2006 College Football Hall of Fame Class Announced
The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, Inc.
13 players and two coaches to enter college football's ultimate shrine
NEW YORK, May 16, 2006 – From the national ballot of 77 candidates and a pool of hundreds of eligible nominees, Ron Johnson, chairman of The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, announced the 2006 College Football Hall of Fame Division I-A Class, which includes the names of 13 All-America players and two legendary coaches.
2006 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS
PLAYERS
• Bobby Anderson – RB, Colorado, 1967-69 • Bennie Blades – DB, Miami (Fla.), 1985-87 • Carl Eller – T, Minnesota, 1961-63 • Steve Emtman – DL, Washington, 1989-91 • Thomas Everett – FS, Baylor, 1983-86 • Chad Hennings – DT, Air Force, 1984-87 • Chip Kell – OG, Tennessee, 1968-70 • Mike Phipps – QB, Purdue, 1967-69 • Mike Rozier – RB, Nebraska, 1981-83 • Jeff Siemon – LB, Stanford, 1968-71 • Bruce Smith – DT, Virginia Tech, 1981-84 • Emmitt Smith – RB, Florida, 1987-89 • Charlie Ward – QB, Florida State, 1989, 1991-93
COACHES
• Bobby Bowden – Samford (1959-62), West Virginia (1970-75), Florida State (1976-present), 359-107-4 • Joe Paterno – Penn State (1966-present), 354-117-3
“We are very pleased to announce the induction of yet another exceptional class of college football hall of famers,” said Chairman Ron Johnson. “Each year our hard-working Honors Court, chaired by Gene Corrigan, continues to do an outstanding job in ensuring the game’s legends are duly recognized.”
The 2006 College Football Hall of Fame Division I-A Class will be inducted at the 49th Annual Awards Dinner on December 5, 2006, at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. They will be officially enshrined at the Hall in South Bend, Indiana during ceremonies in the summer of 2007.
2006 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME DIVISION I-A CLASS
NOTES
Ø Two Heisman Trophy winners (Rozier, Ward) Ø Four players who placed in the Top Four in Heisman Trophy voting (Emtman-4th, Phipps-2nd, Rozier-1st, Ward-1st) Ø 10 unanimous First Team All-Americas Ø Five multiple First Team All-America honorees (Blades, Everett, Kell, Rozier, Bruce Smith)
Ø Three Outland Trophy winners (Emtman, Hennings, Bruce Smith) Ø Two Maxwell Award winners (Rozier, Ward) Ø Two Walter Camp Players of the Year (Rozier, Ward) Ø Two Jim Thorpe Award winners (Blades, Everett) Ø One Lombardi Award winners (Emtman) Ø One Davey O’Brien Award winner (Ward) Ø One Johnny Unitas Award winner (Ward) Ø Seven conference Players of the Year Ø 11 multiple First Team All-Conference selections Ø Nine First Round NFL Draft picks Ø Two #1 overall selections (Emtman, Bruce Smith) Ø Five selection in the Top Three of the first round (Blades-3rd, Emtman-1st, Phipps-3rd, Rozier-2nd, Bruce Smith-1st) Ø Six offensive players Ø Seven defensive players Ø Two inductees are the first players inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame who played in the 1990s (Emtman, Ward) Ø Eight inductees played in the 1980s Ø Two played in the 1970s (Kell, Siemon) Ø Five played in the 1960s (Anderson, Eller, Kell, Phipps, Siemon)
CRITERIA
1. First and Foremost, a player must have received First Team All-America recognition by a selector organization that is recognized by the NCAA and utilized to comprise their consensus All-America teams.
2. A player becomes eligible for consideration by the Foundation's Honors Courts ten years after his final year of intercollegiate football played.
3. While each nominee's football achievements in college are of prime consideration, his post football record as a citizen is also weighed. He must have proven himself worthy as a citizen, carrying the ideals of football forward into his relations with his community and his fellow man with love of his country. Consideration may also be given for academic honors and whether or not the candidate earned a college degree.
4. Players must have played their last year of intercollegiate football within the last 50 years*. For example, to be eligible for the 2006 ballot, the player must have played his last year in 1956 or thereafter. In addition, players who are playing professionally and coaches who are coaching on the professional level are not eligible until after they retire.
5. A coach becomes eligible three years after retirement or immediately following retirement provided he is at least 70 years of age. Active coaches become eligible at 75 years of age. He must have been a head coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage*.
(*Those players that do not comply with the 50-year rule and coaches that have not won 60% of their games may still be eligible for consideration by the Division I-A and Divisional Honors Review Committees, which examine unique cases.)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Did You Know?
• Only 796 players and 170 coaches have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame from the more than 4.4 million who have played the game over the past 138 years.
• Founded in 1947, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame inducted its first class of inductees in 1951. The first class included 32 players and 19 coaches, including Illinois' Red Grange, Notre Dame's Knute Rockne, Amos Alonzo Stagg and Carlisle's Jim Thorpe.
• 268 schools are represented with at least one College Football Hall of Famer.
• In South Bend, Ind., the current building was built in 1995 as a $17 million state-of-the-art interactive facility for fans of all ages. It attracts over 60,000 people each year to more than 200 events.
• Induction for this class of Hall of Famers will take place December 5, 2006 in New York City.
