Tim Brown’s long, tortuous wait is over. After six years as a finalist, the legendary Raiders wide receiver was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The announcement came on Saturday evening, following an eight-and-a-half hour selection meeting earlier in the day.
Brown was the only receiver in the 2015 class. The honor was well deserved, and probably too long in the awarding. Brown certainly had a Hall-of-Fame career, with sterling statistics despite a string of lackluster quarterbacks.
He had 1,094 receptions for 14,934 receiving yards and 100 touchdown catches. He also was a standout return man throughout his 17-year career.
Brown often spoke of how difficult the election process was, and how it's taken a toll on those around him. He must feel a great sense of pride and relief with Saturday's news. Brown was the elder statesman of a two-receiver group of 15 modern-era finalists that included Indianapolis Colts star Marvin Harrison. Harrison was not elected.
The nine-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro was stuck behind Jerry Rice, Andre Reed and Cris Carter in recent seasons. Those guys have been enshrined. Now it’s Brown’s turn.
Brown is the 23rd player with Raiders ties to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Punter Ray Guy was enshrined last season.
This year’s induction ceremony will take place from Aug. 7-9 in Canton, Ohio.
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