A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

Yesterday the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced it's class of 2009 inductees. It is a strong class that includes such luminaries as Bruce Smith, Derrick Thomas and Bob Hayes, among others. What this group does not have, however, is a player who spent either all or a fairly significant part of his playing career in D.C. Outside of Smith, no one in this new class so much as played one single snap for the Burgundy and Gold.

Once again, no Hogs made the final list.

Once again, Joey T., Gary Clark and Ken Harvey were deemed unworthy.

For one more year, at least, Mssrs. Grimm, Jacoby, Lachey, May, Theismann, Clark and Harvey are on the outside looking in. For one more year each of these worthy candidates must wait a little longer in hopes of making it into the NFL'a most exclusive fraternity. For one more year these former Redskins must look in their mirrors and ask the question, "was it all enough? Did I do enough?"

Nevermind their combined fourteen Super Bowl rings. Put aside their 21 overall Pro Bowl selections. Throw out their ten total 1st Team All-Pro nominations. Completely discount their eighty cumulative seasons of playing the most physically arduous sport at very high levels in the toughest league there is.

Take away all those accolades, throw them all out the window...and each one of those men deserves a place amongst their legendary peers anyway. Period. No ifs, ands or buts.

In a perfect world, anyway.

I'm not blind; as loyal as I am to all current and former Redskins players, alive or dead, I still realize that some of those names are more deserving of a bust than others. In all honsesty, a couple of them should consider themselves fortunate to have even made a HOF ballot, much less make the Hall itself. And two in particular, former linemates Grimm and Jacoby, should by all rights, by anyone's criteria, have already been voted in.

That those two original Hogs are deserving is not the question.

Whether they ever receive their due is.

Sadly, if they haven't by now they most likely will not. Every year they are left out, every year more players become eligible, lessens their chances that much more. The farther we get from their glory days on the field, the less great they seem to the voters they must depend on. In a world full of injustices and unnecessary hardships this sits way, way down on the list of That Which Should Not Be...but it is a travesty nonetheless.

Grimm, drafted in the 3rd round in 1981, played center at Pitt, but in his rookie training camp was moved to left guard, where he immediately became a powerful fixture. He, along with Jacoby and fellow linemates May, George Starke and Jeff Bostic, became known as The Hogs, and rapidly cemented their reputation as one of if not the finest offensive line in the entire NFL. In a career that spanned 11 years and 140 games, Big Russ started five NFC Championship Games, four Super Bowls (winning 3), appeared in 4 consecutive Pro Bowls, and was named 1st team All-Pro four times. A punishing blocker, he was named to the all-80's team as one of the best players of that decade. Most important, perhaps, he came to be known as the Redskins' answer to the Cowboys and Randy White; in his prime he more than held his own against our hated rivals vaunted defense, led by their most intimidating player.

Jacoby wasn't even drafted -- by any team -- coming out of Louisville the same year, 1981. He was signed to a free agent contract by the Redskins and in no time at all had become their starting left tackle. He would hold that position for the next 13 years and 170 games, during which time he started 19 playoff games, tied for 21st all-time. He too was named to four consecutive Pro Bowls, and named 1st team All-Pro four straight seasons. As with Grimm, he was named to the NFL's all-80's team, and was named one of the 70 Greatest Redskins after retiring. He was one of the lynch pins of a dominating line that paved the way for a series of 'Skins running backs, from John Riggins to Timmy Smith through Kelvin Bryant to Earnest Byner, one of the key components of the virtually unstoppable ground game that symbolized the Gibbs' Super Bowl-winning juggernauts of that era.

[B][U]click link for rest of story[/U][/B]
[url=http://yourdaddysredskins.blogspot.com/]Your Daddy's Redskins[/url]

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

After seeing two Skins get in last year I really can't complain. Yes the Hogs deserve their due but offensive lineman typically get the shaft with Hall voters, so really this is nothing new. Grimm and/or Jacoby will get in one day I believe, just don't hold your breath.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

Joey T is not a hall of famer

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

Sad sad sad. Unfortunatly I agree with what Matty said. Offensive lineman get looked over. Jacoby should be HOF. Grimm may have a better shot with his coaching career eventually HC he will no doubt be a winner. But I'm still not sure that will do it for him. It's a conspiracy man! :)

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=RedskinMike;524319]Joey T is not a hall of famer[/quote]

Why not? He won a SB, the next year was NFL MVP and NFL offensive player of the year and let us to another SB and was in charge of team that set an all time NFL scoring record that has been broken twice since then. Not great stats but pretty good accomplishments.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=RedskinMike;524319]Joey T is not a hall of famer[/quote]

No offense, brother, but that wasn't really my point. The main thrust of my piece was the injustice of Jacoby and Grimm still left out in the cold when I don't believe they should be, by any stretch of anyone's imagination.

