Detroit – Gary Zimmerman is part of an NFL community that believes he has long deserved a bust in Canton, Ohio.
Widely regarded as an elite offensive tackle in the 1980s and the 1990s, Zimmerman has been eligible for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for four years. As he was two years ago, Zimmerman – who finished his 12-season NFL career by anchoring the Broncos’ offensive line from 1993-97 – is one of 15 finalists for election.
Voting will be conducted and announced Saturday.
Although this may be his best chance, don’t expect Zimmerman to stress too much about what the 39 voters in a stuffy conference room are doing.
The outdoorsman is hitting the mountains of Oregon, where he has lived a reclusive life since his abrupt retirement after Denver’s first Super Bowl victory.
Zimmerman, who refers to himself as “a caveman,” is going snowboarding Saturday near his home in Bend. Nothing unusual. Most days this time of year, Zimmerman is snowboarding or snowmobiling.
He plans to enjoy the day, regardless of whether his football mortality is cemented.
“My cellphone will be in my pocket,” Zimmerman said. “If it rings, I’ll be happy. If it doesn’t ring, I’ll be happy because I’m snowboarding. This will not change my life.”
Four to six men will be voted in Saturday. Shortly after the list of 15 finalists was announced last month, there was a groundswell of support for Zimmerman’s election. However, the buzz during Super Bowl week is that it may be difficult for Zimmerman to gain entrance this year.
Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman and former Philadelphia and Green Bay star defensive end Reggie White are sure to get voted in as first-ballot selections. Others with good chances for election include former Oakland coach John Madden, Buffalo running back Thurman Thomas, Houston quarterback Warren Moon, Giants linebacker Harry Carson and Washington offensive lineman Russ Grimm.
Zimmerman will have his supporters. He was voted to the NFL’s all-decade team in both the 1980s and 1990s. He was voted to seven Pro Bowl teams in 12 seasons and anchored prolific offenses in Minnesota and Denver.
At 6-foot-6, 294 pounds, Zimmerman was known for being a master technician and a hard worker. Former Denver teammate Rod Smith said recently that all young players should emulate Zimmerman’s approach.
If his former teammates had any say, Zimmerman would have been a first- ballot enshrinee.
“It’s a travesty he’s not in,” former linemate and ESPN analyst Mark Schlereth said. “He was a phenomenal, phenomenal football player who set the standard of what a tackle should be.”
Denver center Tom Nalen said Zimmerman taught him about being a professional when he came into the NFL as a rookie in 1994.
“He wasn’t the biggest guy in the league, but he still dominated,” Nalen said. “He did everything a great offensive lineman was supposed to do.”
Still, election has eluded him. Zimmerman, who said being elected would be like hitting the lottery, believes political reasons have prevented his election thus far. He admits he wasn’t the friendliest player with the media, and the election committee consists of media members.
Unlike other candidates, Zimmerman refuses to stump for himself. Two years ago, former Minnesota defensive end Carl Eller unabashedly and successfully led his own campaign.
“I will not politick for myself,” he said. “I know some of the media hates my guts, but I’m not going to politick for this. Hopefully, my career will stand on its own. If not, I’ll move on.”
Zimmerman file
Former Broncos offensive lineman Gary Zimmerman is one of 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Voting takes place Saturday.
Born: Dec. 13, 1961, in Fullerton, Calif.
Ht.: 6-foot-6
Wt.: 294 pounds
College: Oregon
NFL: 1986-92 Minnesota, 1993-97 Denver
Accolades: Seven Pro Bowls
Lowdown: Master technician and a diligent worker. Widely considered the best at his position in both the 1980s and 1990s. Former Broncos teammates are stunned he isn’t in the Hall of Fame yet. Made the Pro Bowl in his final NFL season.
Hall of Fame candidates
The Pro Football Hall of Fame voters will consider these 15 candidates Saturday:
Troy Aikman QB Dallas
Harry Carson LB New York Giants
L.C. Greenwood DE Pittsburgh
Russ Grimm OG Washington
Claude Humphrey DE Atlanta, Philadelphia
Michael Irvin WR Dallas
Bob Kuechenberg OG Miami
John Madden Coach Oakland
Art Monk WR Washington, N.Y. Jets, Philadelphia
Warren Moon QB Houston, Minnesota, Seattle, Kansas City
Derrick Thomas LB Kansas City
Thurman Thomas RB Buffalo, Miami
Reggie White DE Philadelphia, Green Bay, Carolina
Rayfield Wright OT Dallas
Gary Zimmerman OT Minnesota, Denver
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
