30 NFL Players Who Should Be Removed From The Hall Of Fame

The NFL Hall of Fame is the highest honor for all football players. But only a small minority enter the hallowed halls of Canton. It is an incredibly selective process, yet somehow there are still controversial selections. It could be said that several athletes should be removed from the Hall.

Some of these were simply not good enough. Their stats are overblown or they were just famous enough at the time. Others, like O.J. Simpson, committed horrible acts outside of football. Unlike baseball, football does not take this into account. Here’s a look at 30 NFL football players who could be said to not deserve their spots in the Hall of Fame next through Stadium Talk.

30. Frank Gatski

Gatski was a long-time center for the Cleveland Browns. But there’s a feeling that his induction into the Hall of Fame reflected this. It feels more like a participation trophy than other NFL players from his generation. The fact is that he did not make his first appearance in the Pro Bowl until 1956. That was the tenth year of his career, but only the sixth in the NFL.

However, it says a lot that he didn't get into the Hall of Fame until nearly 30 years after retiring (via New York Times). There is no doubt about his professionalism because he never missed games or practice. But the Hall of Fame is about the quality of the player. Perhaps voters excluded this from the equation when they elected him. Like it or not, they shouldn't have.

29. Richard Dent

Dent was a Super Bowl MVP, as well as a four-time Pro Bowler. The defensive end of the former Bears had an excellent career. But fans are mixed about his Hall of Fame credentials. Some even believe he did not deserve that MVP award. They claim it could have gone to any other member of the Chicago defense. Dent holds the franchise record for single-season sacks, but he declined after the victory in the Super Bowl.

Moreover, he also showed a lack of class towards Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan at the ceremony. He blamed the former for the franchise's inability to build a dynasty. It is worth noting that Dent did not show up for many key games throughout his career. He had a habit of disappearing in games (via L.A. Times). It also took him years of nominations before he finally received his bust.

28. Terrell Owens

Owens is a divisive figure. He was undeniably elite at his peak. But his place in the Hall of Fame is not cut and dried. His teammates probably wish he was ousted because he was a living nightmare. His former quarterback Jeff García does not send Owens a Christmas card every year. He had incredible individual talent, but he was incredibly selfish. Owens was also a great role model.

Meanwhile, his career statistics are very similar to those of Ricky Watters. But Watters is not in the Hall of Fame because he was never that high. Owens also played for six franchises, but he did not manage to have a notable impact on all of them (via CBS Sports). It's no wonder he eventually found a place in Canton. However, it's a wonder he didn't burn all the bridges on his way home from Ohio.

27. Roger Wehrli

Wehrli is one of the most common selections when people talk about the controversial members of the Hall of Fame. He spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals as an effective cornerback. The franchise rightly considers him one of the best players they have had in that position. However, it's a different story when it comes to his place in Canton (via NBC Sports).

Make no mistake, Wehrli posted decent enough numbers. He secured 40 interceptions in 14 seasons. This is strong but not exceptional over such a long period. Yes, he had several All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. But they don't tell the whole story of his career. Sometimes it seems like Canton is filling a quota when it comes to the players it enshrines, and that is the case with Wehrli.

26. Brett Favre

This is a controversial choice, but there is some logic behind it. First, let's look at the positive side of Favre. He was a three-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion. Meanwhile, he set numerous records and was selected 11 times to the Pro Bowl. Based on the statistics and success, he was always going to make it to the Hall of Fame. But many fans think he is one of the most overrated quarterbacks of all time.

Favre has the most interceptions in NFL history with the staggering number of 336. Furthermore, it can be said that he didn't have a legacy by winning just one ring. The quarterback threw games like the NFC Championship defeat of the Vikings against the Saints. Then there are his off-field issues. In the end, the NFL did not accuse him of sexual harassment (via ABC News) but there have been several issues.