As proof of that perspective, I refer you to my statements immediately after I mentioned all the ex-Redskins who were denied the Hall on this year's ballot.

"In a perfect world, anyway.

[B][COLOR="Red"]I'm not blind; as loyal as I am to all current and former Redskins players, alive or dead, I still realize that some of those names are more deserving of a bust than others. In all honesty, a couple of them should consider themselves fortunate to have even made a HOF ballot, much less make the Hall itself[/COLOR][/B]."

I promise everyone here, I've lately been cutting my crazy pills in half; gets me through twice as many days with half the actual fuss...

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;524329]Why not? He won a SB, the next year was NFL MVP and NFL offensive player of the year and let us to another SB and was in charge of team that set an all time NFL scoring record that has been broken twice since then. Not great stats but pretty good accomplishments.[/quote]

Theismann was a very average QB from 76-81 and wasn't even a full time starter until 78. 82, 83 and 84 were his prime years and his only truly great year was 83. In 85 his last year he was playing awful before he broke his leg. I remember the town was really on Gibbs to bench him that last year. No way is Theismann a HOF QB. Not even close.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;524329]Why not? He won a SB, the next year was NFL MVP and NFL offensive player of the year and let us to another SB and was in charge of team that set an all time NFL scoring record that has been broken twice since then. Not great stats but pretty good accomplishments.[/quote]

Pretty good accomplsihments do not a HOFer make. There are lots of people with good acomplishments that aren't in the HOF. The HOF is for the best, the game changers, record setters and memorable players. Joey T isn't even close to a HOFer. He was a good QB like Kerry Collins or Matt Hasslebeck. None of them is a HOFer. Guys like Montana, Young, Manning, Brady are HOFers.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

Grimm and Jacoby probably are HOFers but o-line have to have some type of special attraction to get them spotlighted enough to be boted in. At least before free agency. Nowadays guys like Zimmerman weren't any better than Jacoby and Grimm but they have a little more exposure.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=FRPLG;524337]Pretty good accomplsihments do not a HOFer make. There are lots of people with good acomplishments that aren't in the HOF. The HOF is for the best, the game changers, record setters and memorable players. Joey T isn't even close to a HOFer. He was a good QB like Kerry Collins or Matt Hasslebeck. None of them is a HOFer. Guys like Montana, Young, Manning, Brady are HOFers.[/quote]

Sure, whatever. Theismann was a lot better than "the drunk" Collins not even close, Hasselbeck too.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;524340]Sure, whatever. Theismann was a lot better than "the drunk" Collins not even close, Hasselbeck too.[/quote]

[url=http://mooreslore.corante.com/archives/images/homer%20simpson.gif]A picture is worth a thousand words[/url]

I admire your relentless partiality though

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=SmootSmack;524342][url=http://mooreslore.corante.com/archives/images/homer%20simpson.gif]A picture is worth a thousand words[/url]

I admire your relentless partiality though[/quote]

Sometimes I wonder if you guys are "real" Redskins fans.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;524345]Sometimes I wonder if you guys are "real" Redskins fans.[/quote]

Real, but not ignorant

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=SmootSmack;524348]Real, but not ignorant[/quote]

Oh ok, Mr. Brainiac Bobby "the Brain" Heenan. Sorry Mr. Knowitall!!

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

Litte sensitive today are we?

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;524345]Sometimes I wonder if you guys are "real" Redskins fans.[/quote]

LOL! I'm as real as it gets but I also keep it real and don't look at everything through burgundy and gold glasses.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=SmootSmack;524350]Litte sensitive today are we?[/quote]

SFREDSKIN is just tired of the Skins getting the shaft I'm sure. Can't say I blame him. It took Monk forever to get in, and one of, if not the greatest, offensive lines in NFL history has no players in the HOF. Gibbs had some great teams but it seems they always take a back seat to the Cowgirls and 49ers in the minds of the voters. It's BS if you ask me, but I'm not an expert like Peter-I didn't know Monk was that good until I actually checked it out-King so I don't get a vote.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

nobody wants you're opinion 53 :)

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=44ever;524365]nobody wants you're opinion 53 :)[/quote]

:) Has that ever stopped me from giving it?

