Davis misses Hall of Fame cut

Former Broncos back not on list of finalists, but Zimmerman is

Lynn DeBruin, Rocky Mountain News

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Unlike John Elway three years ago, former Broncos running back Terrell Davis will not be a first-ballot inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And some are questioning whether he'll ever get in.

The 17 finalists for the 2007 class were announced Wednesday, and Davis, one of 25 semifinalists named in November, didn't make the cut.

Gary Zimmerman did again, and some believe the fourth time will be the charm for the former offensive tackle who ended his career with the Broncos.

Other finalists include receivers Michael Irvin, Art Monk and Andre Reed, the late Derrick Thomas, former commissioner Paul Tagliabue, punter Ray Guy and ironman Bruce Matthews. Only Matthews is in his first year of eligibility.

Former Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishaw, a finalist in 2005 and a semifinalist this year, did not make the cut.

At least one voter doesn't believe the snub means Davis won't eventually get in.

"His length of career is going to take a while for everyone to digest and debate," said Tony Grossi of The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer, a member of the board of selectors. "I wouldn't say not making it to the finals bodes poorly for him.

"Some it takes five, 10 years to get to the finals. There's a natural order, with others ahead of him right now. It's his first year (eligible). That's nothing to be ashamed of or to be worried about."

Others don't expect Davis, even though his domination during a four-year stretch helped the Broncos win two Super Bowls, to have his likeness cast in bronze.

"As much as I'd like to see him voted in as a friend and a teammate, there has to be two criteria - greatness and longevity," said former Broncos lineman Mark Schlereth, now an analyst with ESPN. "Unfortunately, because of injury, he didn't have the second. For me, (the Hall) is hallowed ground for those who spent nine, 10, 11 years putting up the numbers."

Davis had 7,607 rushing yards, won three AFC rushing titles, was named Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXII and is one of five players to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark in a season. But he played only seven seasons, retiring because of nagging knee injuries.

Schlereth acknowledges Hall of Famer Gale Sayers also played seven seasons and saw his career cut short by knee injuries.

"But he was one of those guys who changed the way we look at the running back position," he said of Sayers, who finished with 6,263 total yards and scored 56 touchdowns, including eight on returns.

"Although I was not selected with this year's class, I am grateful to those who considered my induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame," Davis said in a statement through the NFL Network, for which he is an analyst. "I have had a great career, and the Hall can only add to my achievements, not take away from them. I recognize the honor of being selected a Hall of Famer and I respect the voters and the voting process."

The lone running back who's a finalist is Thurman Thomas, who played 13 seasons and finished with 12,074 yards.

While the debate rages over Davis, Schlereth finds it hard to believe Zimmerman isn't in the Hall.

"Gary was part of two all-decade teams," he said. "How he didn't make it on the first ballot is beyond me."

Zimmerman, who spent the final five years of his 12-year career with the Broncos, was a finalist in 2003, 2004 and 2006.

"I think there's a push to fully debate and honor offensive linemen who have been neglected over the years, and he's right in the middle of that," Grossi said.

Tight end Charlie Sanders and guard Gene Hickerson were selected as senior candidates.

The class will be announced Feb. 3, with induction Aug. 4.