Deion Sanders' proposed Hall of Fame changes are insulting, says Steelers legend
Bill Cowher claims Deion Sanders' idea for Hall of Fame is insulting
Bill Cowher knows not everybody in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is cut from the same cloth. There are certain achievements in the game that set some apart from others and the gaps between eras are still debated.
With all that said Cowher still believes Deion Sanders' idea of having an "upper room" is doing an insult to the Hall. No separate tiers and keep Canton the same.
"I think we all recognize there were some quality players and coaches in there that, you know, what they did was probably more than what you did," Cowher said Tuesday on The Dan Patrick Show.
"But yet, I think what you did warranted contribution of being recognized as one of the best at what you did. And whose to measure what that criteria is to put you into that other element of it?
"I understand it. I didn't go in as a first ballot. Maybe there's circumstances that don't put you in there for first ballot. I know there's a lot of media involved with it, and I wasn't one of the most cordial guys at press conferences at times. At the same time, I feel very proud of the record that I had, and I will match it with a lot of the people that are in there.
"Listen, we all recognize Deion Sanders. First ballot. I think we all know the first ballot, and we all know the players that are in there. I think once we get in there and to say there's a first class and a second class, I think that would be a disservice to the honor."
Sanders has been an advocate and vocal leader for changes to the Hall since he was enshrined. It's only fitting to have separate areas to better understand how great a player was during his time. If you breakdown the basics of it all, it's not hard to want a different path going forward in Canton.
Cowher's stance isn't unique but just original. Sanders' talent during his playing career was generational. We'll likely never see another ballhawk beast like Prime in this lifetime. He transcended the game of football to incorporate a playmaker in the secondary.