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

I know this will never happen, but I feel that they only way any of the Hogs would get into the HOF would be if they were inducted as a group.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=Ruhskins;524622]I know this will never happen, but I feel that they only way any of the Hogs would get into the HOF would be if they were inducted as a group.[/quote]

I like you're thinking here Ruhskins. Because the Hogs played as a unit, sharing and distributing the load evenly. Yes there were Hogs like Jacoby that stood out but it wasn't like he single handedly carried the Line. Also like SS mentioned they where Always Hogs they in a free agent free era. Not as much exposure or contrast.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=Ruhskins;524622]I know this will never happen, but I feel that they only way any of the Hogs would get into the HOF would be if they were inducted as a group.[/quote]


I agree with 44ever that it's an interesting suggestion, but I think it will probably never happen. The Board of Selectors, or BS (as apt an acronym as any IMO) is too politically-driven to do something that radical.

We're most likely going to have to resort to an Art Monk type online campaign to make this happen -

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

Since two went in last year I imagine it will be awhile before one of the Hogs go in.
I am not sure I agreed with Ken Harvey going into the HOF. Great player and great guy but HOF worthy?

Not sure if Theisman is HOF quality either.

Clark has a shot at some point, but it will not be for a loooong time.

Grimm and Jacoby are the two that need to go in.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

Nice article there Big Redskins Daddy! Couldn't agree with you more by the way. And thats why we must not give up hope! You see, I have this theory on how Russ and Joe can get in...........................

We all know its all about popularity right? I don't think anyone will argue that. So, if Zorn has another horrible year, then we all know he's going to get the axe. We fire him and hire Russ! Get Russ back here on the Redskins! Get a Hog back here in town! And if this Hog gets these Redskins winning. If he can get them running the ball up the gut 8 or 9 times in a row against Dallas. Or pick up a d-lineman by the neck and carry him out of the hole, or just stand up a d-lineman, then slam him................

I miss those days. I miss those times when Mark Rypein would fumble ANOTHER snap and everyone else would fall on it...............the Hogs would beat the crap out of anyone and everyone at the bottom of that pile! I miss the days when there was no number one wide reciever. Just Riggo and the Hogs. So Riggo and the Hogs just ran the ball 40 times a game for the victory! Or when you knew there was no running game. I mean, Timmy Smith? Whose that? So the Hogs opened up holes that you and I could run through! Or when you knew the Hogs were just pissed off! Having had two quarterbacks knocked out against Buddy Ryan's tough 46 defense in Philly...........Those Hogs regrouped and got him back!

In the end it really didn't matter who their quarterback was or who their running back was. They would find a way to win and they would do it together. They were a close group that defined the words toughness and teamwork. And if Russ Grimm can bring any of that back here to Washington as a head coach. He'll become popular again! And not just amongst Redskins fans either. And he'll get into the Hall of Fame! Hands down!

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=Miller101;524847]Nice article there Big Redskins Daddy! Couldn't agree with you more by the way. And thats why we must not give up hope! You see, I have this theory on how Russ and Joe can get in...........................

I miss those days. I miss those times when Mark Rypein would fumble ANOTHER snap and everyone else would fall on it...............the Hogs would beat the crap out of anyone and everyone at the bottom of that pile! I miss the days when there was no number one wide reciever. Just Riggo and the Hogs. So Riggo and the Hogs just ran the ball 40 times a game for the victory! Or when you knew there was no running game. I mean, Timmy Smith? Whose that? So the Hogs opened up holes that you and I could run through! Or when you knew the Hogs were just pissed off! Having had two quarterbacks knocked out against Buddy Ryan's tough 46 defense in Philly...........Those Hogs regrouped and got him back!...[/quote]

Thank you for the kind words, brother. I'm not sure about the return of Russ Grimm theory, but on the surface of things it WOULD be one heck of a way to transition from JZ, assuming this coming season is his last in D.C.

I know exactly where you're coming from re: the good old days, my friend. GOD do I know... The Gibbs 1.0 years were seasons when ANY team in the NFL looked at their schedule, saw the 'Skins there, and almost immediately started mentally preparing themselves for that game. Home or away, rain or shine, injuries or not, the Sunday (or Monday) you had to strap it on against the B&G was going to be the most physical of games no matter the outcome. They were flat-out TOUGH. They knew it, and so did everybody else.

I believe we'll eventually see a return to that brand of Redskins football -- I just don't know how far in the future that will be. Until then, all we fans can do is just hang tough, and keep on keeping on.

