Former
Rams coach Mike Martz says it is "out-and-out ridiculous" that Terrell Owens is a Hall of Fame finalist over a pair of former Rams wide receivers.
Martz
told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he doesn't understand why Isaac Bruce and Torry **** haven't been given more consideration for enshrinement in Canton, Ohio, while Owens is a finalist in his first year of eligibility.
"'Surprised' isn't the word," Martz told the newspaper.
"You can't print how I felt when T.O. leapfrogged those two. That's just plain out-and-out ridiculous."
Owens is one of two wide receivers on the final ballot for the Hall of Fame, along with former
Indianapolis Colts star Marvin Harrison, whom Martz also took some issue with being ranked over his former players.
"If they big-timed it and did all that dumb stuff, they'd get in probably earlier," Martz told the Post-Dispatch.
"I think they'll eventually get in. I don't think that's an issue, but it's tragic that people think of them like that. If Marvin Harrison gets in, how could they not get in?"
In 223 career games, Bruce posted 1,024 receptions (eighth all time) for 15,208 yards (fourth) and 91 touchdowns (11th) on his way to four Pro Bowl appearances.
**** was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and was named first-team All-Pro in 2003 and second-team in 2006. He finished his career with 920 catches for 13,382 yards and 74 touchdowns. **** also holds NFL records for most consecutive seasons with 90 catches and 1,300 receiving yards, marks he hit six straight times in the early 2000s.
"You kinda start with that," Martz said. "Look at their production. More importantly, look at their yards per catch. And then look at it consistently over a long period of time -- it'll compare to anybody. In some cases, nobody comes close. I mean nobody's even come close to what Torry did."
Owens ranks second in yards receiving with 15,934 and third in touchdown receptions with 153. While playing for the 49ers in 2000, he set a record (at the time) for catches in a game with 20 against the
Chicago Bears. Harrison had 1,102 receptions for 14,580 yards and 128 touchdowns, making the All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
The Class of 2016 will be decided Saturday, the day before the Super Bowl, with inductions scheduled for August. To be elected, a finalist must receive a minimum of 80 percent of the votes cast by the selection panel. A maximum of eight inductees are allowed per year.
martz.