Ronde Barber should be Hall of Fame lock

Published Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 6:17 pm EDT
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It's hard to believe Ronde Barber's HOF candidacy is being debated. He clearly meets the quality standard. (AP Photo)

After Ronde Barber retired this past week, the online debate began: Does Barber belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? The real question is: Why is that question being asked? Barber is absolutely deserving of a bust in Canton. Former teammate John Lynch says Barber should be a HOF lock—and he's right.

The case: Barber played in every game over the past 15 years (and he didn’t just play, he was a sticky coverage guy into his late 30s), was always one of the best tacklers in the league (he put up more than 90 tackles, a staggering number for a cornerback, four times), was one of the best blitzing DBs in league history (he’s the only member of the 25-sacks/40-interception club) and has a Super Bowl ring.

He was a reliable, relentless, durable force on one of the league’s best defenses. He clearly meets the HOF quality standard.

Perhaps the question is being raised because he made only five Pro Bowls and played in a zone scheme. But he was stellar in that scheme—and that’s all that matters. There should be no question about his HOF candidacy.