25. Lynn Swann

Swann is one of the several Steelers players who should be retired from the Hall of Fame. His numbers are not impressive, but he had some standout moments in Super Bowls. They are the main reason he received enough votes for a spot in Canton. He played in a different era, but the statistics do not support his place in the Hall.

He never reached 1,000 receiving yards but remained extremely popular. Somehow, he reached Canton before players like Drew Pearson. Swann made four Pro Bowl appearances throughout his career. Eventually, concussions forced him out of the game. In the end, it was not a big deal because his productivity had completely declined. Ultimately, he entered the Hall because he was part of a legendary dynasty (via Sportscasting).

24. Paul Hornung

If Hornung were a baseball player, he wouldn't be in the Hall of Fame. Cooperstown is the only Major League Hall that takes into account players' off-field behavior. That's why Pete Rose will never have a spot there. Hornung is lucky because Canton has no such restriction. Like Rose, he also committed violations of the game.

We can remove Hornung's game violation and subsequent suspension from the equation. But he still doesn't deserve a place in the Hall of Fame. One could say he only had two great seasons, which came in 1960 and 1961 (via AP News). Then his numbers crashed and he lost a step. Like many players, Hornung is in the Hall for his name rather than for his overall career.

23. Ray Nitschke

Most Packers fans agree that Nitschke is one of their greatest players of all time. They will say he was a steadfast defender and a tremendous leader. All of that is true, but he doesn't belong in the Hall of Fame. He was part of a dynasty that won five NFL Championships, as well as two Super Bowls. That's a lot of glory, but it's important to remember that football is a team sport.

Surprisingly, Nitschke only made a single appearance in the Pro Bowl (via The Athletic). He was a consistent linebacker, but rarely stood out across the league. This is the main issue with his inclusion in Canton. Would the Illinois native have excelled if he hadn't been part of a dynasty? Overall, he wasn't necessarily the best of his generation.

22. Jan Stenerud

In 1991, Stenerud became the first pure kicker to enter the hallowed halls of Canton. The Norwegian spent most of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. He then had stints with the Packers and the Vikings. However, the question is whether he deserves his place in the Hall. He will not be removed, but did he earn this huge honor? Maybe as a pioneer, but not as a great player.

Stenerud spent 19 seasons in the NFL. But he only achieved a 75% accuracy in five seasons. Meanwhile, his career average is 66.85%. The Norwegian was a pioneer because he was a high-profile European player. But his numbers show that he was not a special football player. His longest field goal was 55 yards, so he did not break records (via Sports Illustrated).

21. Art Monk

Monk's greatest achievement was his longevity. This allowed him to inflate his statistics over the years. Fansided described him as the “most overrated player in Washington history.” They are probably right because he wasn't as good as the franchise would make fans believe. The three-time Pro Bowler was also a three-time Super Bowl winner.

But it is possible to achieve great success without being truly elite. While he recorded over 12,000 yards in his career, he averaged only 60 receptions per season. However, the fact that he played for a long time does not mean that he was superior to rivals with shorter careers. This is why there is an argument that he should be removed from the Hall of Fame.

20. Dan Hampton

Hampton was a Super Bowl winner with the Chicago Bears. The franchise voted him as one of its 100 greatest players in history. However, according to Mark May, Hampton is one of the most overrated defensive tackles in history. Hampton was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002 after a brilliant career. But May believed he should be removed from Canton.

One of the main reasons he shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame is due to his injuries. Hampton was a good player, but he missed many games (via SBNation). Ditka considered him one of his most important players. Unfortunately, it’s a shame that Hampton struggled to stay in shape over the years. He was elite at his peak, but he didn’t last long enough.

19. LeRoy Kelly

Only the die-hard fans of Cleveland remember Kelly. He was a decent runner who achieved six Pro Bowl selections and a victory in the Super Bowl. In 1994, he entered the Hall of Fame (via L.A. Times). That came 20 years after his last appearance in the Pro Bowl. However, there is a strong argument that Kelly is one of the least deserving Hall of Fame members in history.