2006 College Football Hall of Fame Class
Bobby Anderson
University of Colorado
Running Back, 1967-69
A multi-talented threat, who excelled at both quarterback and running back, Colorado’s Bob Anderson will join his brother Dick as the newest Buffalo inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
A consensus First Team All-America selection in 1969, Anderson was named Most Valuable Player in the 1967 Bluebonnet Bowl, the 1969 Liberty Bowl, in which he set an all bowls record with 254 yards, and the 1969 Hula Bowl. An All-America Honorable Mention in 1967, he was twice named Outstanding College Athlete in the State of Colorado.
A two-time First Team All-Big 8 selection, Anderson was named conference Player of the Week six times and became the first Big 8 player to eclipse the 5,000 total offense mark for a career. Named team captain in 1969, he broke 18 school records, including CU’s all-time career rushing record with 2,367 yards. Recipient of CU’s University Medal for service to the school, Anderson is a member of the Colorado Sports and Big 8/12 Halls of Fame.
Drafted in the first round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, Anderson enjoyed a six-year NFL career with the Broncos, Washington Redskins and New England Patriots. Active in his community, he volunteers with “Step 13,” a recovery organization for alcoholics and is a founding member of the Celebrity Players Golf Tour. Currently, he resides in LaQuinta, California.
Bennie Blades
University of Miami (Fla.)
Defensive Back, 1985-87
One of the most decorated defensive backs in college football history, Miami’s Bennie Blades led a ferocious Hurricanes’ defense that paced the school to a perfect 12-0 record in 1987 and its second National Championship.
The recipient of the 1987 Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, Blades twice earned First Team All-America honors – unanimous recognition in 1987 and consensus honors in 1986. In addition to the national title, he guided the ‘Canes to a 33-3 overall record and three bowl game appearances.
In 1986, Blades led the nation in interceptions and set an NCAA record with .91 per game. By career’s end, he was Miami’s all-time career leader with 19 interceptions and 305 interception return yards. He also set UM records with five consecutive games with a pick and 286 career tackles by a safety. Head coach Jimmy Johnson described Blades as, “the best player at his position that I’ve ever coached.”
Drafted third overall in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, Blades played for 11 seasons in the NFL with the Lions and Seattle Seahawks and currently resides in Sunrise, Florida.
Carl Eller
University of Minnesota
Tackle, 1961-63
A devastating defensive force, Carl Eller dominated BIG TEN opponents as the undisputed leader of the Minnesota Golden Gophers and will become the third UM player inducted in the last five years.
A looming presence at 6-foot-6 inches, 245 pounds, Eller earned consensus First Team All-America status in 1963. As a result of a dominating 1963 campaign, he was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game, Coaches All-America Game, College All-Star Game and Hula Bowl.
A First Team All-BIG TEN selection in 1963, Eller was named Minnesota’s Most Valuable Player. In 1984, UM renamed their Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year Award: the “Carl Eller Award.” Drafted in the first round of the 1964 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, he would become an NFL legend. After 15 seasons, six Pro Bowls, two Most Valuable Lineman Awards and 134 career sacks, Eller was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
A chemical dependency counselor and executive director of the Triumph Life Center, Eller remains active in the community, having also served as the president of the “M” Club, the University of Minnesota Letterman Alumni Society. Currently, Eller lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Steve Emtman
University of Washington
Defensive Tackle, 1989-91
When it comes to collegiate success, few can match the amount of team and personal accolades that Washington’s Steve Emtman earned in 1991.
A unanimous First Team All-America in 1991, Emtman became only the ninth player in college football history to win both the Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy in the same season. After placing fourth in the 1991 Heisman Trophy voting, he was named Co-Most Valuable Player in a Rose Bowl victory that earned the Huskies a share of the National Championship.
A dominant conference player, he was twice named PAC-10 Defensive Player of the Year, recipient of the Morris Trophy as the conference’s top defensive lineman and First Team All-Conference. Named 1991 team MVP, John P. Angel Award recipient and L. Walt Rising Lineman of the Year, Emtman recorded 134 career tackles and 14 sacks en route to becoming a member of the Husky Hall of Fame.
Drafted as the first overall selection in the 1992 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Emtman played six injury shortened seasons in the NFL for three teams. Emtman is currently a successful businessman and land developer and resides Veradale, Washington.
Thomas Everett
Baylor University
Safety, 1983-86
Playing under the tutelage of College Football Hall of Fame coach Grant Teaff, Baylor’s Thomas Everett was a leader during one of the program’s most successful eras as the Bears won 30 games and appeared in three bowl games.
A two-time First Team All-America selection, Everett earned unanimous honors in 1986, played in the Hula Bowl and received the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. Twice named Southwest Conference Most Valuable Player and First Team All-Conference, he was voted the conference’s Athlete of the Year for the 1986-87 school year.
Named to Baylor’s All-Decade of the 1980s Team, Everett ranks among the school’s top 10 in career interceptions (12), tackles (325), punt returns (80) and punt return yards (766). A member of the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame, he led his team in punt return yards three times.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Everett enjoyed nine seasons in the NFL with the Steelers, Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Currently, he resides in Dallas, Texas.
Chad Hennings
United States Air Force Academy
Defensive Tackle, 1984-87
One of college football’s great defensive linemen of his era, Chad Hennings will become only the second player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame from the United States Air Force Academy.
