State Your Case: Neil Smith

A member of the 100-sack club

(Published April 2017)

All-decade acclaim is a stamp of football greatness.

If you were one of the two quarterbacks selected to an all-decade team by the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame selection committee, you are considered one of the two best quarterbacks of your era. The same with the four wide receivers, the four guards, the four defensive ends and the four cornerbacks selected to those all-decade teams. You are considered among the best players of your era.

First-team all-decade selection is a rubber stamp to Canton. There have been 145 position players with first-team acclaim through the 1990 decade. All but 10 of them now have busts in Canton. Second-team all-decade selection isn’t as automatic. There have been 142 such second-teamers through the 1990 decade but barely 50 percent of them (72) have been enshrined in the Hall.

Offensive players have historically been given the benefit of doubt. Not so defensive players. In the era of two-way football (since 1950), there have been 53 offensive players named second-team all-decade and 67.9 percent have been inducted into Canton. There have been 46 defensive players with second-team all-decade acclaim, but only 41.3 percent have been enshrined.

Which brings us to defensive end Neil Smith, a second-team all-decade selection for the 1990s. He has been eligible for the Hall of Fame for 12 years now but has never been a semifinalist, much less a finalist. Smith didn’t even appear on the preliminary list of 94 candidates for the Class of 2017.

Inexplicably, a great player has been forgotten.

Smith was the second overall pick of the 1988 NFL draft. The Kansas City Chiefs traded up one spot in the draft order to claim Smith, sending the Detroit Lions the third and 29th overall picks for the right to claim the All-America pass rusher from Nebraska. The Lions converted those two picks into a pair of Pro Bowl defenders, safety Bennie Blades and middle linebacker Chris Spielman.

But the Chiefs certainly got their money’s worth. Smith became one of the best pass rushers of the 1990s. He collected 95 ½ of his 104 ½ career sacks from 1990-99 and went to six Pro Bowls. He led the NFL with 15 sacks in 1993 and earned first-team All-Pro honors. His teams won 105 games in the decade and went to the playoffs nine times.

Smith spent the first seven seasons of the decade with the Chiefs and the final three seasons with the Broncos. He went to five Pro Bowls with the Chiefs and his final Pro Bowl in 1997 with the Broncos. That season, Denver – and Smith – won the first of back-to-back Super Bowls. He played one final season with San Diego in 2000 before retiring. Smith was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2006.

But being overlooked by Canton may be a result of Smith being overshadowed on his own team. He was part of a stereo pass rush in Kansas City with Derrick Thomas, the fourth overall selection of the 1989 draft. Thomas was a first-team NFL all-decade pass rusher and an eight-time Pro Bowler in the 1990s. He also led the NFL in sacks once with 20 in 1990 and set the NFL record with seven sacks in a single game.

But the Hall of Fame seems to have drawn a line at one edge rusher per team.

Carl Eller is enshrined from the Purple People Eaters of the Minnesota Vikings but Jim Marshall is not, even though Marshall has 128 career sacks. Reggie White is enshrined from the 1990s’ Philadelphia defense of Buddy Ryan but Clyde Simmons is not, even though Simmons has 121 ½ career sacks. Bruce Smith is enshrined from the 1990s Buffalo Bills but Cornelius Bennett is not, even though Bennett, like Smith, was a second-team all-decade selection.

Marshall deserves better. So do Simmons and Bennett, who have never been finalists for the Hall of Fame to have their careers discussed and debated. Smith also deserves better. He forced 30 career fumbles, recovered 12 and also intercepted four passes in his career, scoring two touchdowns. He was an impact defender – and the Hall of Fame is all about impact.

Smith deserves consideration for Canton. His career demands discussion.

 

87 Comments
  1. Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

  2. Peterknofe says

    kamagra gel [url=http://kamagraprix.com/#]kamagra 100mg prix[/url] acheter kamagra site fiable

  3. Peterknofe says

    achat kamagra [url=https://kamagraprix.com/#]Kamagra Commander maintenant[/url] acheter kamagra site fiable

  4. Peterknofe says

    kamagra livraison 24h [url=http://kamagraprix.com/#]Achetez vos kamagra medicaments[/url] kamagra en ligne

  5. Peterknofe says

    Cialis sans ordonnance 24h [url=https://tadalmed.shop/#]Pharmacie en ligne Cialis sans ordonnance[/url] Acheter Viagra Cialis sans ordonnance tadalmed.com

  6. Peterknofe says

    kamagra oral jelly [url=https://kamagraprix.com/#]kamagra gel[/url] Kamagra pharmacie en ligne

  7. Peterknofe says

    kamagra livraison 24h [url=https://kamagraprix.shop/#]kamagra oral jelly[/url] kamagra en ligne

  8. Peterknofe says

    pharmacie en ligne pas cher [url=https://pharmafst.com/#]pharmacie en ligne pas cher[/url] acheter mГ©dicament en ligne sans ordonnance pharmafst.shop

  9. Peterknofe says

    Acheter Cialis [url=https://tadalmed.com/#]Cialis generique prix[/url] Cialis sans ordonnance pas cher tadalmed.com

