2011 Professional Football Hall of Fame Inductees

The 2011 Professional Football Hall of Fame induction class includes two older players who played in the 50's and 60's, one non-player and four modern NFL athletes. They all left marks on their respective teams as they collectively combined for eight Super Bowl victories.

Richard Dent (DE) - Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles

In fifteen NFL season, defensive end Richard Dent amassed 137.5 sacks and 8 interceptions on his way to four Pro Bowls. Additionally, defensive end Richard Dent won Super Bowls with the Chicago Bears (1986) and San Francisco 49ers (1995). The eighth round draft pick of the 2003 draft won the Most Valuable Player Award at Super Bowl XX when the Chicago Bears beat the New England Patriots 46-10. Richard Dent was a vital player in the vaunted Bears defense of 1985, which is considered one of the best ever.

Marshall Faulk (RB) - Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams

In thirteen NFL seasons, running back Marshall Faulk amassed seven Pro Bowl appearances, one Super Bowl Championship (2000), three NFL Offensive Player of the Year Awards and the AP NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 2000. In his NFL career, Marshall Faulk amassed 12,279 yards rushing, placing him tenth on the all-time rushing yards leaders list.

Chris Hanburger (LB) - Washington Redskins

In fourteen years of professional football experience from 1965 to 1978, linebacker Chris Hanburger was selected to nine Pro Bowls. Chris Hanburger helped the Washington Redskins reach Super bowl VII in 1973. Unfortunately, the linebacker is best known for his tendency to tackle a player high - near or around the neck.

Les Richter (LB) - Los Angeles Rams

In nine years as a professional football player from 1954 to 1962, linebacker Les Richter was selected to eight Pro Bowls. The second overall pick of the 1952 draft amassed 12 fumble recoveries and 16 interceptions in his NFL career. For three years from 1954 through 1956, the Les Richter actively kicked for the Los Angeles Rams, scoring 29 field goals and 104 extra points.

Ed Sabol (Filmmaker) - NFL Films

As Co-Founder of NFL Films (with Steve Sabol), Ed Sabol began directing and narrating NFL Films in 1962. At the time of his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2011, Ed Sabol continued to make NFL Films. When it comes to professional football and NFL Films, if you don't know the name Ed Sabol, you must recognize the narration, the face or the camera work of the entrepreneur.

Deion Sanders (CB) - Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens

In fourteen seasons as a professional NFL cornerback, Deion Sanders garnered eight Pro Bowl selections and two NFC Defensive Player of the Year Awards. Deion Sanders won back to back Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers (1995) and Dallas Cowboys (1996). In his flashy career, "Neon Deion" caught 53 interceptions and combined for nine kick and punt return touchdowns.

Shannon Sharpe (TE) - Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens

In fourteen years as an NFL tight end, Shannon Sharpe accumulated eight Pro Bowl selections and three Super Bowl Championships, with the Denver Broncos in 1998 and 1999 and the Baltimore Ravens in 2001. Shannon Sharpe re-invented the tight end position by amassing 62 touchdowns on 815 receptions and 10,060 yards.

Sources:

NFL Network

NFL.com