Read opposing arguments from Babe Ruthless and Bleacher Fan.
There were several different ways I could have gone with today’s article. I nearly wrote that I was not sure why linebacker Rickey Jackson was elected into the Hall of Fame. I know I was a young boy when Jackson was in the prime of his career, but even living in the South and watching the Saints a good bit, I could tell you very little about Rickey Jackson. The fact that he was announced as “Randy” Jackson in the official announcement indirectly proves that I am not alone. I really did not want to rain on the Saints’ parade this week, so I am leaving you Saints fans alone! Sports Geek continues to be upset that former Bears great Richard Dent was once again snubbed. However, what really bothers me the most about the inductees is the fact that Cris Carter is not part of the group.
Cris Carter’s story is somewhat well documented, and I wonder if his early off the field reputation is keeping him out of the Hall. After a stellar three year career at Ohio State, Carter was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. Carter had constant run-ins with head coach Buddy Ryan and was eventually released before the 1990 season, despite coming off a season in which he scored 11 touchdowns. As it turns out, Carter was heavy into drugs and alcohol during his stay in the city of Brotherly Love, and Ryan had enough of Carter’s trouble.
Where Cartrer’s career really took off, though, was in Minnesota. After three decent seasons, Carter made the first of eight consecutive Pro Bowls in 1993 with Jim McMahon, of all people, at quarterback. Carter posted 86 catches for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. In 1994, Carter caught a then-record 122 passes as the Vikings became an annual playoff team. Year after year, Carter produced similar numbers. As a Falcons fan, I remember seeing a lot of that 1998 Vikings team, as Carter teamed with Randall Cunningham and then-rookie Randy Moss to form an explosive offense. Of course, we all know which team won the NFC Championship that year! At least fans in Georgia remember. Those in Minnesota would like to forget!
For his career, Carter finished with 1,101 receptions of 13,899 yards and 130 touchdowns. As the saying goes, “All he does is catch touchdowns.” He went to the Pro Bowl eight times and was a first or second team All-Pro three times. He was a member of the NFL’s All-Decade team in the 1990s. Folks, those are Hall of Fame credentials. The really disturbing thing is that Carter did not even get consideration in the final group of ten (seven were eventually elected).
Is Carter’s chance at an induction fading away with each passing year? Unfortunately, it sure looks like it. And that is a complete travesty.
