The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016 features quarterback Brett Favre, wide receiver Marvin Harrison, linebacker Kevin Greene, offensive tackle Orlando Pace, former head coach Tony Dungy, offensive lineman Dick Stanfel, quarterback Ken Stabler, and former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr.
Favre, a three-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion, headlines the class. The former Green Bay Packers quarterback retired as the NFL's all time leader in completions (6,300), yards (71,838), and passing touchdowns (508). Favre has since been passed by Peyton Manning in both career passing yards and touchdowns. Favre won the league MVP award in 1995,1996, and 1997, and was one of the most iconic players to step ever step on a football field.
Former Oakland Raiders, Houston Oilers, and New Orleans Saints quarterback Ken Stabler is the only other quarterback on the list. Stabler won the NFL's MVP award in 1974 and led the Raiders to a Super Bowl victory. Stabler died in 2015 from complications resulting form colon cancer, and suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy which was determined earlier this week.
The 2016 class features two offensive lineman in Dick Stanfel and Orlando Pace. Stanfel has been on the Hall of Fame ballot for 54 years, and had an impact in the league both on the field and as a coach. Stanfel played for the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins and was named to the All-NFL team of the 1950s, according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN. Stanfel was also the Chicago Bears offensive line coach from 1981-1992, and built the offensive line that would lead the way for running back Walter Payton and their 1985 Super Bowl-winning season.
Former Rams offensive lineman Orlando Pace was selected to seven Pro Bowl trips, and helped lead the St. Louis to a Super Bowl win. Pace was the cornerstone left tackle for the Rams for 12 seasons, and was named to the NFL's 2000s All-Decade team.
Linebacker Kevin Greene is currently third on the NFL's all time sack leaders list with 160. Greene played for the Rams, Steelers, 49ers, and Panthers during his 15-year career, and consistently created pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison played 13 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, and recorded 1,102 receptions for 14,580 yards. Harrison scored 128 touchdowns, and helped former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning win his first Super Bowl.
Both Harrison and former Colts head coach Tony Dungy have a strong connection with Super Bowl 50 quarterback Peyton Manning, as they were major parts of the 2006 season-winning Super Bowl. Dungy also helped build the Tampa Buccaneers into a playoff contender and amassed a 139-69 record as a head coach in the NFL.
Former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo reportedly took the longest debate to get into the 2016 class, but had a strong enough resume to get the votes. DeBartolo owned the 49ers from 1977 to 1998, and during that time they won 5 Super Bowls and went to 10 NFC Championship games. DeBartolo gave control of the franchise to his sister after being suspended for the 1999 season after failing to report a bribe.
