Intensity and Integrity of Jerry Rice vs. Warren Wells on the Field

Foreword This article from my archives was published, in part, in a newsletter, edited by Don Small of the USMA (West Point). A discussion of some issues related to the selection process of the Hall of Fame was at the center of the discussion. Moreover, it seems only reasonable to recognized the accomplishments and gifts of great NFL players and Oakland Raiders. A part of this article was published in 2007. A similar report was mailed by certified mail to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. No record of a response was received. Congratulations to Jerry Rice for his enshrinement. There are others, however, who deserve consideration and some type of recognition for their gift, and contribution to the Oakland Raiders and to the NFL. A new paradigm is needed. Just as there are rigorous and sophisticated research techniques that help us seek truth, truth must also be sought when we recognize the contributions of NFL players. The Research/Article The coach tells a player to go out there on the playing field and catch that ball, get a touchdown, and complete that “Hail Mary” pass.  The player does it and he does it so well and so often during his career that his numbers stand out even in the 21st century.  Who was that player with intensity and player integrity—the kind of player whose results have taken many years to exceed.  His name is Warren Wells. Take a good look at the players’ averages and tell me what you see.  During the first five years of Warren Wells’ career his averages were better than some of the Super Bowl 43 wide receivers.  For example,  if you compare Wells (1), Fitzgerald (2), Rice (3) and Boldin (4), clearly Wells’ average exceeds the others during the first five years.  Respectively, their numbers are:  23.1

14.9

14.8

11.7

        An Example

In September 2002 Paul Zimme...