  10. Peterknofe says

    Achat Cialis en ligne fiable [url=https://tadalmed.com/#]cialis prix[/url] cialis generique tadalmed.com

  11. MichaelIntok says

    canadapharmacyonline [url=https://expressrxcanada.com/#]Express Rx Canada[/url] global pharmacy canada

  12. MichaelIntok says

    Rx Express Mexico [url=https://rxexpressmexico.shop/#]mexican rx online[/url] mexican online pharmacy

  13. MichaelIntok says

    Medicine From India [url=https://medicinefromindia.shop/#]indian pharmacy[/url] indian pharmacy

  14. MichaelIntok says

    indian pharmacy paypal [url=https://medicinefromindia.shop/#]indian pharmacy online shopping[/url] Medicine From India

  15. MichaelIntok says

    Rx Express Mexico [url=https://rxexpressmexico.shop/#]mexican online pharmacy[/url] RxExpressMexico

  16. MichaelIntok says

    indian pharmacy online [url=http://medicinefromindia.com/#]medicine courier from India to USA[/url] Medicine From India

  17. MichaelIntok says

    Medicine From India [url=http://medicinefromindia.com/#]indian pharmacy[/url] indian pharmacy

  18. MichaelIntok says

    adderall canadian pharmacy [url=https://expressrxcanada.shop/#]Express Rx Canada[/url] ed drugs online from canada

  19. RichardRax says

    pin up вход [url=http://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап вход[/url] пин ап зеркало

  20. RichardRax says

    вавада официальный сайт [url=https://vavadavhod.tech/#]вавада[/url] вавада

  21. RichardRax says

    pin up azerbaycan [url=https://pinupaz.top/#]pin-up[/url] pin up casino

  22. RichardRax says

    pinup az [url=https://pinupaz.top/#]pin-up[/url] pin-up

  23. RichardRax says

    пин ап вход [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап зеркало[/url] пин ап казино официальный сайт

  24. RichardRax says

    pin up вход [url=http://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап казино официальный сайт[/url] pin up вход

  25. RichardRax says

    пин ап казино [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап казино[/url] пин ап зеркало

  26. RichardRax says

    пин ап казино официальный сайт [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап вход[/url] пинап казино

  27. RichardRax says

    vavada [url=https://vavadavhod.tech/#]vavada вход[/url] vavada

  28. RichardRax says

    pin up вход [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап зеркало[/url] пин ап вход

  29. RichardRax says

    pin up az [url=https://pinupaz.top/#]pin up[/url] pin-up casino giris

  30. RichardRax says

    вавада зеркало [url=https://vavadavhod.tech/#]вавада[/url] вавада казино

  31. RichardRax says

    pin-up casino giris [url=http://pinupaz.top/#]pin up azerbaycan[/url] pin up

  32. RichardRax says

    pinup az [url=https://pinupaz.top/#]pin up azerbaycan[/url] pin-up casino giris

  33. RichardRax says

    pin-up casino giris [url=https://pinupaz.top/#]pinup az[/url] pin up azerbaycan

  34. RichardRax says

    pin-up casino giris [url=https://pinupaz.top/#]pin-up[/url] pin up casino

  35. RichardRax says

    vavada casino [url=https://vavadavhod.tech/#]вавада[/url] vavada casino

  36. RichardRax says

    vavada [url=http://vavadavhod.tech/#]vavada[/url] вавада казино

  37. RichardRax says

    вавада зеркало [url=https://vavadavhod.tech/#]вавада[/url] вавада

  38. RichardRax says

    pin up azerbaycan [url=https://pinupaz.top/#]pin up casino[/url] pin up

  39. RichardRax says

    вавада казино [url=http://vavadavhod.tech/#]vavada[/url] вавада официальный сайт

  40. RichardRax says

    pin up az [url=http://pinupaz.top/#]pin up azerbaycan[/url] pin-up casino giris

  41. RichardRax says

    pin-up [url=https://pinupaz.top/#]pin up[/url] pin up

  42. RichardRax says

    pin up az [url=http://pinupaz.top/#]pinup az[/url] pin-up

  43. RichardRax says

    pin up azerbaycan [url=https://pinupaz.top/#]pin up casino[/url] pinup az

  44. RichardRax says

    вавада [url=http://vavadavhod.tech/#]vavada вход[/url] vavada вход

  45. RichardRax says

    pin-up casino giris [url=http://pinupaz.top/#]pinup az[/url] pin up

  46. RichardRax says

    вавада [url=https://vavadavhod.tech/#]вавада казино[/url] vavada

  47. RichardRax says

    пин ап казино официальный сайт [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап казино официальный сайт[/url] пин ап вход

  48. RichardRax says

    пин ап казино [url=http://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап казино[/url] pin up вход

  49. RichardRax says

    вавада [url=http://vavadavhod.tech/#]vavada casino[/url] вавада официальный сайт

  50. LorenzoNeave says

    modafinil pharmacy [url=https://modafinilmd.store/#]modafinil legality[/url] safe modafinil purchase

  51. LorenzoNeave says

    modafinil 2025 [url=https://modafinilmd.store/#]verified Modafinil vendors[/url] modafinil legality

