New York Sack Exchange. Many thoughts come to mind when those words are mentioned, especially that of one of its most dominating members. Joe Klecko is once again hoping he finally gets into the Pro Football Hall of Fame since he was one of the most feared defensive lineman in the late 1970s and 80s. Amazingly enough, he’s been eligible for over 20 years now but just keeps getting passed over when it’s time for voting. What exactly is keeping Klecko from finally getting in?
The media.
Highly respected sports journalists from across the country make up the majority of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. It’s not fair since some of them never had the pleasure of seeing Klecko in his prime ripping through offensive linemen and sacking quarterbacks left and right. Klecko has done some research though and could have figured out a way to get him past that obstacle to start preparing his Hall of Fame speech. Acquiring letters of recommendation from Anthony Muñoz, Peter King and Dwight Stephenson, he’s mailing them first class directly to Canton.
Let’s face it, even without his letters of recommendation, there was no other player who came close to the intensity he brought on each and every down. Playing with heart and aggression, Klecko has already been entered into the Jets’ own Hall of Fame and had his jersey number, No. 73, retired by the team to further prove his legacy. Effectively playing defensive end, tackle and nose tackle to Pro Bowl levels, Klecko is a one of a kind athlete who possessed pure talent worthy of excellence. He absolutely belongs in Canton because he was that great on the gridiron.
Hopefully this year he gets what he deserves with a shiny new bronze bust.
Luis Tirado Jr. is a New York Jets writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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