With the idea that there are no small roles I need your help devising our hall of fame for the role player: the player who will not make his/her sport’s hall of fame, but who contributed to the overall success of his team. I wanted to start this list with Preston Pearson. The former Dallas Cowboy running back never finished in the top ten of any offensive categories. He is not in the top fifty of any all-time categories. During the 1977 season Pearson caught forty-six passes for 535 yards or an 11.6 yard per catch average. Many of these catches occurred on screens, and Pearson gained first down yardage. Harvey Martin and Randy White earned co-MVP honors as the Cowpokes won Super Bowl XII. Pearson played an important role on that team.
Now it’s your turn.
Aaron says
I would like to nominate Bill Bates and Steve Tasker.. Whatever their respective teams needed, they did. The two of them were considered the best of their times on special teams and contributed when the team needed them.
Aaron says
Another for WR is Troy Brown.. He has played WR, Punt returner, kick returner and Defensive back for the Pats..
Wally says
Robert Horry has something like 6 NBA championship rings … a clutch shooter who has made countless key baskets in the playoffs for Rockets, Lakers, Spurs.
John Paxson and Steve Kerr for the Bulls dynasty … deadly marksmen made many clutch hoops for Jordan’s Bulls. Kerr also with Spurs.
The entire Miami Dolphins “No Name Defense” from the early ’70s … only 1 is in the HoF (Bonticonti), but probably 4 others very deserving of consideration (Jake Scott, Manny Fernandez, etc). While you’re at it, add QB Earl Morral to the list … he subbed for an injured Bob Griese and won like 11 games in that perfect season. He also backed up John Unitas on some great Colts teams.
Rocky Bleier … a great role-player sidekick to Franco Harris on the Steelers dynasty.
Dave Concepcion … outstanding SS for the Big Red Machine who played in the shadows of Bench, Rose, Morgan and Perez.
Sal Bando (3B, captain) and Joe Rudi (LF) were understated pillars behind the Oakland A’s 70’s dynasty.
David Eckstein, under-rated SS for 2 WS Champs … Angels and Cards.
I could go on, but out of time.
Casey says
Wow! Great stuff gang. Keep ’em comin’
Casey says
Butch Goring – The Islanders picked him up before the trade deadline in 1980. He became the penalty killer and center for the second line that they needed. Oh yeah, the Isles won the next four Cups.
Casey says
Since for some reason the NFL has not inducted Art Monk into Canton, we should have him on this list. Although it is hard to think of him as a role player.
Wally says
Scott Brosius (3B). What a “TEAM player” he was for some of those Yankees champions. Since I went there, now I gotta talk about Bernie Williams and Paul O’Niel, esp BERNIE … he will probably be one of the most clutch, dependable and highly decorated (WS rings) players not to make the HoF.
Rico Petrocelli (BoSox mid 70’s).
Carney Lansford (A’s early 90’s).
Why am I on this 3rd baseman binge?
Cliff Branch — WR Oakland Raiders … he was the speed guy/deep threat that really complimented Fred Belitnikof on the Stabler/Madden Raider teams.
Michael Cooper — unsung hero on Magic’s Lakers.
Matt “Chop” Suhey, mostly blocked for Walter Payton during the Bears’ last glory years in mid-’80s, but made a lot of clutch plays in his own right … kinda of a “Rocky Bleier Lite”.
Casey says
The Dodgers’ infield from the 70’s that stuck together long enough to finally win the Series: Ron Cey, Bill Russell, Davey Lopes, and Cindy Garvey’s ex-husband.
Aaron says
How about Ken Morrow for the NY Islanders?