TAMPA, Fla. – Two ferocious pass rushers and a dogged pass defender headline this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class, which was selected yesterday.
Career sacks leader Bruce Smith, the late Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas and legendary defensive back Rod Woodson led a class of six chosen for induction. They are joined by longtime Bills owner Ralph Wilson, former Vikings guard Randall McDaniel and the late Bob Hayes, a speedy wide receiver for the Cowboys and the 1964 gold medalist in the 100 meters.
They will be inducted Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio. They were chosen from a group of 17 finalists, including two senior committee choices. The notable snubs were former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, wide receiver Cris Carter and former Broncos and Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe.
Smith and Woodson were picked in the their first year of eligibility.
“This is a special class,” said Smith, fighting off tears. “I am overjoyed.”
Smith retired with 200 sacks after a standout career with the Bills and Redskins. He was defensive player of the year in 1990 and ’96 and was a key cog in Buffalo’s four straight Super Bowl teams.
Woodson won defensive player of the year in 1993 and was selected to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary team. He began his career as a cornerback before moving to safety. He played 17 years with the Steelers, 49ers, Ravens and Raiders. He led the league in interceptions in 1999 and 2002 and won the Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2000.
Thomas was elected after being passed over the past three years. He is 11th all-time with 126 1/2 sacks. Nine years ago, when he was still playing for the Chiefs, he was killed in an auto accident.
Wilson, 90, is the original owner of the Bills dating back to the AFL. He is known as the “voice of reason” among NFL owners.
McDaniel played 14 years for the Vikings and Buccaneers, making 12 Pro Bowls. He missed just two games in his career.
Hayes, who died in 2002, was nicknamed “Bullet Bob,” and was the fastest man in football when he played from 1965-75.