February 12, 2022: The Special Trio

I didn’t think we’d make it through so quickly, but here we are: the final segment of my all-time NFL team. We have our offense and our defense; it’s time to turn our attention to the 3rd phase of the game, Special Teams. This may be the easiest part of the team to complete.

I’m not going to make things complicated at the Punter position; there is only one “guy” in the Hall of Fame. Sure, the Bears have had some great punters over the years. I remember Brad Maynard. I remember thinking, when he was kicking in the dark years, that HE was the Bears MVP. I also remember Sean Landeta. He was a pretty good punter in his own right, but of course my favorite memory of his was one that he missed. For some reason, another guy that jumps to mind is Reggie Roby, maybe just his memorable name. But when it comes to the punter on my all-time NFL team, I look back to the Nation, Raider Nation, and welcome Ray Guy to the squad. If you’re the only Hall of Famer in NFL history at your position, you must have done something right.

The kicker is a little more challenging. With Morten Andersen and Jan Stenerud in the Hall of Fame, it comes down to a coin toss… between two other guys… haha. Nothing against those guys; I don’t remember Jan, but I do remember the big left foot of Morten. I seem to remember him missing a big kick for the Vikings in the playoffs back in the day if my memory serves me correct. To make my team, you need to make the big ones. The Bears had a guy like that. Sure, I love Kevin Butler, but Robbie Gould, and his, what, 21-21 in postseason history, is super impressive. On one hand it’s maddening, since the Bears let him walk, and could have used a guy back in 2008. On the other hand, it’s awesome, seeing him eliminate the Green Bay Packers this year in the postseason. Always love Robbie, but I’ve chosen another guy to kick the big one. Adam Vinatieri; did I say I wouldn’t have any Patriots on my team? No, I don’t think I did, but even if I did, how can I pass up the guy who kicked 2 (?) game winning FGs in the Super Bowl. Adam showed everyone, if we didn’t know already, how big having a clutch kicker is in this game. I mean, look at how most of the playoff games this year have been decided. If for some strange reason, my team plays a close game, Adam will ensure we come out on top.

That brings us to the return game, and even though my choice is a Chicago Bear, I don’t think I can be accused of being biased here. I was very upset that he didn’t get into the HOF on the first ballot this past week, but like Ray Guy, I do think he will get in, as the only guy at this kick returner position. Devin Hester was ridiculous. I’ve written entire blogs about him; don’t think I need to say much more. But when one guy impacts the game as much as Devin did in his prime… when teams have to focus on SPECIAL TEAMS more than their offense or defense when planning for Sunday… yeah, he doesn’t have to wait to be on this team.

Thanks for following along if you did; this was fun. NBA All Time team, check. NFL All Time team, check. I’m sure I’ll do the other two sports as well; if this whole MLB thing continues, I may have plenty of time to do that one next. But for now, let’s turn our attention to the biggest (fixed) football game of the year, and preview the Super Bowl.