again tossing a game winning touchdown versus the Broncos in relief and booting another field goal to seal the contest versus the Chargers.

Willie Brown – Cornerback – Inducted: 1984

The defensive back has one of the most vivid moments in Super Bowl history when he intercepted Fran Tarkenton and dashed 75-yards for a score. He played for Oakland from 1967-to-1978. Brown has remained a coach for the Silver & Black and one of the most beloved figures in franchise history.

Gene Upshaw – Guard – Inducted: 1987

He played his entire 307 preseason, regular season, and post-season game career with the Raiders. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, three time All Pro and two time Super Bowl champion was a dominant guard, who later became a historic figure as executive director of the NFLPA.

Fred Biletnikoff – Wide Receiver – Inducted: 1988

"Freddy B" & Art Shell during inductions in Canton in 2006.

“Freddy B” compiled 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns during his 14-year career with Oakland Raiders from1965 through 1978. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, six-time All Pro and MVP of Super Bowl XI.

Art Shell – Tackle – Inducted: 1989

Not many players in league history were as complete as Shell. Equally great as a run and pass blocker, Shell was selected to eight Pro Bowls and was an All Pro first team tackle three-times. His post-player career included a AFC coach of the year award in 1990, when his club tallied 12-wins and made an appearance in the championship game that season.

Ted Hendricks – Linebacker – Inducted: 1990

“The Mad Stork” donned the Silver & Black from 1975-to-1983. In 1976, he was a full-time player for the Raiders in a 3-4 defense that ranked 6th that season in sacks tallied. A four-time Super Bowl champion, Hendricks attained the nickname “Kick ‘em in the Head Ted” as a Raider.

Ted Hendricks in Oakland prior to the game versus the Browns in 2011.

Al Davis – Owner – Inducted: 1992

Davis was one of the most legendary figures in league history. As an owner, head coach, general manager and commissioner, Davis’ impact in football is widespread, on the field and off of it. No other person embodied what the Raiders were all about.

Mike Haynes – Cornerback – Inducted: 1997

Speed, range and cover abilities – Haynes was the epitome of bump and run coverage. A nine-time Pro Bow selection and a member of the leagues’ 75th anniversary team, Haynes was a Raider from 1983-1989. He tallied 18 interceptions wearing the Silver & Black.

Eric Dickerson – Running Back – Inducted: 1999

He was a Raider for one season, acquired from the Rams for fourth and eighth round picks in the 1992 draft. He rushed for 729-yards – with his lone shinning moment on the Monday Night Football stage versus the Chiefs, darting 40 yards for a score.

Part two of SBReport’s look at Raider hall of famers:

A look back at all the Raiders in the NFL Hall of Fame (pt. 2)

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Brown, the Silver & Black’s 6^th overall pick in the 1988 draft, played 16-years for the Raiders. He was a prolific wide receiver and a threat on special teams as a returner early in his career, coming out of Notre Dame where he won the 1987 Heisman Trophy.

He currently holds the team record for games played (240), season’s active (16), touchdowns (104), many other receiving marks along with marks for all purpose yards (19,431) and yards from scrimmage (14,924). Brown also has the NFL record with 10-consecutive seasons with at least 75-catches and the mark for being the oldest player (35) to return a punt for a touchdown.

Among other accolades, he was a 9-time pro bowl selection, a second team all-pro in 1997 and was on the NFL’s all decade team for the ‘90s.

In February of 2010, his former coach campaigned for his enshrinement. “He dominated the game. He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer, without a doubt,” said Jon Gruden.

“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.