In summary, he replaced Jim Brown on what was already a great team. No one is blaming him for that, and it is fair to say that he was very good in his own right. But it is reasonable to question whether his performances were worthy of Canton. Many NFL fans believe he should be removed because he did not deliver iconic moments like other athletes.

18. Dan Dierdorf

Dierdorf did not become a full-time starter until his fourth season in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Cardinals were not very good at that time. They were 4-9-1 for three consecutive years before Dierdorf broke through. The offensive tackle did not allow a sack until 1976 or 1977. Meanwhile, his team only allowed eight in 1975, setting a historic low (via Bleacher Report).

There is no denying that he was a very good player, but some people wonder if he was great. They believe he should be retired from his hometown Canton because he never even reached the conference championship round. Additionally, Dierdorf did not enter the Hall until he was an established broadcaster. He gained even more popularity during this period.

17. Charlie Sanders

Sanders was a seven-time Pro Bowler and made the All-Pro selection three times. At the line of scrimmage, he was one of the best tight ends of his generation. But the problem is that there weren't many tight ends back then. NFL historians can only compare the Detroit hero with his contemporaries. However, there wasn't much talent at this position during that era.

As a result, Sanders stood out without being incredible. He only made a single postseason appearance in a miserable 5-0 defeat against the Cowboys. Additionally, he only had over 500 yards in a season once in his career, and that was in his rookie season. Once eliminated, Sanders’ career looks much more normal than before. He was good, but not magnificent (via Detroit Free Press).

16. Ken Stabler

Stabler is another quarterback who benefited from the mystique of his team. There's no denying he is one of the most iconic players of the Raiders. But that does not mean he was a member of the Hall of Fame of faith. Many average players won the Super Bowls because superior talent surrounded them. Furthermore, several elite stars fell short because they were members of weak rosters.

However, Stabler was in the first. He led the NFL in touchdown passes twice. But the four-time Pro Bowler does not have the statistics to back up his place in Canton. He has a quarterback rating of 75.3, which is decent but not exceptional. Meanwhile, his overall numbers correlate with those of Matt Hasselbeck and Jay Cutler. It's no wonder some people think he should be removed (via NBC Sports).

15. Michael Irvin

When it comes to on-field quality, Irvin's delivery cannot be denied. The former Cowboys wideout spent his entire career in the NFL. He was a three-time Super Bowl champion as part of the franchise's greatest dynasty. In the meantime, he led the league in receiving yards in 1991. All that is well and good, but it could also be argued that Irvin is one of the most notorious former players out there.

Irvin suffered a high-profile arrest in 1996. The police picked him up as part of a prostitution case and also discovered plates of cocaine. Since his retirement, Irvin has faced multiple sexual assault investigations. Additionally, ESPN suspended him after multiple drug-related arrests and DUIs. Some believe that Irvin's behavior warranted his removal from Canton (via ABC News).

14. Andre Tippett

Tippett spent his entire career with the Patriots. The linebacker showed a lot of consistency for New England after a great college career with Iowa. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and also won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 1985. Additionally, he played a key role in the Patriots' run for a Super Bowl appearance that same year (via Bleacher Report).

Many critics believe this was also one of the worst contenders for the Super Bowl in history. This run was more of a strange occurrence and should be disregarded from consideration. Another issue with Tippett was that his best years came early. He accumulated 100 sacks in 11 seasons, but more than 30 came in his first two years. He was less effective as the years went on.

13. Curtis Martin

Martin was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012. He is a deserving member of the Jets Ring of Honor, but it could be said that he is not a good faith selection from Canton. The running back was a five-time Pro Bowler, so there was consistency throughout his career. But it is debatable whether he was ever the best running back in the NFL in any of his seasons (via CBS Sports).

Critics believe he should be removed because he was not exceptional. They argue that he was a standout player for a garbage team. Sometimes it is easier to look good when everyone else is garbage. However, this does not fully reflect his ability to compete. Martin is one of those borderline players who may not have stood out with better teammates.

