[Lefty Noob]

Now that Troy Aikman has made the Hall of Fame, and Michael Irvin has been left out again, I think it's time to look at those 1990s Cowboys and see which players belong in the Hall and which ones don't.

Certainly, Emmitt Smith will be there, no doubt about it. What about Irvin? Should he eventually get in? Who along the offensive line or on the defense should be there?

[GigEmAgs]

If it was up to me, not Irvin. But that's from my bias against his off-the-field lifestyle, which I feel caused way too much negative publicity. If you look at his playing, he's gotta get in. I was always fond of Daryl Johnston, one of the league's best fullbacks in his day. Nate Newton and Jay Novacek aren't bad either, but ol' Nate had a lot of problems off the field too, especially after he left the Cowboys.

Jeez, I sound like such a Puritan...

[CRMartin]

The Hall of Fame is about football accomplishments. Its about being the best at what you do. To that end, Michael Irvin certainly belongs in the Hall. He has done it all when it comes to playing that Wide Receiver position. Has his off the field antics cost him? Certainly. Should it? Certainly not. Michael Irvin is human, like the rest of us with our everyday frailties. But it's not those we praise, its the daring play on the field, staring down defensive backs and knowing he was going to get the ball. That's what a "Playmaker" does.
As for others from that '90's era. Emmitt will definitely go on the first ballot. Jay Novecek should. Charles Haley(the only player with FIVE rings) most definitely should. "The Moose" Daryl Johnston set the standard for what the role of a productive full back in the NFL should be an easy choice. Larry Allen will eventually go. But with the way the Hall of Fame committee works, we may never see some of these deserving men in the hall. That almost makes it the hall of shame.

[GigEmAgs]

I agree that Irvin will probably get in eventually. Sure, he's human, and you're right, he was still a great player. I just have a problem separating one part of his personalityfrom the rest. However, looking at other "geniuses" in their fields, you realize that most of them weren't very nice people. Wagner was racist and Frank Lloyd Wright abandoned his family, for example. Didn't keep them from being geniuses, and certainly Irvin was as much a genius in an athletic sense as Aikman or Smith, and probably more than a lot of people in the Hall. I guess what I'm saying is that I'm slowly coming around to the viewpoint that off-field activity doesn't necessarily matter in this context. I still think his controversies hurt the team, though, and that's something few misbehaving players ever think of.

[CRMartin]

But how many players dark sides are really exposed after Hall Enshrinement? LT? OJ? If there was ever an off the field debacle and an argument for keeping one out of the hall of fame, it's OJ Simpson. Actually, should an athletes off the field activities get them pulled from the hall? And look at Warren Moon...accused spousal abuse. Sometimes its such a hard call and fine line to walk.

[ThePundit]

I vote no. See my argument for Bettis & Monk. I never considered Irvin a "great" receiver. A very, very good one? Sure. A very important part of the Champion Cowboys? Sure.

But I can't put him in the same company with Rice, Largent, Lofton, Joiner, etc....Just can't.

I don't care about his off the field stuff. My vote is football related only.

[CRMartin]

If your looking at on the field only, then Irvin is a definite hall of famer. Not just because of his stats, but because of the intangibles, those immeasurable traits that not only define an athlete, but can shape a team. Michael Irvin was the fire and soul of that team, of that there is NO argumetn, even among his former teammates. Irvin was a physical receiver who played the game as all athletes should, to win. He wasn't just satisfied to be out there cashing a check. Winning was in his vains. Defensive backs that had to cover him knew that it was a 60 minute job. He wasn't a one-hit wonder, a deep threat with knock out speed. Irvin was a pure receiver, and knew his job was to catch the ball.
Intangibles are what raise one athlete above another. Hopefully, one day, it will raise #88 into the hall of fame.

[ThePundit]

CR: I respect your opinion. More people agree with you than me.

But Irvin is "The Fire and Soul" of the Cowboys? Ever hear of a guy named Emmitt Smith? And what about Troy Aikman?

Look at it this way: The Cowboys would have won the same amount of Super Bowls with or without Irvin. But without Emmit and Aikman, they wouldn't have.

Also, Alvin Harper was in his prime in those days. So the DB's had to watch him as well, not to mention Jay Novacek.

Look: I'm not knocking Irvin. He was a heck of a player. I just don't think he's a Hall of Famer.

[CRMartin]

Pundit,

LOL, I completely agree...that's why we have these forums. I love to hear opposing opinions. I certainly wouldn't mind seein Novacek in the Hall. Look what happened to the team when there wasn't a TE to throw to that Aikman could rely on. Harper though, he was never consistent and had to always be coached. But when he made a play(Playoffs against 49ers during their first championship run-2 great plays) he was on.

Take care,

Chad

[xdavidwattsx]

All I know is that if I hear one more person complain and whine about a Hall of Fame bias vs the Cowboys, I am cut my own arms off.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by xdavidwattsx

All I know is that if I hear one more person complain and whine about a Hall of Fame bias vs the Cowboys, I am cut my own arms off.

Watts...you can't be billed as the Champ without arms man...let it go..let it go...ti ain't worth it man...stay strong bro, the board needs you...

[wedge]

It's alright Gotham. Watts would learn to type with his nose! Cause Watts is good like that.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by wedge

It's alright Gotham. Watts would learn to type with his nose! Cause Watts is good like that.

Wedge, I love bro...but you can't get on the Champ...we got to keep him loose for the title bout...the rematch against Lefty...it will be billed as "Bedlam at the Board"...my man needs to come in sharp...got to keep his confidence up!

[j-rod]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Now that Troy Aikman has made the Hall of Fame, and Michael Irvin has been left out again, I think it's time to look at those 1990s Cowboys and see which players belong in the Hall and which ones don't.

Certainly, Emmitt Smith will be there, no doubt about it. What about Irvin? Should he eventually get in? Who along the offensive line or on the defense should be there?

Yea i defenently agree what about Micheal he should be if Aikman is.