  52. LorenzoNeave says

    same-day Viagra shipping [url=https://maxviagramd.com/#]generic sildenafil 100mg[/url] buy generic Viagra online

  53. LorenzoNeave says

    Cialis without prescription [url=https://zipgenericmd.com/#]order Cialis online no prescription[/url] discreet shipping ED pills

  54. LorenzoNeave says

    affordable ED medication [url=http://zipgenericmd.com/#]buy generic Cialis online[/url] FDA approved generic Cialis

  55. LorenzoNeave says

    cheap Viagra online [url=https://maxviagramd.com/#]trusted Viagra suppliers[/url] buy generic Viagra online

  56. LorenzoNeave says

    buy generic Cialis online [url=https://zipgenericmd.shop/#]FDA approved generic Cialis[/url] reliable online pharmacy Cialis

  57. LorenzoNeave says

    generic tadalafil [url=https://zipgenericmd.shop/#]online Cialis pharmacy[/url] discreet shipping ED pills

  58. LorenzoNeave says

    order Cialis online no prescription [url=http://zipgenericmd.com/#]reliable online pharmacy Cialis[/url] reliable online pharmacy Cialis

  59. MatthewLok says

    buying prednisone [url=http://prednihealth.com/#]PredniHealth[/url] PredniHealth

  60. MatthewLok says

    can you buy cheap clomid for sale [url=http://clomhealth.com/#]Clom Health[/url] cost clomid tablets

  61. MatthewLok says

    where can i buy generic clomid without insurance [url=https://clomhealth.shop/#]Clom Health[/url] how to get cheap clomid without rx

  62. MatthewLok says

    amoxicillin 500 mg without prescription [url=https://amohealthcare.store/#]amoxicillin 825 mg[/url] Amo Health Care

  63. MatthewLok says

    can i buy cheap clomid [url=https://clomhealth.com/#]Clom Health[/url] where to buy cheap clomid without insurance

  64. MatthewLok says

    amoxicillin tablets in india [url=https://amohealthcare.store/#]buy amoxicillin from canada[/url] Amo Health Care

  65. JosephLourb says

    cialis online cheap [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]Tadal Access[/url] cialis generic over the counter

  66. JosephLourb says

    cialis 5 mg for sale [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]Tadal Access[/url] cialis and alcohol

  67. JosephLourb says

    cialis tadalafil tablets [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]Tadal Access[/url] cialis buy

  68. JosephLourb says

    п»їwhat can i take to enhance cialis [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]adcirca tadalafil[/url] sublingual cialis

  69. JosephLourb says

    cialis 20 mg duration [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]buy cialis overnight shipping[/url] cialis strength

  70. JosephLourb says

    how much does cialis cost per pill [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]pictures of cialis pills[/url] cialis street price

  71. JosephLourb says

    cialis ingredients [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]side effects of cialis daily[/url] mint pharmaceuticals tadalafil reviews

  72. JosephLourb says

    cialis black review [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]Tadal Access[/url] cialis patient assistance

  73. JosephLourb says

    safest and most reliable pharmacy to buy cialis [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]cialis for women[/url] cialis trial pack

  74. JosephLourb says

    can you drink wine or liquor if you took in tadalafil [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]buy cialis usa[/url] what possible side effect should a patient taking tadalafil report to a physician quizlet

  75. JosephLourb says

    cialis max dose [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]buy cialis 20 mg online[/url] cialis tadalafil 20mg kaufen

  76. JosephLourb says

    tadalafil daily use [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]cialis reviews[/url] cialis 20mg for sale

  77. JosephLourb says

    cialis reviews [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]cheapest cialis 20 mg[/url] tadalafil vs sildenafil

  78. JosephLourb says

    cialis medicare [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]cialis logo[/url] how long i have to wait to take tadalafil after antifugal

  79. JosephLourb says

    buy cialis canada paypal [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]cialis sample request form[/url] when is the best time to take cialis

  80. Rodneyvus says

    Online medication store Australia [url=https://pharmau24.shop/#]Discount pharmacy Australia[/url] Medications online Australia

  81. Rodneyvus says

    affordable ed medication [url=http://eropharmfast.com/#]Ero Pharm Fast[/url] cheap ed meds

  82. Rodneyvus says

    buy antibiotics from india [url=https://biotpharm.shop/#]buy antibiotics online[/url] buy antibiotics over the counter

  83. Rodneyvus says

    PharmAu24 [url=http://pharmau24.com/#]Discount pharmacy Australia[/url] Licensed online pharmacy AU

  84. Rodneyvus says

    buy antibiotics [url=https://biotpharm.shop/#]buy antibiotics online[/url] best online doctor for antibiotics

  85. Barryaduch says

    Товар добавляется в корзину и подтверждается автоматически. устройство через систему KRAKEN не требует собеседований. новички принимаются без опыта — главное соблюдать инструкции.
    Достаточно перейти по ссылке и выбрать нужный товар. Оплата проходит без задержек, после чего выдаётся адрес.

  86. Binance úcet says

    Thanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.

  87. Binance Signup Bonus says

    Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.