12. Dick LeBeau

It is difficult to think of many contemporary players from the Lions that will make it to Canton. But believe it or not, they have had some HOF over the years. LeBeau entered the holy land in 2010. However, some critics believe he should be removed as a player. Instead, the Hall should include him as a coach because that is where he has excelled (via USA Today). He won two Super Bowls as a defensive coordinator.

LeBeau was a three-time Pro Bowler during his playing days with Detroit. He spent 14 seasons in the NFL with 62 interceptions in his career. This is an impressive number, but it comes with a caveat. Opposing attackers targeted LeBeau because he was the weak link in the Lions' back line. Other members include Dick Lane and Lem Barney, as well as Yale Larney.

11. Cris Carter

It is difficult to judge Carter's history. It may be too much to say he should be removed from the Hall of Fame. However, it is reasonable to question his place in it. Carter was brilliant at catching touchdowns. But some argue that he did not do much more. He led the NFL in receiving touchdowns three times. Meanwhile, he was an eight-time Pro Bowler and a three-time first team All-Pro (via Sports Illustrated).

On the surface, his place here may seem ridiculous. However, his playoff record was horrible. Carter never played in a Super Bowl. Some of his best seasons came when he was the second-best receiver on the team. Randy Moss significantly overshadowed him. Carter was a very good player, but it could be said that he was not elite.

10. Russ Grimm

Grimm is one of the most controversial inclusions on this list. After all, he was a three-time Super Bowl champion as a player. Then, the four-time Pro Bowler added another ring as a coach of the Steelers. It cannot be denied that he had an exceptional start to his life in the NFL. The rugged guard became an instant starter and a firm fan favorite (via Bleacher Report).

However, his productivity declined after 1986. He basically became the third-best guard in Washington. It could be argued that this does not justify a place in the Hall of Fame. He had four outstanding seasons from 1983 to 1986. But it is debatable whether that is enough to earn a spot in Canton. No one begrudges him his place, but his career as a coach improved his status.

9. John Riggins

Riggins was a tough, bruising back. He was a fan favorite due to his work ethic and production. But a player should not be a Hall of Famer just because his supporters love him. There is an argument that Riggins should be excluded because he was not elite. He was a one-time Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl with the Redskins. Then, in 1992, he made the Hall of Fame (via Washington Post).

There is a strong argument that this latter affected the public's perspective on him. He averaged only 3.9 yards per carry and was never the best in the league during his prime. Riggins likely belongs in the Hall of Very Good rather than Canton. Many players generate a lot of momentum due to their fame and personality. It is safe to say that Riggins was a beneficiary of this.

8. Lawrence Taylor

Taylor was a phenomenal player and earned his place in the Hall of Fame. However, many fans and players believe that Canton should revoke his inclusion due to his repugnant actions off the field. Unfortunately, the institution's statutes state that external behavior does not affect a player's eligibility (via Slate). The time for change is overdue.

A convicted rapist should not be in the NFL Hall of Fame. It doesn't matter how good Taylor is because he is a sex offender. Children pass by his bust in Canton every day. This may or may not seem harsh depending on your viewpoints, but Taylor made his choices. Furthermore, the police accused him of endangering children. The two-time Super Bowl champion is not easy to support due to his decisions.

7. Joe Namath

“Broadway Joe” simply does not have the numbers to justify his failure in the Hall of Fame. Yes, he surpassed Johnny Unitas while helping the Jets win the Super Bowl. He also won the MVP award for his actions in the game. But it is debatable that the defense was even more important to his victory. Overall, Namath threw 173 touchdown passes with 220 interceptions (via Sportscasting).

That leaves him with an average quarterback rating of 65.5. In fact, the game has evolved over the years, but Tim Couch remains ahead of him. Just that is reason enough for him to be left out of the Hall. Namath's victory in the Super Bowl and his personality are the main reasons Canton enshrined him. Sometimes reputations surpass reality.

