AboutFred Goodwin Expertise My particular expertise is Cowboys history from 1960-1988 (the Landry era); I'm also a Cowboys book fanatic (I have almost 200 different Cowboys-related titles), and I also collect Cowboys football cards (but stopped in 93). But I am not an expert in the value of cards or collectibles – so please don't ask.
Before you ask: "So-and-so" almost certainly DID NOT PLAY for the Cowboys -- trust me! Before you ask me, ask the guy for proof!
Finally, I DO NOT ANSWER “PRIVATE” QUESTIONS! My work requires research, so the results must be made public.
Experience I had a Cowboys webpage recognized around the Internet as the authoritative list of Cowboys links, and I have a Cowboys book collection second to none (200 titles). In addition to my book collection, I have every Cowboys media guide back to 1960, which makes researching questions much easier.
Expert: Fred Goodwin Date: 10/6/2006 Subject: Everson Walls
Question Hi Fred,
Please explain to me why my birth date, 12/28/59 brother Everson Walls is not in the NFL Hall of Fame? He has years, numbers/stats, awards and at least one S.B. Ring.
Thanks,
Walt
Troy, NY
Answer Walt:
Ultimately, who gets into the HOF is up to HOF voters, and I can't read their minds.
Everson is tied for ninth (57 INTs) on the all-time career interceptions list with other notables such as Mel Blount, Bobby Boyd, Johnny Robinson, and Eugene Robinson.
Ahead of Walls are Paul Krause (81), Emlen Tunnell (79), Rod Woodson (71), Dick Lane (68), Ken Riley (65), Ronnie Lott (63), Dave Brown (62), Dick LeBeau (62) and Emmitt Thomas (58).
Of those, several are still waiting to get into the HOF. Ken Riley, for example, has 65 INTs to Everson's 57, and Riley returned five of those for TDs, vs. only one for Everson.
Its true that Everson led the NFL in INTs three times, which no other DB has ever done, and he was also named to the Pro Bowl four times (Riley, for example, was never named to the Pro Bowl).
So, while a case can be made for Walls, I'd say on balance, there are some very worthy candidates ahead of him still waiting to get in, meaning he will have to wait his turn.
