The irony of Chris Hanburger’s Hall of Fame induction

Over the weekend the NFL welcomed six new inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including Chris “Hangman” Hanburger.

Anyone else find the timing of this hilarious? He was known for his signature “clothes line” tackle, which involved Hanburger using his forearm to separate the opposing ball carrier’s head from his body. (Perfectly acceptable behavior if you ask me!)

This in the midst of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s campaign to take the hitting out of football. The irony and hypocrisy is so thick you could swim through it. Hanburger was a ferocious linebacker for the Washington Redskins from 1965-1978 and his poster was thumbtacked into the authentic wood paneling above my bed when I was 12.

But check out his video bio. I count four penalties and more fines than all the money he earned in his entire career!

If Hanburger were playing today, Goodell would’ve fined him just for having the nickname “Hangman”. Of course, Goodell doesn’t have a seat on the selection committee, but you have to admit the timing of this is amusing. It also makes you wonder if Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison’s Hall of Fame video will include any of his penalized hits.

I can imagine what Hanburger thinks about all of this. I interviewed Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus a few years back and asked him how he would’ve survived all of these new rules. He responded, “I’d be in prison.”

Also honored was former Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe. I played with Shannon in Denver for three years when his career was just beginning to blossom. I remember trying to cover him in practice. Even the times that I stayed with him, he would still make the catch. Of course it didn’t hurt that John Elway was throwing the ball to him, but it was frustrating. Especially having to hear him talk to you about it all the way back to the huddle … and Shannon could talk!

The more I look at the Hawks …

I was disappointed to see Lofa Tatupu’s release but I think there’s a chance the Seahawks’ linebacker corps could be pretty sound this year.

David Hawthorne – In 2009, when Hawthorne replaced Tatupu at middle linebacker, he had his best year statistically (117 Tackles, four sacks, three interceptions). He played the “Will” – or weak outside backer – in 2010 and was solid, but his statistics while playing middle (“Mike”) seem to indicate that he’s more comfortable inside.

Aaron Curry – Hopefully Curry can continue to develop on the strong side. He has flashed a few times out at practice putting pressure on the quarterback. He may be the most physically gifted linebacker in the league, but he needs to continue to develop his instincts.

Leroy Hill – That leaves the “Will” duties to Hill. I know that Hill is a big gamble considering what’s occurred the last couple of years. But I’m holding out hope that he has his head screwed on right this year and will become the linebacker I think he is. There’s reason to believe he does after having talked to him after practice. Leroy had the rare opportunity to get a glimpse of what life without football is like and come back for a second chance (or third or fourth, depending how you look at it.)

“I’ve played football since the second grade and not being able to play last year sucked. I don’t want it to end so I’m approaching this year with that in mind,” Hill said.

Hill has made some of the more incredible plays I’ve seen in this league but he needs to play consistently. He’s a fantastic open field tackler when he’s on, takes great angles, is a back breaker at the point of attack and is agile enough to cover most running backs man-to-man.

I was very impressed by his interview with K.C. and Jim on Friday. He seems humble, more mature and ready for another chance.