Does Alexander have Hall credentials?

June 5, 2008 12:54 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Shaun Alexander's near-inclusion on our list of 10 greatest running backs shows the flip side of the Gale Sayers candidacy. Sayers made the list because he was a special runner. He was so special that his injury-diminshed career rushing stats couldn't exclude him from the conversation.

Alexander commands attention in spite of a running style that has drawn criticism as soft. He commands attention because he has done things statistically that no player in NFL history has accomplished, namely scoring at least 15 touchdowns in five consecutive seasons. He scored 98 touchdowns across the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 seasons.

Despite only 64 carries in 16 games as a rookie, Alexander rushed for 4,623 yards in his first 68 games, coming close to Sayers' career total (4,956 in 68 games). Alexander doesn't strike me as a sure Hall of Fame choice, but some of his numbers will hold up well over time.

Seahawks, Shaun Alexander, Gale Sayers, Hall of Fame, RB debate

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