A unanimous First Team All-America selection in 1987, Hennings received the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman. A two-time First Team All-Conference selection, he is a member of the WAC All-Time Team and was named WAC Defensive Player of the Decade for the 1980s. Leading the nation with 24 sacks in 1987, Hennings played in numerous post-season all-star games including the Japan Bowl and East-West Shrine Game. A two-time First Team Academic All-America, Hennings earned Academic All-WAC honors three times and received the Stan Bates Award as the conference’s top scholar-athlete in 1987.
Although he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1988 NFL Draft, Hennings fulfilled his four-year military commitment, serving during the first Gulf War. In 1992, he rejoined the Cowboys and embarked on a nine year NFL career that brought him three Super Bowl titles.
Very active in his community, Hennings is a member of the Board of Directors for Happy Hills Farm, a home for abused and neglected children. He resides in Flower Mound, Texas and is a successful business owner.
Chip Kell
University of Tennessee
Offensive Guard, 1968-70
Continuing in a long tradition of outstanding University of Tennessee football players, Chip Kell will become the 19th player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in the program’s storied history.
A finalist for the 1970 Lombardi Award, Kell is one of only four players in Tennessee history to earn consensus First Team All-America honors twice (unanimous in 1970). Anchoring a dominant offensive line for three seasons, he helped guide the Vols to a 28-5-1 record and three bowl game appearances. In 1970, Kell bolstered a line that helped UT rush for the most single-season yards since 1951 and pass for the most yards in school history.
A three-time First Team All-Conference selection, Kell twice won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC’s most outstanding lineman. Named the team’s top lineman, he was twice named to the All-South Football Team and led the Vols to the 1969 SEC title and an 11-1 record in 1970, capped by a victory in the Sugar Bowl.
Following two seasons of professional football with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League, Kell began a long career as a teacher and coach on the high school level – positions he continues to enjoy today in his hometown of Cohutta, Georgia.
Mike Phipps
Purdue University
Quarterback, 1967-69
One of the great quarterbacks in BIG TEN football history, Mike Phipps will now join fellow Purdue great and quarterback legend Bob Griese in the College Football Hall of Fame.
In an incredible year for personal accolades, Phipps was named a unanimous First Team All-America, BIG TEN Most Valuable Player, team MVP and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1969. A participant in the Hula Bowl and North-South Game, he became the first quarterback ever to beat Notre Dame in three consecutive years – achieving this while the Irish were ranked #1, #2 and #9 in the nation respectively.
A two-time First Team All-Conference performer and team captain, Phipps also displayed great prowess in the classroom. A First Team Academic All-America pick in 1970, he was the recipient of a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.
Drafted third overall in the first round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Phipps enjoyed a 12-season NFL career with the Browns and Chicago Bears. Active in his local community of Lighthouse Point, Florida, he donates his time as a volunteer offensive high school coach and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Mike Rozier
University of Nebraska
Running Back, 1981-83
Arguably the greatest running back in the long and storied history of Nebraska football, Mike Rozier had a dominant collegiate career, which included one of the greatest single-season rushing performances in NCAA history.
With 2,148 yards, Rozier led the nation in rushing in 1983, becoming only the second player in NCAA history to break the 2,000 yard mark in a single-season. For his remarkable performance in 1983, he won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award and recognition as Walter Camp Player of the Year. A two-time First Team All-America selection – unanimous in 1983 and consensus in 1982, Rozier set numerous NCAA single-season rushing records including yards per game (179.0) and rushing touchdowns (29).
A two-time BIG-8 Offensive Player of the Year, Rozier was an All-Conference First Team Performer three times and led the Cornhuskers to a perfect 21-0 conference record and three titles. Currently holding numerous Nebraska records, he ranks fifth in NCAA history in single-season rushing yards and 19th in career rushing (4,780).
Drafted second overall in the first round of the 1984 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, Rozier played eight seasons in the NFL with the Oilers and Atlanta Falcons. He currently resides in Sicklerville, New Jersey.
Jeff Siemon
Stanford University
Linebacker, 1968-71
A fierce hitter and team leader, Jeff Siemon was the heart and soul of a Stanford defense that silenced some of college football’s best teams.
A consensus First Team All-America selection in 1971, Siemon led a defense that shut down both Ohio State and Michigan, two previously unbeaten teams, in consecutive Rose Bowl victories. A participant in the 1971 Hula Bowl, he retroactively won the Silver Anniversary Dick Butkus Award in 1997 as the nation’s top linebacker in 1971.
A two-time First Team All-Conference pick, Siemon received the Pop Warner Award as the Most Outstanding Senior on the West Coast in 1971. Drafted 10th overall in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, he enjoyed 11 seasons in the NFL with the Vikings playing in three Super Bowls and earning Pro Bowl status four times.
Very active in the community, Siemon sits on the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes Advisory Board and is a six-year member of the National FCA Board of Trustees. Since retiring from the NFL, he has been the Divisional Director for Search Ministries and currently resides in Edins, Minnesota.
Bruce Smith
Virginia Tech
Defensive Tackle, 1981-84
A dominating defensive presence, Virginia Tech’s Bruce Smith punished quarterbacks with his tireless sacking ability, becoming arguably the Hokies’ greatest defensive player of all time.
