Dent, Tagliabue await Hall of Fame results

PHOENIX -- Paul Tagliabue gets another crack at making the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, and Darrell Green and Cris Carter are the only first-time eligibles who made the finals.

Former Bears defensive end Richard Dent, the MVP of Super Bowl XX, is also one of the finalists.

Tagliabue, commissioner during the NFL's biggest period of prosperity, retired in 2006, replaced by Roger Goodell. He failed to get the necessary votes for election a year ago.

In his 17 years in charge, the league experienced no labor stoppages, while its TV contracts skyrocketed. There also were expansions to Jacksonville, Charlotte, Cleveland and Houston under his watch, and several teams moved into new stadiums, many of them built with public funds.

As one of Tagliabue's supporters said: "Can you write the history of the NFL, the most successful professional league in America, and not include Paul Tagliabue?"

Green is a rarity in that he played two decades with one team, the Washington Redskins. He was nearly as fast at the end of his stellar career as a cornerback and punt returner as he was when he first broke into the league from Texas A&I in 1983.

For years, Green was considered the NFL's quickest player.

"If you think you know fast, then you need to have seen Darrell Green run," Carter said.

Often during his career, he covered Carter, who retired in 2002 with 1,101 receptions, and 130 TD catches, both second overall to Jerry Rice. Carter also made the 1990s All-Decade team and his 122 receptions in 1993 set an NFL record since surpassed by Marvin Harrison.

Two other receivers are finalists: Art Monk and Andre Reed.

Monk retired in 1993 with records for most consecutive games with a reception (164) and career catches (820). Both records have since been surpassed.

Reed was the main receiving threat on the prolific Buffalo Bills of the late 1980s and early 90s.

Three of the most impressive and consistent blockers in league history are finalists: guards Russ Grimm, Bob Kuechenberg and Randall McDaniel.

Tackle Gary Zimmerman was a standout for both the Vikings and Broncos, winning a Super Bowl in his final season of 1997. He made his reputation in the USFL before joining Minnesota in 1986.

Besides Dent, the other defensive finalists are end Fred Dean; linebackers Randy Gradishar, Derrick Thomas and Andre Tippett. Also in the final 17 is punter Ray Guy.