Tom Benson HOF? (1 Viewer)

[NeverGiveUP2]

Does no one remember when he wanted so bad to bolt to San Antonio after Katrina?

I remember and never forgave him. Still I think he deserves consideration

 

[Saintman2884]

Realistically, I think late Paul Allen of the Seattle Seahawks has a better chance at induction then Tom Benson. He bought the Seahawks when they were on the cusp of relocation to Anaheim in late 90s, helped modernize, revamp the team's image, lured Mike Holmgren away from GB where he re-molded a franchise with an average winning legacy in the NFL, had several great drafts and within 5-6 years, the Seahawks appeared in their first ever SB in 2005. He helped convince a skeptical Seattle city council, mayor, and Wash. State legislature to construct and build a brand new stadium in Quest Field, changed the team's uniforms, logos, and image several times. Even after Holmgren retired and his team's got old, he took.a chance on a guy who had shown glimpses of promise in the 90s with Jets and Patriots but got run out of Boston by Parcells loyalists who didn't like him or his easy-going approach. Carroll proved he was still an excellent HC who recruit and win championships at USC for nearly a decade, Allen gave him a rebuilding team and emphasized it's great defense, particularly it's secondary, and they won SB 48 and nearly won it again the next season if it hadn't been for Carroll running a dumb, unnecessary play on the goal line when he had a powerful, future HOF RB ready to pound it in easily from the 1.

Regardless, if we're using factors such as owners saving a previously bad or mediocre team from leaving town at the last minute, hiring good HC's who then draft great talent and produce winning seasons, division titles, playoff appearances, NFCCG appearances, NFC titles, and Super Bowl appearances, plus continuing to hire good FO personnel and ensure the team remains competitive, Paul Allen has a much better record and I hate to say it, a more arguable case for HOF induction then Benson.

That doesn't mean I believe Benson was a sheetty owner, but his off-field NFL Financial Committee leadership notwithstanding, Benson only had two really good periods where the team won and prospered under him: Mora era, particularly from 1987-1992, and Sean Peyton/Drew Brees era, 2006-2011, and then a rebuilt, revamped version from 2017-present. His success ratio here when added up and compared to Seahawks, Ravens, Eagles, Packers, even the Chiefs over the past 25-30 years falls short.

Is Tom Benson more worthy of HOF consideration as an owner compared to contemporaries like Jeffrey Lurie, Paul Allen, or Steve Biscotti, the Ravens owner?

 

[Moon]

13 year stretch with 1 playoff appearance....20 year stretch with 1 playoff win. Sorry, that takes you out of the running