Linebacker Chuck Howley, a Cowboys Ring of Honor member, has been named a Senior Finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023. Cornerback Everson Walls did not advance.
Howley and two others will be up for consideration alongside 15 modern-era players and a coach/contributor. The committee will meet in January, and Howley will need at least 80% approval in the up-or-down balloting to become a part of the hall.
Howley made the Pro Bowl six times and five first-team All-Pro selections during his outstanding career. He started his journey with the Bears in the late 50s and then called the Cowboys home from 1961 to 1973. In 180 regular-season games, Howley finished his career with 26 sacks, recovered 18 fumbles, and recorded 25 interceptions.
To this day, Howley is the only player in NFL history to win the Super Bowl MVP while playing on the losing team. Despite the loss in Super Bowl V, Howley made his presence felt. He finished the game with two interceptions and a fumble as the Cowboys lost to the Baltimore Colts 16-13 on a last-second field goal.
Class of 2023 Seniors Finalist Chuck Howley's resume:
-Five-time First-Team All-Pro with @dallascowboys
-Super Bowl V MVP
-Super Bowl VI Champion pic.twitter.com/78n2C2ink2— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 17, 2022
On the other hand, Walls finds himself in a similar situation as he did in 2018 when he had a chance to join the hall during his last year of eligibility before getting an opportunity in the senior pool. For the second time, he did not receive enough votes. Walls led the league in interceptions three times. He finished his playing career with 57 total, ranking him 13th on the all-time list. Looking at some of the names he is ahead of is beyond impressive.
Both of these Cowboys greats played before my time, but from the support I have seen on Twitter, It is a shame Walls won't have another chance to end up in the hall with other greats. Here's to hoping Howley gets voted in.
