CANTON, Ohio -- In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Allstate Insurance Company gave fans the chance to vote on who they think makes up the Allstate Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Time Team -- and fomer Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Bruce Matthews cracked the list.
From Aug. 3 through Oct. 19, 2012, tens of thousands of fans visited www.YourAllTimeTeam.com to select their personal All-Time Team of Hall of Famers by voting for 23 players at 11 positions and one coach.
Today, during a special broadcast on NFL Network featuring Chris Rose, Steve Wyche and Michael Silver, the fans' voices were heard as the Allstate Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Time Team was announced. Also on-hand for the announcement were several Hall of Famers and NFL Network personalities, including Rod Woodson, Marshall Faulk, Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders who provided commentary on the selections.
The final team, as determined by the fan vote, is:
OFFENSE
QB – Joe Montana
RB – Jim Brown, Walter Payton
WR – Jerry Rice, Michael Irvin
OL – Bruce Matthews (G-T-C), Dan Dierdorf (T), Anthony Muñoz (T), Gene Upshaw (G), Jim Otto (C)
TE – Mike Ditka
DEFENSE
DL – Joe Greene (DT), Merlin Olsen (DT), Reggie White (DE), Howie Long (DE)
LB – Dick Butkus, Lawrence Taylor, Jack Lambert
CB – Deion Sanders, Darrell Green
S – Rod Woodson, Ronnie Lott
PK – George Blanda
Head Coach – Vince Lombardi
The Allstate Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Time Team ballot was based on a traditional two-back offensive formation and a 4-3 defense. Fans had the chance to select one coach and 23 players at positions including quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receiver, offensive lineman, defensive lineman, defensive end, linebacker, cornerback, safety and placekicker.
The voting website also offered fans the chance to debate their favorite players, coaches and teams, and featured weekly content to educate fans about the sport through the stories of its legends. Fans then had the chance to enter to win a grand prize Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend package, including a meet-and-greet with pro football legend Howie Long and passes to 2013 Enshrinement Weekend festivities for one winner and a guest, as well as weekly prizes.