A two-time First Team All-America selection – unanimous in 1984, Smith won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman. Named 1984 Washington Touchdown Club Lineman of the Year, he set the school record for sacks in a single-game (four), single-season (22) and career (46). A two-time First Team All-South Independent selection, Smith was twice named Player of the Year from the State of Virginia. A member of the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame, he made 180 career tackles and holds numerous school records for tackles-for-a-loss.
Selected first overall in 1985 Draft by the Buffalo Bills, Smith played 19 years in the NFL, finishing with the Washington Redskins. With 11 Pro Bowl appearances, he retired as the NFL’s all-time sack leader.
Involved in many community activities through the NFL, Smith holds a yearly charity golf tournament, speaks for the United Way and donates tickets through the National Council of Senior Citizens. Currently, Smith lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Emmitt Smith
University of Florida
Running Back, 1987-89
An elite running back with all-worldly talent on both collegiate and professional levels, Emmitt Smith ran to national prominence in 1987, and by 1989, was a Florida legend.
A unanimous First Team All-America selection, Smith finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1989 and ninth in 1987. A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, he was named SEC Player of the Year in 1989 and Freshman of the Year in 1987.
A member of the UF Team of the Century, Smith broke 58 school records en route to rushing for 3,928 yards and 36 touchdowns in only three seasons. In his award-laden junior year, he rushed for 1,599 yards and 16 scores. Drafted in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Smith enjoyed 15 seasons in the NFL with the Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. Upon retirement, he was the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with over 18,000 career yards, 164 touchdowns and three Super Bowl rings.
Extremely devoted to his charities, Smith works with children through several organizations, including the Open Doors Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army and “Just Say No” anti-drug campaigns among many others. Currently, he resides in Dallas, Texas.
Charlie Ward
Florida State University
Quarterback, 1989, 1991-93
In leading Florida State to its first-ever National Championship, quarterback Charlie Ward received more than 30 individual awards, making him possibly the most decorated player in the history of college football.
In the magical national title year of 1993, Ward won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year and earned unanimous First Team All-America honors among many others. A two-time ACC Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference selection, he set seven ACC records and led the Seminoles to two conference titles.
Widely regarded as the greatest player in FSU history, Ward set 19 school records including single-season touchdowns (27) and career total offense (6,636 yards). A 1993 co-captain, he passed for more than 5,700 career yards and ran for better than 850.
An incredibly talented two-sport athlete, Ward opted to enter the National Basketball Association rather than the NFL, despite his remarkable football success. He played for 11 seasons in the NBA, nine of which were with the New York Knicks, and currently serves as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets, where he currently resides.
Coach Bobby Bowden
Samford University (1959-62), West Virginia University (1970-75), Florida State University (1976-present) Head Coach, 359-107-4
After relatively short stints at Samford and West Virginia, Coach Bobby Bowden has become an institution at Florida State University. With 359 career wins in 41 seasons, Bowden has won the most games in the history of Division I-A college football…and he’s still counting.
Prior to Bowden’s arrival at Florida State, the Seminoles had won only four games in the previous three seasons. Since, FSU has won 286 of 365 games and 19 of 29 bowl games. He is the only coach in NCAA history to win 11 consecutive bowl games, make 14 straight bowl appearances and appear in the Top Five of the AP final rankings for 14 consecutive seasons. Twice leading the Seminoles to the National Championship, Bowden’s 1999 team was the first ever to go wire-to-wire as the AP’s #1 ranked team.
When FSU joined the ACC in 1992, FSU’s dominance only became more pronounced. In 15 seasons, Bowden’s teams have won 13 conference titles and he has twice earned ACC Coach of the Year honors.
To date, Bowden has an overall record of 359-107-4 with a win percentage of .768. By far the winningest coach in school history, he has more victories than the prior seven FSU coaches combined. For all of his success, the field at Doak Campbell Stadium was named in his honor and a national award given by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes now bears his name as well.
Coach Joe Paterno
Pennsylvania State University (1966-present) Head Coach, 354-117-3
No one in Division I-A college football history has coached longer or won more games at one school than Joe Paterno has at Penn State. Although his legacy is not yet complete, his coaching influence has spanned parts of six decades and his impact will be felt forever.
For 56 years and 630 games, Paterno has coached Nittany Lion football – the last 40 as head coach. A five-time National Coach of the Year honoree, he currently ranks second, only to Bobby Bowden (359), with 354 career victories on the major college level. Paterno’s teams have recorded five undefeated seasons, 21 finishes in the AP Top 10 and two National Championships. With a record of 21-10-1, he is the all-time leader among coaches in bowl appearances and victories.
Since 1966, Paterno has coached 71 First Team All-Americas, 14 NFF National Scholar-Athletes, 300 players that have signed NFL contracts and seven members of the College Football Hall of Fame.
PSU’s remarkable 11-1 record in 2005 marked the fifth different decade and 19th time overall that the Nittany Lions have won at least 10 games in a season with Paterno at the helm. With an overall record of 354-117-3 and a win percentage of .750, he received the NFF’s Distinguished American Award in 1992 and was named Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsman of the Year” in 1986.
