King talks Luke's HOF chances

[Mr. Scot]

From his latest FMIA column, while answering a question about Adam Vinateiri, Peter King said this...

As of now (and not including carryover from previous years), the 2025 first-time-eligible class is a pretty good one. I’d rank them in this order: Vinatieri, Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, Marshal Yanda, Joe Staley, Eric Weddle, Darren Sproles. Every one of those players will get consideration.

[PandaMan]

Luke is getting in.  Best MLB of the decade.  Calvin Johnson getting in so soon after his short, albeit stellar career has me feeling good about the chances.  WR is backlogged with great talent, so it tells me they value high peaks more than longevity.  

[top dawg]

It's not even a question to me. He could read offenses just as well as opposing QBs. He's a lock to get in. Just watch!

[Ready 2 Win]

LUUUKKKEEEEEEEE!
 

[kungfoodude]

I don't think Eli is a shoe-in.

[Mage]

In what world is Darren Sproles a HOFer

[Daddy_Uncle]

God I miss watching Luke stare the QB in the eye and know the exact play that is coming and change the defense. Then immediately run to the spot the play is going before it even happens. It was incredible to watch. 

[Snake]

15 minutes ago, Mage said:

In what world is Darren Sproles a HOFer

The journeyman world.

[CanePantherHornet]

He should get in but I'm not holding my breathe. If he was a Steeler, Cowboy, or Patriot he'd be a first ballot lock.

[Jon Snow]

If Luke is not worthy of the HOF then the HOF is a shame.

[rayzor]

1 hour ago, kungfoodude said:

I don't think Eli is a shoe-in.

I was never that much of a fan, but those two rings and that last name are gonna get him in.

24 minutes ago, Mage said:

In what world is Darren Sproles a HOFer

All the other guys I can see a case for, but Sproles? I got nuthin'.

[Mr. Scot]

29 minutes ago, Mage said:

In what world is Darren Sproles a HOFer

I've seen arguments both ways.

Some point to the Sam Mills factor (Sproles was 5-6, maybe 170ish) and that despite being primarily a specialist he's in the top ten for overall yards in league history. Others say that utility players like Sproles don't get elected to the Hall of Fame.

Either way, King isn't necessarily saying he'll get in, just that he'll "get consideration". Significant though is that in ranking the chances of the first time eligible players for that year, he puts Luke behind only Vinatieri.

Worth remembering that King is a HOF voter.

Also kind of a dick about it (he fought to keep Art Monk out for years).

[KSpan]

31 minutes ago, Snake said:

The journeyman world.

As a disclaimer here I grew up playing against Sproles, my team getting toasted by Olathe North year after year. I've followed his career if only due to that interest.

Sproles played for 3 teams in his 15-year career, so not a journeyman. He missed most or all of 4 seasons die to injury, so in effectively 12 seasons of play he amassed 19,500 all-purpose yards, holds the record for most all-purpose yards in a season, and is 6th all-time behind Frank Gore and ahead of Marshall Faulk. He's a 2x first-team All-Pro and was selected for the All-decade team.

Journeyman? Not even close. Hall of Very Good? Absolutely. HoF? On the fringe IMO, and there are guys who definitely get in first like King describes. Don't know if Darren gets there, esp  since Brian Mitchell hasn't. But Darren had a great career in his role, especially given his stature.

Edited May 31, 2021 by KSpan

[Mr. Scot]

50 minutes ago, rayzor said:

I was never that much of a fan, but those two rings and that last name are gonna get him in.

Yeah, he'll get in. First ballot wouldn't surprise me.

The only way I don't see Eli getting in easily is if somebody prominent vehemently opposes him (like King did with Monk).