6. Bob Hayes

Some of the inclusions on this list are controversial, but Hayes is one of the worst selections in Hall of Fame history. Hayes is the only Olympic champion and Super Bowl champion in history. But this should not influence his place in Canton. The NFL Hall of Fame celebrates the best football players. Hayes' exploits on the tracks are not relevant.

It is true that his first two seasons were decent. He broke the 1,000-yard barrier in consecutive years. Then, his numbers immediately dropped and Hayes never reached 1,000 yards again (via ESPN). He was a three-time Pro Bowler, as well as a two-time NFL receptions leader. Of course, he also won a Super Bowl ring in 1971. Hayes should be removed from the Hall of Fame because he was not exceptional.

5. Jerome Bettis

Bettis is one of the most divisive players on this list. Many fans support his inclusion in the Hall of Fame. However, others insist he should be removed. Ultimately, it's a question of whether he was truly great or just very good. It's hard to argue he belongs in the former category because he didn't demonstrate it. He was the NFL Player of the Year, as well as a six-time Pro Bowler.

Furthermore, he retired after a glorious victory in the Super Bowl. But Bettis was not the best running back of his generation. He also didn't post incredible seasons like Terrell Davis. “The Bus” was a very popular person with a lot of talent. It seems likely that the former affected the voting. Sometimes, a cult of personality is enough to seal a place in Canton (via NBC Sports).

4. O.J. Simpson

There is no good reason why Simpson is still in the Hall of Fame. After all, the man is one of the most notorious criminals in football. Sure, he was never convicted of murder. But the court found him responsible for two deaths. Furthermore, he served time in prison for armed robbery and kidnapping. In fact, he was a great player, but his character discredits football.

Many fans would like Simpson to be removed from Canton because of his terrible actions. On the field, he was brilliant. The NFL MVP of 1973 was a five-time Pro Bowler (via Sportscasting). He also led the league in rushing touchdowns twice. But Simpson's notorious reputation tarnishes everyone by association. It's hard to argue that football should simply ignore when a player commits a vile act like this.

3. Marcus Allen

Many believe that Allen is one of the most overrated players in the Hall of Fame. They firmly believe he should be removed from Canton. They correctly argue that he only had one exceptional season. That happened in 1985 when he rushed for 1,759 yards. However, it was also the last time he broke 1,000 yards after achieving it for three consecutive years.

Allen had exceptional longevity for a running back. He achieved 16 seasons in the NFL, but he was a fading force before joining the Chiefs. His greatest achievement was not the Super Bowl he won with the Raiders in 1984. No, it was his historic record of 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards (via Fansided). But he remains one of the most exaggerated figures in history.

2. Bob Griese

It is wild that Griese has two Super Bowl victories to his name, but Dan Marino has none. In short, Griese's pair of rings is the main reason he is in the Hall of Fame. There is an argument that he should be removed because he was lucky. Quarterbacks always get more attention than other players. It is undeniable that Griese's numbers were not exceptional (via Bleacher Report).

It is very unlikely that he would be in Canton if he played for another franchise. Griese had a quarterback rating of 77.1. However, his completion rate was only 56%. No one is saying he wasn't a good player. But he was not a world-beater in the line of other stars from the past and future. Instead, he was lucky because he played for a great team.

1. Troy Aikman

Aikman is another player with a brilliant resume who could be said to not deserve a place in the Hall of Fame. The former Cowboys quarterback was a three-time Super Bowl champion, but that doesn't mean he earned his spot in Canton. This is because his career statistics do not add up. He was good, but he was not an exceptional quarterback.

He was a six-time Pro Bowler, but he was never part of an All-Pro team (via ESPN). Meanwhile, he threw 141 interceptions and 165 touchdown passes. Many people believe he was lucky because he was an average player on an excellent team. Dallas did not need an elite quarterback because the rest of their roster was very strong. In the end, Aikman's status and the team's success more than his skills earned him his jacket.