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February 2, 2008

Andre Tippett named to Pro Football Hall of Fame (updated)

It was announced moments ago that former Patriots linebacker Andre Tippett has been named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Tippett is the fourth player with Patriots ties to make the Hall of Fame. The others are guard John Hannah (he and Tippett are the only Hall of Famers to play their entire careers in New England), cornerback Mike Haynes and linebacker Nick Buoniconti.

Also voted in were two former Redskins, wide receiver Art Monk and cornerback Darrell Green; Chargers and 49ers defensive end Fred Dean; Vikings and Broncos tackle Gary Zimmerman and Chiefs cornerback Emmitt Thomas. Thomas was a senior committee choice.

Green made it in his first year of eligibility. The other first-year nominee, receiver Cris Carter, was not elected.

Inductions will be at the Pro Football Hall of Game in Canton, Ohio on Aug. 2.

“I looked forward to the day we are going to Canton,” Green said, breaking up with emotion.

Perhaps the most surprising outcome was Paul Tagliabue not getting enough support for the second straight year. In his 17 years as commissioner, the NFL experienced no labor stoppages, while its revenues from 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.

Also failiing to get in were Redskins guard Russ Grimm, Bills receiver Andre Reed, Raiders punter Ray Guy, Broncos linebacker Randy Gradishar, Bears defensive end Richard Dent, Dolphins guard Bob Kuechenberg, Vikings guard Randall McDaniel, and Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas.

Senior committee nominee Marshall Goldberg was not elected, either.

More to come . . .

-- STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Posted by Art Martone  at 4:38 PM | Permalink

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