NFL Hall Of Fame Class Of '07

SI Staff | Feb 5, 2007

NFL Hall Of Fame Class Of '07 /

NFL Hall Of Fame Class Of '07

Gene Hickerson

Chosen for NFL's all-decade team of the 1960s. ... First-team All-Pro five consecutive seasons (1966-1970). ... Voted to Pro Bowl six straight times (1966-1971). ... During Hickerson's tenure, Browns never had a losing season. ... Started at right guard in four NFL title games, including Browns' 27-0 win over Colts in 1964.

Michael Irvin

Picked for NFL's all-decade team of the 1990s. ... Selected to five straight Pro Bowls. ... Established an NFL record with 11 100-yard games in 1995 and scored 10 touchdowns. ... Cowboys made four straight appearances in NFC championship game (1992-1995) and won three Super Bowls. ... Finished career with 750 receptions for 11,904 yards and 65 TDs.

Bruce Matthews

Selected as guard on NFL's all-decade team of the 1990s. ... Was voted All-Pro nine times. ... Voted to first of 14 consecutive Pro Bowl teams (nine at guard, five at center) following 1988 season, tying Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen for most ever. ... Played in more games than any positional player in NFL history.

Charlie Sanders

Chosen for NFL's all-decade team of the 1970s. ... At time of retirement was Lions' all-time receptions leader (336), his career yards receiving (4,817) ranked second. ... Was voted to seven Pro Bowls. ... In an era of blocking tight ends, he became team's secret weapon as a receiver. ... Was Lions' leader or co-leader in receptions six of his 10 seasons.

Thurman Thomas

Only Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders ran for more yards in the 1990s. ... One of only three running backs (Walter Payton and Marcus Allen) to have over 400 receptions and 10,000 yards rushing. ... Played in six AFC title games and four Super Bowls. ... Set playoff records for career points (126), touchdowns (21), and consecutive games with a TD (9). ... Selected to play in five consecutive Pro Bowls.

Roger Wehrli

Voted to NFL's all-decade team of 1970s, was first-team All-Pro five times (1970, 1974-1977) and made Pro Bowl seven times. ... Registered interception in all but two seasons and amassed 40 career interceptions, two for touchdowns. ... From 1974-76, picked off 12 passes as Cardinals put together string of three straight double-digit win seasons, including back-to-back NFC East titles (1974, 1975). ... Recovered franchise record-tying 19 fumbles during career.

Published Feb 5, 2007

SI STAFF