Here is fan reaction on twitter regarding his nomination:

“he’s one of the best wrs and punt returners of all time..over 1000 rec with some of the worst qbs ..should have been in last year” - brian fried

“Tim Brown was a Great WR, Returner, and stabilizing force in the locker room perrenially. Carter was a great DIVA WR, Brown Wins!” – Ray Shirey

“Brown deserves to be Saturday. 105 totally TDs, 19,000+ combined net yards (5th nfl), 14,934 receiving yards (second to only GOAT)”  “(cont’d) 1,094 career receptions (3rd nfl history) and not to mention everything he did as a punt and kickoff return man” - Chris McClain

“Brown. You consider he played a lot of special teams early on. To stay healthy enough to evolve into an elite WR is impressive” - Trent Hawkes

“Carter took a backseat when Randy Moss came in, Tim Brown still was a beast when Jerry Rice came in” - Ismael Cosio

“Timmy Brown you have to include his return TD’s and YDs” - The Raider Guy

“Carter and Brown’s stats aren’t all that different, and Carter had better quarterbacks and was on better teams. #JustSaying” “Tim Brown did it consistently with no real talent at QB. If he and Jerry Rice switched teams, he’d be looked at as the GOAT.” – Ronaldo Spettacolare

“Can’t see him getting in on Sat. Chris Carter is his competition, Tim likely gets in next year. Cant believe Tim almost was Bronco” – TheReverendJimNorton

“Look at Tim’s production. Then look at the QBs he played with over his career. The answer will be self-evident.” -Brad Bordyn

“Tim Brown deserves to be in the HOF because of the numbers he produced with a carousel of subpar QB’s. Numbers don’t lie.” - Jerry

“Brown was an all-time great Raider, but compared to his peers he was merely very good. Sorry, no HOF for #81.” - Chris Holmes

“Jim Plumkett should be going in, he got two superbowls. Tim brown got the big EGG, ZERO, NADA! Nuff Said” - Andrew Bill Ena

“any WR with 1000 catches DESERVES to make it into HOF, should be rule like baseballs 3000 hits” - doug

“the only reason I see why he doesn’t get a nod is lack of a SB title.” – JB

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The former 6^th overall choice in the 1988 draft played 16-campaigns for the Silver & Black and during that illustrious career, he tallied 1,094 receptions (4^th in league history), 14,934 receiving yards (4^th all-time) and 100 touchdown grabs (6^th).

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 100^th career TD versus the Raiders.

Tim Brown, the Silver & Black’s 6^th overall pick in the 1988 draft, played 16-years for the Raiders. He was a prolific wide receiver and a threat on special teams as a returner early in his career coming out of Notre Dame where he won the 1987 Heisman Trophy.

He currently holds the team record for games played (240), season’s active (16), touchdowns (104), many other receiving marks along with marks for all purpose yards (19,431) and yards from scrimmage (14,924). Brown also has the NFL record with 10-consecutive seasons with at least 75-catches and the mark for being the oldest player (35) to return a punt for a touchdown.

Among other accolades, he was a 9-time pro bowl selection, a second team all-pro in 1997 and was on the NFL’s all decade team for the ‘90s.

Jerry Rice, who is arguably the games greatest player and the wide receiver that is known as the greatest of all-time will also be up for consideration on February 6, the day before the Super Bowl, when the next class of inductees are traditionally announced.

In three seasons with the Silver & Black, Rice tallied 238 receptions, 3,219 yards and 18 touchdowns before being traded to Seattle six games into the 2004 campaign. At that point, Rice only had five receptions, had his streak of 274 games with a catch halted with a diminished role in the twilight of his career. His arrival in Oakland boosted the Raiders offense and helped them to Super Bowl XXXVII.

Like Rice, Roger Craig gained prominence with the San Francisco 49ers, but the versatile rusher did play for the Silver & Black one season compiling 590-yards rushing and 136-receiving in 1991.

He was the first running back in the history of the NFL to run for over 1,000 yards in a season and tally 1,000 yards receiving during the same campaign.

Ray Guy and Lester Hayes were two players that did not make the final cut.

For a look at the other candidates, here is a link to the story at the official Hall of Fame web site: http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/2010/1/8/one-step-closer/