Mike Shanahan
Came across a thread on Reddit about ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter going off on Mike Shanahan not being elected to the Hall of Fame this year. According to the article linked from DenverSports.com, Schefter’s rant was on the “Schlereth and Evans” show on 104.3 The Fan this morning. Schefter covered the Broncos early in his career, first at the the Rocky Mountain News and then the Denver Post.
“I think it’s a bunch of BS. Mike Shanahan is a Hall of Famer yesterday, today and tomorrow. I mean, its ridiculous. Who made these 50 people the voices of God and the deciders of fate? Like, who comes up with these stupid rules?”
Schefter said he does trust the voters, but he thinks there are other people who know even more about football. Ultimately, he feels the process feels unfair, and that unfairness is going to mean Shanahan waits longer.
“These are mistakes. Mike Shanahan is a Hall of Famer. He’s just not in the Hall of Fame. He belongs in the Hall of Fame, he should’ve been in before. He’s going to get in. But let’s just make him wait to 2024 or 2026… until the judges of the game, the arbiters of the truth, get to issue that pass to go to the Hall. Like, okay, give me a break.”
I generally don’t disagree that there could be tweaks to the process–but if I’m looking to make an argument for someone who hasn’t made it yet–especially as a non-player–I’m not sure Shanahan is the guy I hang that argument on. I have no issues with him making the Hall, but I also have no issues with him waiting while others get considered–and I don’t have a huge desire to make the Hall more inclusive, just to get some fringe guys that a small (but often vocal) fan base thinks belongs in because of what the player/coach/person meant to their team–it’s about what that person meant to the league and the game in general, and many players–even that we discuss on this site–just don’t fit that bill.
Curious to hear your thoughts below.
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Shanahan is deserving but Coryell and Parker should have been voted in while they were living.
He can wait like everyone else. Buck Shaw should have already been voted in as well.
Many coaches have gotten in since 2020.
Shanny wont have to wait too long.
100% agreed as always brian im thinking with shanahan it will be either 2025 or 2026
Schefty is salty. This isn’t about the worthiness of Mike Shanahan, just sick of Broncos fans, current/former Broncos media always whining and being so vocal at the top of their lungs.
Mike Shanahan can be worthy without Buddy Parker being unworthy.
Well, Schefty, why are you on the committee? Well, considering you haven’t always exemplified journalism ethics (Raiders scandal) or your insensitive Dwayne Haskins tweet, maybe that’s a good thing.
What makes Parker a mistake? What makes Shanahan the most worthy? You know Shanahan isn’t the only worthy candidate, right?
100% agreed corey the whining from broncos fans is getting rather old stale and pathetic
I like Mike Shanahan getting into the HOF in the next 5 years but Kraft, Kilroy, Coughlin, Holmgren and Reeves all have similar gripes. The backlog for owner/Coach/Contributor is not quite as bad as Senior Candidate pool, but it isn’t far off.
We all have frustrations with the process…but how many people outside of Denver agree with the idea that the Hall of Fame is somehow askew because Mike Shanahan isn’t in it? Personally, I’d be OK if he were elected but wouldn’t feel terrible if he never is and I’ve never for a second viewed Shanahan as a really obvious, lock HOFer. What specific rule is Schefter upset about? What would he change? Seems like the only thing that would clearly address his argument is if a rule were passed mandating the selection of Mike Shanahan.
‘We all have frustrations with the process…but how many people outside of Denver agree with the idea that the Hall of Fame is somehow askew because Mike Shanahan isn’t in it?’
Bingo. How many Broncos fans are actually objective and the candidates about the process? I see only two on Twitter.
‘What specific rule is Schefter upset about? What would he change? Seems like the only thing that would clearly address his argument is if a rule were passed mandating the selection of Mike Shanahan.’
Furthermore, what objectivity does Schefty have, since he covered the Broncos? Is he against Parker? If so, why?
Corey, I think you’re getting at one of the biggest current problems: some voters are sort of acting like they’re in the PR department for the franchise they covered rather than objective sportswriters who can be counted on to do their homework. They have to stridently support their guy and sometimes the squeaky wheel ends up getting the grease when the vote is done to the detriment of more deserving candidates (how many times in the past 20 years have you actually said, “they got it right this year – they clearly selected one of the most deserving guys available for the senior or contributor slot this year?”). I get it – you’re going to know more about players and coaches you covered as a writer and you might respect them more and there’s going to be a personal aspect to it….and it does make sense that you usually have, say, a Denver sportswriter making the presentation for a Broncos player or coach…But I also think being a journalist (not to mention someone holding the keys to a major recognition) means that you have a certain detachment and objectivity. Schefter isn’t showing it here.
He’s advocating for more historians to be involved yet it was historians (polled on Talk of Fame2) who identified Parker as best candidate. FYI historian John Turney – who I know many posters here are aware of – will be historian consultant (non voting) at seniors election meeting next Tuesday (Aug 22)
Well said all. Shefty gets paid to bloviate and consider his audience that day. Still he does sound a little more unprofessional than normal. Maybe he woke up on the wrong side of the bed. lol As a national voice and professional it would seem he does have a responsibility to fairness and like y’all said others are deserving. Clearly his bias for the Broncos was shining through. It happens but not nearly as much as I remember in the old days. I’ve been impressed with Troy Aikman’s ability to divorce himself while doing Cowboy games. I wouldn’t think too easy.
I agree with Jeff about Shanahan being down the list but maybe not as far as I would think if considering the timing of Jimmy Johnson going in to be “fair”. lol Maybe that’s part of what was irritating Shefty? Generally I think Bronco fans have some valid complaints the way some of their older players have been treated by the HOF committee but not here or of late with Davis and Atwater and of course the reach of Floyd Little. There should be more to it than being a fun player to watch on bad teams to be a HOFer in my book. Stats matter too. :)