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Matt Sweeney, Director of Special Projects, Ext. 116
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www.footballfoundation.com
13 players and two coaches to enter college football's ultimate shrine
NEW YORK, May 16, 2006 – From the national ballot of 77 candidates and a pool of hundreds of eligible nominees, Ron Johnson, chairman of The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, announced the 2006 College Football Hall of Fame Division I-A Class, which includes the names of 13 All-America players and two legendary coaches.
2006 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS
PLAYERS
• Bobby Anderson – RB, Colorado, 1967-69 • Bennie Blades – DB, Miami (Fla.), 1985-87 • Carl Eller – T, Minnesota, 1961-63 • Steve Emtman – DL, Washington, 1989-91 • Thomas Everett – FS, Baylor, 1983-86 • Chad Hennings – DT, Air Force, 1984-87 • Chip Kell – OG, Tennessee, 1968-70 • Mike Phipps – QB, Purdue, 1967-69 • Mike Rozier – RB, Nebraska, 1981-83 • Jeff Siemon – LB, Stanford, 1968-71 • Bruce Smith – DT, Virginia Tech, 1981-84 • Emmitt Smith – RB, Florida, 1987-89 • Charlie Ward – QB, Florida State, 1989, 1991-93
COACHES
• Bobby Bowden – Samford (1959-62), West Virginia (1970-75), Florida State (1976-present), 359-107-4 • Joe Paterno – Penn State (1966-present), 354-117-3
“We are very pleased to announce the induction of yet another exceptional class of college football hall of famers,” said Chairman Ron Johnson. “Each year our hard-working Honors Court, chaired by Gene Corrigan, continues to do an outstanding job in ensuring the game’s legends are duly recognized.”
The 2006 College Football Hall of Fame Division I-A Class will be inducted at the 49th Annual Awards Dinner on December 5, 2006, at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. They will be officially enshrined at the Hall in South Bend, Indiana during ceremonies in the summer of 2007.
2006 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME DIVISION I-A CLASS
NOTES
Ø Two Heisman Trophy winners (Rozier, Ward) Ø Four players who placed in the Top Four in Heisman Trophy voting (Emtman-4th, Phipps-2nd, Rozier-1st, Ward-1st) Ø 10 unanimous First Team All-Americas Ø Five multiple First Team All-America honorees (Blades, Everett, Kell, Rozier, Bruce Smith)
Ø Three Outland Trophy winners (Emtman, Hennings, Bruce Smith) Ø Two Maxwell Award winners (Rozier, Ward) Ø Two Walter Camp Players of the Year (Rozier, Ward) Ø Two Jim Thorpe Award winners (Blades, Everett) Ø One Lombardi Award winners (Emtman) Ø One Davey O’Brien Award winner (Ward) Ø One Johnny Unitas Award winner (Ward) Ø Seven conference Players of the Year Ø 11 multiple First Team All-Conference selections Ø Nine First Round NFL Draft picks Ø Two #1 overall selections (Emtman, Bruce Smith) Ø Five selection in the Top Three of the first round (Blades-3rd, Emtman-1st, Phipps-3rd, Rozier-2nd, Bruce Smith-1st) Ø Six offensive players Ø Seven defensive players Ø Two inductees are the first players inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame who played in the 1990s (Emtman, Ward) Ø Eight inductees played in the 1980s Ø Two played in the 1970s (Kell, Siemon) Ø Five played in the 1960s (Anderson, Eller, Kell, Phipps, Siemon)
CRITERIA
1. First and Foremost, a player must have received First Team All-America recognition by a selector organization that is recognized by the NCAA and utilized to comprise their consensus All-America teams.
2. A player becomes eligible for consideration by the Foundation's Honors Courts ten years after his final year of intercollegiate football played.
3. While each nominee's football achievements in college are of prime consideration, his post football record as a citizen is also weighed. He must have proven himself worthy as a citizen, carrying the ideals of football forward into his relations with his community and his fellow man with love of his country. Consideration may also be given for academic honors and whether or not the candidate earned a college degree.
4. Players must have played their last year of intercollegiate football within the last 50 years*. For example, to be eligible for the 2006 ballot, the player must have played his last year in 1956 or thereafter. In addition, players who are playing professionally and coaches who are coaching on the professional level are not eligible until after they retire.
5. A coach becomes eligible three years after retirement or immediately following retirement provided he is at least 70 years of age. Active coaches become eligible at 75 years of age. He must have been a head coach for a minimum of 10 years and coached at least 100 games with a .600 winning percentage*.
(*Those players that do not comply with the 50-year rule and coaches that have not won 60% of their games may still be eligible for consideration by the Division I-A and Divisional Honors Review Committees, which examine unique cases.)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
Did You Know?
• Only 796 players and 170 coaches have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame from the more than 4.4 million who have played the game over the past 138 years.
• Founded in 1947, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame inducted its first class of inductees in 1951. The first class included 32 players and 19 coaches, including Illinois' Red Grange, Notre Dame's Knute Rockne, Amos Alonzo Stagg and Carlisle's Jim Thorpe.
• 268 schools are represented with at least one College Football Hall of Famer.
• In South Bend, Ind., the current building was built in 1995 as a $17 million state-of-the-art interactive facility for fans of all ages. It attracts over 60,000 people each year to more than 200 events.
• Induction for this class of Hall of Famers will take place December 5, 2006 in New York City.
