There will be one kicker and one punter eligible for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when voters meet to make their choices on Saturday and the kicker thinks that it is about time that a player from one of the positions makes it to Canton.
Morten Andersen is the NFL’s all-time leading scorer and has played in more games than any other player in league history, which are two of the reasons why he’s made on the list of 15 modern day finalists that will be up for election. Punter Ray Guy is one of the two senior nominees that will be considered and Andersen said he thought you could make a strong argument for Guy’s inclusion. He demurred when it came to his own case, but explained why he thinks now is the time to recognize kicking specialists.
“I think it’s due time for a kicker or punter to get into the Hall so Jan Stenerud has some company,” Andersen said, via ESPN.com. “I think the time is right. I think kickers have been at the forefront for the last number of years, playing at a high level. More games than ever are being decided by three points or less. The position is relevant. And it’s being talked about. These guys are getting so good that we have to change the rules.”
Andersen was referring to discussion about eliminating the extra point, which he compared to messing with “apple pie and Chevrolet” while suggesting a longer extra point rather than abolishing it altogether. It’s not clear how many others see things the same way as Andersen, but we’ll find out soon enough.