Retire #4

[inkfreq]

I know kickers normally don't get their numbers retired, nor do they go to the Hall of Fame. In fact, the only kicker I can remember who was honored with either was Jan Stenerud.

But in the case of Jason Hanson (who's career was vastly better than Stenerud's anyway) I think the Lions should strongly consider retiring #4.

When a guy gives you 21 quality years, you gotta show him that love, I don't care what position he played.

 

[cheeno]

I know kickers normally don't get their numbers retired, nor do they go to the Hall of Fame. In fact, the only kicker I can remember who was honored with either was Jan Stenerud.

But in the case of Jason Hanson (who's career was vastly better than Stenerud's anyway) I think the Lions should strongly consider retiring #4.

When a guy gives you 21 quality years, you gotta show him that love, I don't care what position he played.

Whole heartedly agree. Don't think he'll ever make the hall but putting him on the wall at FF is a no brainier.

 

[kingofdetroit57]

Agreed 100%. I actually think he's about as strong of HOF candidate as you could get for a kicker... not sure he'll make it in, but I think he probably should.

 

[boogerlovejoy]

+1 on each statement.

Hanson was a stud......well.....for a K.

 

[inkfreq]

I honestly think if he makes in on the ballot, which is a big question mark, he has a really solid shot to get into the Hall.

Again, if Stenerud made it, Hanson should. His career was infinitely better in an age when the kicker was less relied on due to the passing game.

But, you have to consider that Morten Anderson isn't in the Hall. Jim Bakken isn't in the hall. George Blanda is not in the hall. Gary Anderson isn't in the Hall.

Makes me feel like Hanson may not have a prayer in hell.

 

[mhughes0021]

doesnt have a shot. longevity doesnt make you a HoFer. unfortunately all the bad teams, limited playoff wins, 0 super bowl wins....itll come back to bite him cause there was practically zero memorable moments in his career eventhough it lasted so long. I can see a guy like vinateiri (sp?) getting in cause of all the big kicks hes made in important games. Kicking 3 field goals in a loss week after week isnt going to move the voters in your direction....its going to make the voters think....damn the lions sucked for 21 years.

 

[Monster]

2 full time kickers in my 30 years of life. Murray and hanson. Wish the qb position had been so stable.

 

[tbone413]

doesnt have a shot. longevity doesnt make you a HoFer. unfortunately all the bad teams, limited playoff wins, 0 super bowl wins....itll come back to bite him cause there was practically zero memorable moments in his career eventhough it lasted so long. I can see a guy like vinateiri (sp?) getting in cause of all the big kicks hes made in important games. Kicking 3 field goals in a loss week after week isnt going to move the voters in your direction....its going to make the voters think....damn the lions sucked for 21 years.

This is my feelings too.

He has no shot at getting into the HOF. But I would have no problem with them retiring his number

 

[Mitchrapp]

SB matter to QB not K.

 

[manchild98]

I wouldn't do either....but I wouldn't say much if they retired his number.

 

[sggatecl]

Unless they start breaking with tradition of not inducting kickers, Hanson won't see the HoF in my lifetime. It's clearly not on merit, I think the HoF is just nervous about figuring out where the bar is for kickers.

I'm all for retiring #4. If he's not going to get love from Canton, he definitely deserves it from Detroit.

 

[byco42]

I honestly think if he makes in on the ballot, which is a big question mark, he has a really solid shot to get into the Hall.

Again, if Stenerud made it, Hanson should. His career was infinitely better in an age when the kicker was less relied on due to the passing game.

But, you have to consider that Morten Anderson isn't in the Hall. Jim Bakken isn't in the hall. George Blanda is not in the hall. Gary Anderson isn't in the Hall.

Makes me feel like Hanson may not have a prayer in hell.

George Blanda is in the HOF. He was a very good quarterback and that's why he's there. Lou Groza was a very good offensive tackle who happened to be the Browns' kicker. Back in their time, position players often doubled as punters and kickers. Wayne Walker was the Lions' kicker for years. Pat Studstill was the punter. Donny Anderson was the Packers' punter. Gary Collins for the Browns. I have no idea why Stenerud is in the HOF, and that mistake should not me made again by admitting Hanson.

 

[beez]

SB matter to QB not K.

Not when you make clutch kicks in the superbowl..See Adam Vinitieri...he's not a legend for his consistency in the regular season.

 

[beez]

Unless they start breaking with tradition of not inducting kickers, Hanson won't see the HoF in my lifetime. It's clearly not on merit, I think the HoF is just nervous about figuring out where the bar is for kickers.

I'm all for retiring #4. If he's not going to get love from Canton, he definitely deserves it from Detroit.

It's tough to put a kicker in with all of the great skill position players that still aren't in that have had much more of an impact on wins and losses.

 

[tomdalton22]

no on HOF. I would like to see a list of great Lions that don't have their numbers retired to see if Hanson deserves that honor above them.

 

[beez]

no on HOF. I would like to see a list of great Lions that don't have their numbers retired to see if Hanson deserves that honor above them.

They have multiple hall of famers whos numbers are not retired.

 

[byco42]

no on HOF. I would like to see a list of great Lions that don't have their numbers retired to see if Hanson deserves that honor above them.

Numbers not retired, all HOFers

35 John Henry Johnson
88 Charlie Sanders
44 Dick LeBeau
81 Dick Night Train Lane (best football name ever)
28 Yale Lary

There are others, but it's amazing that 88 and 81 are still worn.

 

[beez]

List of Lions HOF players.

20 Lem Barney, DB (1992)
76 Lou Creekmur, G/T (1996)
14 Jack Christiansen, DB (1970)
7 Dutch Clark, QB (1963)
35 Bill Dudley, HB (1966)
72 Frank Gatski, C (1985)
35 John Henry Johnson, FB (1987)
81 Dick "Night Train" Lane, DB (1974)
28 Yale Lary, DB, P (1979)
22 Bobby Layne, QB (1967)
44 Dick LeBeau, DB (2010)
20 Barry Sanders, RB (2004)
88 Charlie Sanders, TE (2007)
56 Joe Schmidt, LB (1973)
37 Doak Walker, HB (1986)
50 Alex Wojciechowicz, C, LB (1968)

of them only these players have their numbers retired.

7 Dutch Clark QB 1934–38
20 Barry Sanders RB 1989–98
22 Bobby Layne QB, K 1950–58
37 Doak Walker HB, K, P 1950-55
56 Joe Schmidt LB 1953–65
85 Chuck Hughes 1 WR 1970–71

 

[schles192]

He will be added to the "ring of honor" at ford field this next season.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Not when you make clutch kicks in the superbowl..See Adam Vinitieri...he's not a legend for his consistency in the regular season.

Not what I meant. He made big kicks but at the end of the day, QB (right or wrong) get judged by SB. K's, don't. You could say "this guy was great because he made big kicks" but when do you ever hear "he is Hall worthy because he won a SB" when referring to a K? Or "this guy never won a SB, overrated and choked" when referring to a K?