Pro Football HOF Announces Class of 2008, Darrell Green and Art Monk Lead Group

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL

Defensive end Fred Dean, cornerback Darrell Green, wide receiver Art Monk, cornerback Emmitt Thomas, linebacker Andre Tippett, and tackle Gary Zimmerman make up the Class of 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees. The final group of six was announced yesterday. I could go into great detail about how deserving these new members are. And I could go on and on about the great people who didn’t make it this year (especially Cris Carter and Paul Tagliabue). But I’m going to leave that up to you. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has become one of the hottest topics of discussion here at EMQB. And I’m sure you’ll continue to have your say on this and other HOF posts. In the meantime, here are quick bios for each new inductee:

• Fred Dean, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, was one of the league’s most feared pass rushers during his 11-season career with the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers.
• Darrell Green was known for his great speed during his 20 seasons with the Washington Redskins from 1983-2002. He intercepted a pass in 19 straight seasons and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s.
• Art Monk accumulated 940 receptions for 12,721 yards and 68 touchdowns during his 16-season career. His career-high 106 catches in 1984 was a NFL record at the time. He was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1980s.
• Emmitt Thomas, an undrafted free agent, became one of the finest cornerbacks of his era. He ranks fourth all-time in interceptions by a cornerback with 58 picks during his career with the Kansas City Chiefs from 1966-1978.
• Andre Tippett starred at linebacker for 11 playing seasons for the New England Patriots and amassed 100 career sacks. A member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1980s, he earned five straight Pro Bowl berths.
• Gary Zimmerman earned the rare distinction of being named to two NFL All-Decade Teams (1980s and 1990s). A strong and versatile tackle who split his career with Minnesota and Denver, he was elected to seven Pro Bowls.

The 2008 class will increase to 247 the number of all-time greats permanently honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Enshrinement of the Class of 2008 will take place at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. ET. The Enshrinement Ceremony will be televised live by both ESPN and the NFL Network.