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Crit40
Posts:2483
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| 02/11/2008 2:58 PM |
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Dukester,
Why no love for this ex-hawkeye?
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Counting the Herd one hoof at a time. |
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IrememberDukester
Posts:2404
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| 02/11/2008 8:51 PM |
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Former University of Iowa standout Andre Tippett is heading to the NFL's Hall of Fame.
Tippett, who is in Phoenix as the New England Patriots' director of community affairs, was considered the best linebacker in the AFC during an era when Lawrence Taylor ruled the other conference. An outstanding pass rusher who also could handle coverage, Tippett was a force against the run after a stint in junior college and a standout career as an Hawkeye.
This is by far the proudest moment of my professional football career," said Tippett, who made the NFL's 1980s All-Decade team and waited 10 years for this day. "I will be joining the greats of the game and I am deeply honored."
Tippett said he had plenty of support from the Patriots' Super Bowl traveling party as he waited to learn whether he was headed to Canton.
"Everybody, from day one when we got here, they were like, 'Hey, we're looking to do something special -- you on Saturday and us on Sunday,' " Tippett said on Saturday. "It couldn't have happened at a greater time."
Surrounded by family, team employees and fans, Tippett watched the Hall of Fame announcement on television in the lobby of the team's headquarters hotel in nearby Scottsdale.
"When they said, it, man, the whole lobby just broke out in an uproar," Tippett said. "It was overwhelming a little bit. I looked soft for a little while, but that was OK. It was a good thing. It was cool that people were able to share that with us."
Tippett immediately jumped into a car for the long drive to downtown Phoenix, where he met with the media. He said his cell phone buzzed the whole way. "I've gotten a ton of text messages from [linebacker Mike] Vrabel and [quarterback Tom] Brady and a couple of the other guys,'' Tippett said.
It was a big change from a year ago, when Tippett was passed over after reaching the finals. He retired in 1993 and waited 10 years for election.
"Last year was tough, but the nice thing about it, I was home alone, so nobody saw me lose it," he said. "When I saw the class and didn't make it, you know, I've gotten this far, you might as well put me in."
Andre Tippett: He was overshadowed much of his career by Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor. Tippett played strong-side linebacker, which required him to play the run.
Tippett had 100 sacks in 151 games, with 18.5 in 1984 and 16.5 in 1985.
Tippett, 48, was New England's second-round draft pick from Iowa in 1982 and spent 12 seasons with the Patriots (1982-93).
His motor never stopped running once the play started!
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Omahan
Posts:3699
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| 02/12/2008 8:46 AM |
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So Lawrence Taylor was to Andre Tippett what Muhammad Ali was to Joe Frazier?
Rarely do true greats arrive in a twosome. |
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vranged
Posts:2813
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| 02/12/2008 9:06 AM |
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Tippett was a very good player, but the analogy I'd use (since L.T. was arguably the best defensive player of all time) would be:
Lawrence Taylor is to Andre Tippett as Michael Jordan is to Mitch Richmond.
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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Omahan
Posts:3699
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| 02/12/2008 9:11 AM |
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| That would take Tippett down a notch IMO. How about Lawrence Taylor is to Andre Tippett as Magic Johnson is to Larry Bird? |
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vranged
Posts:2813
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| 02/12/2008 9:19 AM |
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Wouldn't work for me, because Magic and Bird are pretty comparable, in my opinion.
I liked Jordan/Richmond for the reason that Jordan was the best ever (L.T.) while Richmond was a perennial All Star, and borderline HOF candidate, who will probably get in (Tippett).
But it's not really worth arguing over. |
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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Omahan
Posts:3699
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| 02/12/2008 9:39 AM |
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I can relate with your position but beg to differ citing:
Andre Tippett - 151 career games, 100 career sacks. Highest single season sack total: 18.5 in 1984.
Lawrence Taylor - 184 career games, 132.5 career sacks. Highest single season sack total: 20.5 in 1986.
Very similar statistics even if you included fumbles and interceptions.
I think the fact that Tippett played his whole career in New England, mostly on a losing team impacted his position in history. I'm certainly not taking away from the true greatness of Taylor.
I would say maybe a Olajuwon to Ewing comparison would also be compatible due to Ewing never winning a title but yet being year in, year out an outstanding player. |
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