Quote:I believe I understand your argument.

 

However, history has alot to do with perception as well as hard facts.

 

If I remember the history of the NFL correctly, it actually began as 2 completely distinct and separate leagues.  The Jets were in the American Football League. 

 

The NFL was considered the penultimate of football, the AFL was considered the red-headed step child.

 

Namath changed that.  His stats may not be worthy of HOF.  But his swagger and the win the Jets put up in the SB was something that gave all the teams in the AFL a chip in the game.  The Jets, the AFL, and yes Namath, were over-rated compared to the NFL teams and players at that time.  But what Namath did was say, that any given Sunday, the AFL can contend and be legit.

 

For that reason alone, I believe Namath is not over-rated.  He was the essence of the AFL.  He was the brash upstart that had no fear for the conformity that was the NFL.  

 

Historically speaking, it's actually a pretty great story.  And yes, the story and the player are more than worthy of being in the NFL HOF.

 

So under similar logic, you can argue Jim McMahon should be in the hall of fame.

 

He didn't have gaudy passing numbers.  He revived a long moribund franchise with swagger and spunkiness and QBed arguably the mast dominant team over a single season to a Super Bowl.  He was as known as much for his off field persona as his on field accomplishments.

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