2006 College Football Hall of Fame Class
Bobby Anderson
University of Colorado
Running Back, 1967-69
A multi-talented threat, who excelled at both quarterback and running back, Colorado’s Bob Anderson will join his brother Dick as the newest Buffalo inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
A consensus First Team All-America selection in 1969, Anderson was named Most Valuable Player in the 1967 Bluebonnet Bowl, the 1969 Liberty Bowl, in which he set an all bowls record with 254 yards, and the 1969 Hula Bowl. An All-America Honorable Mention in 1967, he was twice named Outstanding College Athlete in the State of Colorado.
A two-time First Team All-Big 8 selection, Anderson was named conference Player of the Week six times and became the first Big 8 player to eclipse the 5,000 total offense mark for a career. Named team captain in 1969, he broke 18 school records, including CU’s all-time career rushing record with 2,367 yards. Recipient of CU’s University Medal for service to the school, Anderson is a member of the Colorado Sports and Big 8/12 Halls of Fame.
Drafted in the first round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, Anderson enjoyed a six-year NFL career with the Broncos, Washington Redskins and New England Patriots. Active in his community, he volunteers with “Step 13,” a recovery organization for alcoholics and is a founding member of the Celebrity Players Golf Tour. Currently, he resides in LaQuinta, California.
Bennie Blades
University of Miami (Fla.)
Defensive Back, 1985-87
One of the most decorated defensive backs in college football history, Miami’s Bennie Blades led a ferocious Hurricanes’ defense that paced the school to a perfect 12-0 record in 1987 and its second National Championship.
The recipient of the 1987 Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, Blades twice earned First Team All-America honors – unanimous recognition in 1987 and consensus honors in 1986. In addition to the national title, he guided the ‘Canes to a 33-3 overall record and three bowl game appearances.
In 1986, Blades led the nation in interceptions and set an NCAA record with .91 per game. By career’s end, he was Miami’s all-time career leader with 19 interceptions and 305 interception return yards. He also set UM records with five consecutive games with a pick and 286 career tackles by a safety. Head coach Jimmy Johnson described Blades as, “the best player at his position that I’ve ever coached.”
Drafted third overall in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, Blades played for 11 seasons in the NFL with the Lions and Seattle Seahawks and currently resides in Sunrise, Florida.
Carl Eller
University of Minnesota
Tackle, 1961-63
A devastating defensive force, Carl Eller dominated BIG TEN opponents as the undisputed leader of the Minnesota Golden Gophers and will become the third UM player inducted in the last five years.
A looming presence at 6-foot-6 inches, 245 pounds, Eller earned consensus First Team All-America status in 1963. As a result of a dominating 1963 campaign, he was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game, Coaches All-America Game, College All-Star Game and Hula Bowl.
A First Team All-BIG TEN selection in 1963, Eller was named Minnesota’s Most Valuable Player. In 1984, UM renamed their Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year Award: the “Carl Eller Award.” Drafted in the first round of the 1964 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, he would become an NFL legend. After 15 seasons, six Pro Bowls, two Most Valuable Lineman Awards and 134 career sacks, Eller was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
A chemical dependency counselor and executive director of the Triumph Life Center, Eller remains active in the community, having also served as the president of the “M” Club, the University of Minnesota Letterman Alumni Society. Currently, Eller lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Steve Emtman
University of Washington
Defensive Tackle, 1989-91
When it comes to collegiate success, few can match the amount of team and personal accolades that Washington’s Steve Emtman earned in 1991.
A unanimous First Team All-America in 1991, Emtman became only the ninth player in college football history to win both the Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy in the same season. After placing fourth in the 1991 Heisman Trophy voting, he was named Co-Most Valuable Player in a Rose Bowl victory that earned the Huskies a share of the National Championship.
A dominant conference player, he was twice named PAC-10 Defensive Player of the Year, recipient of the Morris Trophy as the conference’s top defensive lineman and First Team All-Conference. Named 1991 team MVP, John P. Angel Award recipient and L. Walt Rising Lineman of the Year, Emtman recorded 134 career tackles and 14 sacks en route to becoming a member of the Husky Hall of Fame.
Drafted as the first overall selection in the 1992 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Emtman played six injury shortened seasons in the NFL for three teams. Emtman is currently a successful businessman and land developer and resides Veradale, Washington.
Thomas Everett
Baylor University
Safety, 1983-86
Playing under the tutelage of College Football Hall of Fame coach Grant Teaff, Baylor’s Thomas Everett was a leader during one of the program’s most successful eras as the Bears won 30 games and appeared in three bowl games.
A two-time First Team All-America selection, Everett earned unanimous honors in 1986, played in the Hula Bowl and received the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back. Twice named Southwest Conference Most Valuable Player and First Team All-Conference, he was voted the conference’s Athlete of the Year for the 1986-87 school year.
Named to Baylor’s All-Decade of the 1980s Team, Everett ranks among the school’s top 10 in career interceptions (12), tackles (325), punt returns (80) and punt return yards (766). A member of the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame, he led his team in punt return yards three times.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Everett enjoyed nine seasons in the NFL with the Steelers, Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Currently, he resides in Dallas, Texas.
Chad Hennings
United States Air Force Academy
Defensive Tackle, 1984-87
One of college football’s great defensive linemen of his era, Chad Hennings will become only the second player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame from the United States Air Force Academy.
