August 4, 2012; Canton, OH, USA; New York Jets former running back Curtis Martin (left) is presented his bust by former coach Bill Parcells during the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Today marked the beginning of voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There are numerous finalists who deserve to get in, but only 10 men would be named finalists today out of the 15 men listed on the ballot.

The men lucky enough to survive the first cut were offensive guard Larry Allen, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, head coach Bill Parcells, receiver Cris Carter, and defensive tackle Warren Sapp. The two senior inductees were defensive tackle Curley Culp and linebacker Dave Robinson.

Wide receiver Andre Reed, running back Jerome Bettis, cornerback Aeneas Williams and defensive linemen Michael Strahan and Charles Haley were also finalists but did not earn election.

The following finalists were eliminated in the reduction from 15 to 10: Art Modell, Eddie DeBartolo, Will Shields, Tim Brown, and Kevin Greene.

Of all the names on the ballot, I thought Bill Parcels was the most deserving.

Parcells took the Giants, Patriots, and Jets from doormat status into contenders. He is one of only two coaches to have taken more than one team to the Super Bowl. He took four teams to the playoffs, and ultimately won two Lombardi Trophies.

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Feb 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; General view of spectators as they watch a press conference announcing the NFL hall of fame class of 2012 finalists at the JW Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

The Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed  six new members today in Indianapolis. Those elected include CB Jack Butler, C Dermontti Dawson, DE/OLB Chris Doleman, DT Cortez Kennedy, RB Curtis Martin and OT Willie Roaf. (more…)