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Bruce Smith is one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history,
Smith is the only defensive player with 200 sacks – whether on the official or unofficial list. smith was a 11-time pro bowler and eight-time First team All-Pro choice. He won the Defensive Player of the Year award several times – four for the UPI and two for the AP.
The former Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins, using their real qualities, spoke out against the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction of former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Tony Bocelli. Smith released a big message on her instagramBocelli said making it in the canton “sets a terrible precedent.”
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Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Tony Bocelli #71 receives instruction from the edge before getting into position on the line of scrimmage in an NFL game with the Baltimore Ravens at PSNet Stadium on September 10, 2000 in Baltimore, Maryland.
(Michael J. Minardi/Getty Images)
“A large part of the campaign to promote Tony Bocelli to the Hall of Fame has focused heavily on his solo successful performance against me in the 1996 playoff game. On the one hand, I am quite pleased that I am considered the gold standard by which Another player’s play can be measured to determine his/her qualification in the HOF. But on a more serious level, I and other HOFers believe that it is up to a permanent member of the hall’s game to validate sets a terrible precedent to negatively void the nominee’s candidacy,” Smith began.
“HOF is a distinguished fraternity that adheres to a tacit code of conduct that promotes respect and brotherhood among its members. Given the occasion, no Hall of Famer may claim its dominance over any other member. may use his/her credit to the HOF, but such behavior is considered inappropriate. It can cause friction and discord within the group. Maintaining harmony and goodwill is paramount at HOF, and that is why players Campaigns have historically been presented respectfully and thoughtfully, allowing the candidate figures and the entire body of work to speak loudly enough to get it.
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Jacksonville Jaguars’ Tony Bocelli #71 in action in action against Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith #78 during a game at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 17-16.
(Getty Images)
“Employing covert tactics to promote a game matchup to target a HOFer and to increase the nominee’s qualifications as some of Tony’s supporters undermines the integrity of Hall’s election process. It undermines the integrity of that candidate’s election.” Also invites otherwise unnecessary commentary and scrutiny around eligibility to become a member of HOF. Since Tony’s advocates have slipped headlong down this slippery slope and reluctantly dragged me along, I have something to share. Have some ideas.”
Smith said Bocelli benefited from defending left-handed quarterback Marc Brunel, while Leon Cersei protected the blind.
“Tony was a formidable opponent during his brief career, but I find it difficult to compare the totality of his work with that of the NFL’s greatest left tackle. With the exception of the greats Anthony Munoz; Jonathan Ogden, Willie Roff, and Walter Jones All protected the quarterback’s blind side for 12 seasons or more. In Jacksonville, Leon Cersei did the arduous task of protecting Mark Brunel’s blindside, while protecting Tony from the highly talented, mobile left-handed quarterback. Benefited,” Smith said.
“During my nineteen years in the NFL, many excellent LTs, such as Bruce Armstrong, Richmond Webb and Will Wilford, had great games against me. Perhaps they would be wise to create a HOF campaign highlighting that fact, too.”
Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Bruce Smith #78 looks from the side during a game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium on October 24, 1993 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
(George Gojkovic/Getty Images)
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Bocelli played for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 1995 to 2001. He played three games in 2001 before being selected by the Houston Texans in their expansion draft in 2001 and later retiring due to injury. He was a three-time All-Pro First Team selection and a five-time Pro Bowler. He was named to the Hall of Fame’s All-1990s team.