While being a die hard Hawks fan i still have to take a realistic look at his career and compare it to those already in at the DT position. Many others are in the Hall with 11 yr careers, 4 all pro selections and 8 pro bowl apperances the same as Cortez. But hes still no slam dunk. Out of the 4 finalists at the position the one most worthy would be Charles Haley who was on 5 Super Bowl teams with the 49ers and Cowboys and 10 Division championships compared to Kennedys 1 Div Championship and no Super Bowls, Richard Dent played on 2 Super Bowl teams & 7 Division championships. All that being said i don't see more than 2 defensive linemen getting the votes and Dent and Haley seem to be the favorites. Good luck in the future Cortez.

I personally think that if the Hall of Fame looks at his team accomplishments, it might not go in Cortez's favor. However, when you look at Tez's individual accomplishments, he is a shoe-in. One thing that Cortez has in favor of Charles Haley is being an NFL Defensive Player of the Year. I do not think Charles Haley has that on his list of accolades. Charles Haley, while he was a great player, I personally think he will be the on the outside looking in this year again. Just my opinion.

Pleasantly Surprized, love your points Noel, i guess i was just going with that old, if its not on the East Coast It does'nt matter kind of thinking that seems to prevail so often in sports. Its a great day for Tez, and he deserves it.