Hail.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

Grimms next job could be as OC or DC at AZ as they not only lost their OC but their DC as well. I can't believe they would make such personnel changes after the season they've just had.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=44ever;525686]Grimms next job could be as OC or DC at AZ as they not only lost their OC but their DC as well. I can't believe they would make such personnel changes after the season they've just had.[/quote]

I have no idea why they would fire Pendergast. I thought he did a pretty good job as their defensive coordinator. That surprised me

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=SmootSmack;525697]I have no idea why they would fire Pendergast. I thought he did a pretty good job as their defensive coordinator. That surprised me[/quote]

Sounds like a knee-jerk reaction to Pittsburgh's game winning drive doesn't it?

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=53Fan;525706]Sounds like a knee-jerk reaction to Pittsburgh's game winning drive doesn't it?[/quote]

It's funny b/c it was the big egg that the offense laid at the end of the half (allowing Harrison's 100 yd TD) probably cost AZ the game. Furthermore, the offense inability to adjust until late in the 2nd half (going with the no huddle) was a little too late.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

Warner mentioned he may leave the Cardinals if things change to much. He stated he wants the same Offense/team. Boldin is not set in stone either. Man you would think this team would be more careful. Maybe they have a master plan:) I have a feeling they're going to stretch Grimm to thin in responsibility. We'll see.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=Ruhskins;525717]It's funny b/c it was the big egg that the offense laid at the end of the half (allowing Harrison's 100 yd TD) probably cost AZ the game. Furthermore, the offense inability to adjust until late in the 2nd half (going with the no huddle) was a little too late.[/quote]

I agree. And the coverage on Santonio Holmes could'nt have been any better.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

Cardinals just fired QB coach (and former Redskin) Jeff Rutledge. Who knows what's happening over there. There's some speculation that they're bringing in Mike Martz, who of course had great success with Warner about a decade ago

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=SmootSmack;526237]Cardinals just fired QB coach (and former Redskin) Jeff Rutledge. Who knows what's happening over there. There's some speculation that they're bringing in Mike Martz, who of course had great success with Warner about a decade ago[/quote]

Do you think the Cards can recover from such drastic personnel changes? OC, DC, QB coach. Ect... Plus they can't put a tag on everyone so they're bound to lose at least one quality player. Warner mentioned he wanted to see team consistincy and that would influence his decision to return. Wonder what there up too

(did you have dinner yet?):)

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=44ever;526242]Do you think the Cards can recover from such drastic personnel changes? OC, DC, QB coach. Ect... Plus they can't put a tag on everyone so they're bound to lose at least one quality player. Warner mentioned he wanted to see team consistincy and that would influence his decision to return. Wonder what there up too

(did you have dinner yet?):)[/quote]

Well, even though they made the Super Bowl at the end of the day they were a just above .500 team in an awful division. I guess they just want to get better, still I don't know if this is the way to do it.

And yes, I did. Thanks!

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=SmootSmack;526237]Cardinals just fired QB coach (and former Redskin) Jeff Rutledge. Who knows what's happening over there. There's some speculation that they're bringing in Mike Martz, who of course had great success with Warner about a decade ago[/quote]


I was just going to post this:

[url=http://www.prosportsdaily.com/comments/cardinals-fire-qb-coach-rutledge-201497.html]Comments on Cardinals fire QB coach Rutledge - 02-10-2009[/url]

Are the Cards whole saling their team? OC goes to KC. DC gets axed. QB coach gets axed. Players unhappy and requesting to be let go (certain ones)....who's next?

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=44ever;526242]Do you think the Cards can recover from such drastic personnel changes? OC, DC, QB coach. Ect... Plus they can't put a tag on everyone so they're bound to lose at least one quality player. Warner mentioned he wanted to see team consistincy and that would influence his decision to return. Wonder what there up too

(did you have dinner yet?):)[/quote]

I honestly think they're going to go back to their usual Arizona Cardinals mediocre ways next season. Then again, the NFC West is a mediocre division, so they may be back in the playoffs.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

I don't think I remember a SB team firing so many people right after the game.

Re: A Grimm Fairy Tale
 

[quote=FRPLG;524337]Pretty good accomplsihments do not a HOFer make. There are lots of people with good acomplishments that aren't in the HOF. The HOF is for the best, the game changers, record setters and memorable players. Joey T isn't even close to a HOFer. He was a good QB like Kerry Collins or Matt Hasslebeck. None of them is a HOFer. Guys like Montana, Young, Manning, Brady are HOFers.[/quote]

Mike Irvin will be remembered all right, but not for on-field activities.

It IS a joke that Grimm and the rest of the Hogs are not in the HOF.