A unanimous First Team All-America selection in 1987, Hennings received the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman. A two-time First Team All-Conference selection, he is a member of the WAC All-Time Team and was named WAC Defensive Player of the Decade for the 1980s. Leading the nation with 24 sacks in 1987, Hennings played in numerous post-season all-star games including the Japan Bowl and East-West Shrine Game. A two-time First Team Academic All-America, Hennings earned Academic All-WAC honors three times and received the Stan Bates Award as the conference’s top scholar-athlete in 1987.
Although he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1988 NFL Draft, Hennings fulfilled his four-year military commitment, serving during the first Gulf War. In 1992, he rejoined the Cowboys and embarked on a nine year NFL career that brought him three Super Bowl titles.
Very active in his community, Hennings is a member of the Board of Directors for Happy Hills Farm, a home for abused and neglected children. He resides in Flower Mound, Texas and is a successful business owner.
Chip Kell
University of Tennessee
Offensive Guard, 1968-70
Continuing in a long tradition of outstanding University of Tennessee football players, Chip Kell will become the 19th player inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in the program’s storied history.
A finalist for the 1970 Lombardi Award, Kell is one of only four players in Tennessee history to earn consensus First Team All-America honors twice (unanimous in 1970). Anchoring a dominant offensive line for three seasons, he helped guide the Vols to a 28-5-1 record and three bowl game appearances. In 1970, Kell bolstered a line that helped UT rush for the most single-season yards since 1951 and pass for the most yards in school history.
A three-time First Team All-Conference selection, Kell twice won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC’s most outstanding lineman. Named the team’s top lineman, he was twice named to the All-South Football Team and led the Vols to the 1969 SEC title and an 11-1 record in 1970, capped by a victory in the Sugar Bowl.
Following two seasons of professional football with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League, Kell began a long career as a teacher and coach on the high school level – positions he continues to enjoy today in his hometown of Cohutta, Georgia.
Mike Phipps
Purdue University
Quarterback, 1967-69
One of the great quarterbacks in BIG TEN football history, Mike Phipps will now join fellow Purdue great and quarterback legend Bob Griese in the College Football Hall of Fame.
In an incredible year for personal accolades, Phipps was named a unanimous First Team All-America, BIG TEN Most Valuable Player, team MVP and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1969. A participant in the Hula Bowl and North-South Game, he became the first quarterback ever to beat Notre Dame in three consecutive years – achieving this while the Irish were ranked #1, #2 and #9 in the nation respectively.
A two-time First Team All-Conference performer and team captain, Phipps also displayed great prowess in the classroom. A First Team Academic All-America pick in 1970, he was the recipient of a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.
Drafted third overall in the first round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Phipps enjoyed a 12-season NFL career with the Browns and Chicago Bears. Active in his local community of Lighthouse Point, Florida, he donates his time as a volunteer offensive high school coach and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Mike Rozier
University of Nebraska
Running Back, 1981-83
Arguably the greatest running back in the long and storied history of Nebraska football, Mike Rozier had a dominant collegiate career, which included one of the greatest single-season rushing performances in NCAA history.
With 2,148 yards, Rozier led the nation in rushing in 1983, becoming only the second player in NCAA history to break the 2,000 yard mark in a single-season. For his remarkable performance in 1983, he won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award and recognition as Walter Camp Player of the Year. A two-time First Team All-America selection – unanimous in 1983 and consensus in 1982, Rozier set numerous NCAA single-season rushing records including yards per game (179.0) and rushing touchdowns (29).
A two-time BIG-8 Offensive Player of the Year, Rozier was an All-Conference First Team Performer three times and led the Cornhuskers to a perfect 21-0 conference record and three titles. Currently holding numerous Nebraska records, he ranks fifth in NCAA history in single-season rushing yards and 19th in career rushing (4,780).
Drafted second overall in the first round of the 1984 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, Rozier played eight seasons in the NFL with the Oilers and Atlanta Falcons. He currently resides in Sicklerville, New Jersey.
Jeff Siemon
Stanford University
Linebacker, 1968-71
A fierce hitter and team leader, Jeff Siemon was the heart and soul of a Stanford defense that silenced some of college football’s best teams.
A consensus First Team All-America selection in 1971, Siemon led a defense that shut down both Ohio State and Michigan, two previously unbeaten teams, in consecutive Rose Bowl victories. A participant in the 1971 Hula Bowl, he retroactively won the Silver Anniversary Dick Butkus Award in 1997 as the nation’s top linebacker in 1971.
A two-time First Team All-Conference pick, Siemon received the Pop Warner Award as the Most Outstanding Senior on the West Coast in 1971. Drafted 10th overall in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, he enjoyed 11 seasons in the NFL with the Vikings playing in three Super Bowls and earning Pro Bowl status four times.
Very active in the community, Siemon sits on the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes Advisory Board and is a six-year member of the National FCA Board of Trustees. Since retiring from the NFL, he has been the Divisional Director for Search Ministries and currently resides in Edins, Minnesota.
Bruce Smith
Virginia Tech
Defensive Tackle, 1981-84
A dominating defensive presence, Virginia Tech’s Bruce Smith punished quarterbacks with his tireless sacking ability, becoming arguably the Hokies’ greatest defensive player of all time.
