Why isn’t Randy Gradishar in the HOF?

[D. Bergin]

It’s a bit of a head scratcher why he’s not in. He retired at a fairly young age, still at the top of his game, and was a very durable player while he played. I gotta think if he stuck around for one more Pro Bowl appearance or 2nd team All-Pro honor, he’d be in Harry Carson territory, and he’d be in by now.

Took Carson forever to get in himself. To the point he boycotted the HOF when they finally elected him.

Inside Linebacker is an overlooked position in football, unless you’re seen as THE guy at that position, even though they are often the Quarterback of the defense. Similar to the catcher in baseball. A vitally important position but hard to accumulate gaudy traditional stats because of the nature of the position.

According to unofficial records, Gradishar has about as many tackles as Ray Lewis, in a much shorter career, which is pretty incredible if you think about it.

Patrick Willis is another absolutely dominant ILB with a shorter career, who should probably be in the Hall by now.

Throw in Hardy Nickerson, Karl Mecklenburg, Leroy Jordan, Tommy Nobis, London Fletcher, Bill Bergey and a few others to.