I honestly think that he's not getting in because he is extremely unlikeable. And his years in Philly weren't that great.
His years in Philly aren't holding him back. It could be his personality I suppsose. He should get in though.
He definitely should, but I really wonder if it was the coke, the arrogance during his playing years, and his bad analysis on ESPN that is holding him back.
Regardless of those things, he was a far superior player to Art Monk, who often wasn't even the best receiver on his own team, and is in, particularly, for being a nice guy and for being above average for a very long time. Carter has 8 consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards plus, 6 seasons where he was top 5 in receptions, and 8 where he was top 5 in receiving touchdowns. I wouldn't say he's an easy choice, because I believe the hall is reserved for the very, very best, but his long-term consistent excellent is not something routinely matched. -X-
That's a little unfair to Monk. He was a big physical receiver that was asked to do a lot of dirty work. He often blocked and was used in a TE type role. He ended his career as the All Time leader in receptions and set the record for most consecutive games with a catch (which has now been broken). He's in the HOF because he deserves to be not because he's a nice guy.
I don't think he definitely should be in. I wasn't a fan of Monk getting in either. There are just so many great WR and I mean great. Carter was very good and he was consistent but like Monk he wasn't the best WR on many of his teams and there are other WR not in the HOF every bit as good including the WR coach on the NY Jets. I'm not sure I would have voted for Little although he was a really good player.
All that can play a role maybe, but I just think he was not a good enough WR to have gotten in yet. These are the *modern era WRs who were inducted on the first ballot- Lance Alworth Raymond Berry Steve Largent Jerry Rice Paul Warfield In HOF but had to wait: Fred Biletnikoff Bob Hayes Elroy Hirsch Michael Irvin Charlie Joiner Dante Lavelli James Lofton Don Maynard Tommy McDonald Bobby Mitchell Art Monk Pete Pihos John Stallworth Lynn Swann Charley Taylor *Here I am defining modern era as after 1950 (pre 1950 was single platoon football) Carter absolutely did not belong with that first group. It's fair to argue if he belongs with that second group. I think he does, but I don't have a problem with him waiting a few more years. There is a logjam of other deserving players. There's a good chance Dermontti Dawson will get in next year over Willie Roaf who might have to wait one year.
Henry Ellard has the Rec. Yards and catches, but only 65 TDs. I don't know if he was a game changer or not, but it would be tough for him to get in. Great player though.
Rickey Jackson definitely deserved the nod - but look who's talking here. If it weren't for Lawrence Taylor, they would be talking about how RJ redefined the linebacker position. He's 2nd all time in sacks for a LB and 10th (or he was) in sacks all time. What kept him off these past year was that he never won a playoff game, and he owed more child supports in Louisiana than any other person - fun fact. Him getting in was definitely vindicating for us Saints fans. Then the day after we win the SB, great weekend. Also, the Dome Patrol is the best LB corps of all time, no doubt.