A two-time First Team All-America selection – unanimous in 1984, Smith won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman. Named 1984 Washington Touchdown Club Lineman of the Year, he set the school record for sacks in a single-game (four), single-season (22) and career (46). A two-time First Team All-South Independent selection, Smith was twice named Player of the Year from the State of Virginia. A member of the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame, he made 180 career tackles and holds numerous school records for tackles-for-a-loss.
Selected first overall in 1985 Draft by the Buffalo Bills, Smith played 19 years in the NFL, finishing with the Washington Redskins. With 11 Pro Bowl appearances, he retired as the NFL’s all-time sack leader.
Involved in many community activities through the NFL, Smith holds a yearly charity golf tournament, speaks for the United Way and donates tickets through the National Council of Senior Citizens. Currently, Smith lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Emmitt Smith
University of Florida
Running Back, 1987-89
An elite running back with all-worldly talent on both collegiate and professional levels, Emmitt Smith ran to national prominence in 1987, and by 1989, was a Florida legend.
A unanimous First Team All-America selection, Smith finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1989 and ninth in 1987. A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, he was named SEC Player of the Year in 1989 and Freshman of the Year in 1987.
A member of the UF Team of the Century, Smith broke 58 school records en route to rushing for 3,928 yards and 36 touchdowns in only three seasons. In his award-laden junior year, he rushed for 1,599 yards and 16 scores. Drafted in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Smith enjoyed 15 seasons in the NFL with the Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. Upon retirement, he was the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with over 18,000 career yards, 164 touchdowns and three Super Bowl rings.
Extremely devoted to his charities, Smith works with children through several organizations, including the Open Doors Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army and “Just Say No” anti-drug campaigns among many others. Currently, he resides in Dallas, Texas.
Charlie Ward
Florida State University
Quarterback, 1989, 1991-93
In leading Florida State to its first-ever National Championship, quarterback Charlie Ward received more than 30 individual awards, making him possibly the most decorated player in the history of college football.
In the magical national title year of 1993, Ward won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year and earned unanimous First Team All-America honors among many others. A two-time ACC Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference selection, he set seven ACC records and led the Seminoles to two conference titles.
Widely regarded as the greatest player in FSU history, Ward set 19 school records including single-season touchdowns (27) and career total offense (6,636 yards). A 1993 co-captain, he passed for more than 5,700 career yards and ran for better than 850.
An incredibly talented two-sport athlete, Ward opted to enter the National Basketball Association rather than the NFL, despite his remarkable football success. He played for 11 seasons in the NBA, nine of which were with the New York Knicks, and currently serves as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets, where he currently resides.
Coach Bobby Bowden
Samford University (1959-62), West Virginia University (1970-75), Florida State University (1976-present) Head Coach, 359-107-4
After relatively short stints at Samford and West Virginia, Coach Bobby Bowden has become an institution at Florida State University. With 359 career wins in 41 seasons, Bowden has won the most games in the history of Division I-A college football…and he’s still counting.
Prior to Bowden’s arrival at Florida State, the Seminoles had won only four games in the previous three seasons. Since, FSU has won 286 of 365 games and 19 of 29 bowl games. He is the only coach in NCAA history to win 11 consecutive bowl games, make 14 straight bowl appearances and appear in the Top Five of the AP final rankings for 14 consecutive seasons. Twice leading the Seminoles to the National Championship, Bowden’s 1999 team was the first ever to go wire-to-wire as the AP’s #1 ranked team.
When FSU joined the ACC in 1992, FSU’s dominance only became more pronounced. In 15 seasons, Bowden’s teams have won 13 conference titles and he has twice earned ACC Coach of the Year honors.
To date, Bowden has an overall record of 359-107-4 with a win percentage of .768. By far the winningest coach in school history, he has more victories than the prior seven FSU coaches combined. For all of his success, the field at Doak Campbell Stadium was named in his honor and a national award given by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes now bears his name as well.
Coach Joe Paterno
Pennsylvania State University (1966-present) Head Coach, 354-117-3
No one in Division I-A college football history has coached longer or won more games at one school than Joe Paterno has at Penn State. Although his legacy is not yet complete, his coaching influence has spanned parts of six decades and his impact will be felt forever.
For 56 years and 630 games, Paterno has coached Nittany Lion football – the last 40 as head coach. A five-time National Coach of the Year honoree, he currently ranks second, only to Bobby Bowden (359), with 354 career victories on the major college level. Paterno’s teams have recorded five undefeated seasons, 21 finishes in the AP Top 10 and two National Championships. With a record of 21-10-1, he is the all-time leader among coaches in bowl appearances and victories.
Since 1966, Paterno has coached 71 First Team All-Americas, 14 NFF National Scholar-Athletes, 300 players that have signed NFL contracts and seven members of the College Football Hall of Fame.
PSU’s remarkable 11-1 record in 2005 marked the fifth different decade and 19th time overall that the Nittany Lions have won at least 10 games in a season with Paterno at the helm. With an overall record of 354-117-3 and a win percentage of .750, he received the NFF’s Distinguished American Award in 1992 and was named Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsman of the Year” in 1986.
NFF Contacts.......Phil Marwill, Director of Communications, Ext. 118
Matt Sweeney, Director of Special Projects, Ext. 116
800.486.1865
www.footballfoundation.com
posted by Don @ 5/17/2006 08:24:00 AM
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