I've been peppered by many readers with this line from SI.com's Dr. Z. in his Hall of Fame column today:
Still with the Hall, Steve of Charlotte, N.C., wants to know if I see Marshall Faulk, Curtis Martin and Jerome Bettis as first ballot Hall of Famers? Faulk, possibly. Martin, yes, because there will be a lot of sentiment attached. He's really a terrific guy. Bettis, no. Down the line, maybe.
- 6-time Pro Bowler
- 5th All Time in Rushing - 13,662 yards
- 10th All Time in Rushing TDs - 91
- 13th All Time in Yards from scrimmage 15,111
- Super Bowl Champion
- Inspiration for the Helmet Cake
If that's not a first-ballot HOFer, who is? Don't answer that, we already have the answer: Curtis Martin and Marshall Faulk. Other than the obvious "shut up, whiny Steeler fans", any thoughts on Dr. Z.'s opinion?
Jerome Bettis career stats [Pro Football Reference]
Curtis Martin career stats [Pro Football Reference]
Marshall Faulk career stats [Pro Football Reference]
