A player’s career is watched so carefully for so many years through millions and millions of judging eyes all over, from high school to college and of course to the highest level of sports competition, the pros. We all evaluate who we think is good, who isn’t, who are busts, who were steals.

And of course, who are the greats. Everyone with a feisty sports minded personality knows you play the game to win it, whether or not it’s sandlot football, or just a pick up game of hoops, competitive players want to win. But, stars nevertheless want to be appreciated for what they did as an individual in their games. And we got plenty of that on Saturday, Feb. 2nd.

Warren Sapp, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders, Career numbers 96.5 sacks (34th all time), 438 tackles, 19 forced fumbles, and 4 time 1st team All-Pro, in an excellent 13 year career. Powerful, fun player to watch play the game. I anticipated him getting in as a 1st timer.

Jonathan Ogden, LT, Baltimore Ravens. A big hulking fella at 6-9 and a massive 350, he played 12 years, missing only 1 game at his position, he was a warrior. A 4 time 1st team All-Pro, he was almost impossible to get by, I knew he would get in, was little surprised, for myself, it was a 1st time in, but justifiable, none the less.

Larry Allen, LG, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers. When drafted by Dallas in 1994, it didn’t take long for the 330 lb powerhouse to eat up opposing defensive linemen. 6 time 1st team All-Pro. He was just at all times……there, all the time. Leading Emmitt Smith and opening holes up that I felt I could ran backwards through. 1st timer, hands down, without question.

Bill Parcells, Head Coach, NY Giants, New England Patriots, NY Jets, and Dallas Cowboys, W-L record 172-130-1, winning 2 Super Bowl titles, 8 Division championships and 3 Conference titles. In 22 seasons, only having a losing record 5 times is pretty clear-cut, the guy was something special. “The Tuna” was known for building some great teams, and getting his players to their peak. Known for constructing teams and making them contenders, well deserved, fine timing.

Cris Carter, WR, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Career numbers 13899 YDs (9th all time), 1101 receptions (4th all time), 130 touchdowns (4th all time), and a 2 time 1st team All-Pro in a stellar 16 year career. For a guy who “only caught touchdowns” he sure ended up with a extraordinary football career. Carter changed the slot receiver position, as a chain mover, he was amazing to watch work the field. Route running, incredible hands, and impeccable timing made him a threat at all times on the field. Well deserved to be a 1st time balloter, I felt personally, but very pleased to see him at last get into where he without doubt deserves to be.

Then, of course, class of 2013 also included a couple of senior choices, who were DL, Curley Culp, who played from 1968-1981, and LB, Dave Robinson, who played from 1963-1974. Both of whom, to be honest I don’t know a lot about, but reading on them, they appear to be worth their nods getting in.

I am very satisfied with all of the inductees this year going into the great and magical Hall of Fame. All of these individuals deserved their spots in Canton, and I will be looking forward to seeing them putting on their jackets, and looking at their bronze busts that will be sitting in honor of them in the Hall, during the enshrinement ceremonies. Congratulations to all members of the 2013 class!

Written by Mike Anthony of VegasTopDogs.com