Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Understated NFL Star Ken Riley Remains Underrated

Former Florida A&M University Rattlers Ken Riley and Bob Hayes, deserve to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Their inductions are long overdue as less accomplished players are being named to the Hall.

If Ken Riley had come up with a little trademark dance to perform after each of his 65 NFL interceptions, he might be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame today. But it isn't Riley's nature to call attention to himself. "I was very low-key," he said. "I always felt actions spoke louder than words."

Now he's not so sure. Twenty-five years after retiring as an active player, the 61-year-old Riley is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A strong case can be made that he should be, starting with statistics and longevity, and then considering more subtle issues like character and what a Hall of Fame should be about.

"He's the kind of classy guy you want to see in the Hall of Fame, what it stands for," said Arthur Hightower, director of player development for the San Diego Chargers. "The Sixties was a turbulent time, and he was a college quarterback who changed positions and never questioned it. Ken Riley has never been a 'me' person; he's always been a guy who just gets the job done."

CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.

No comments: