CSN Bay Area

Raiders legend Tim Brown and former Indianapolis Colts star Marvin Harrison were the only two receivers on among the 15 modern-era finalists for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Position mates are typically seen as competition in these votes, with two people from the same position rarely a part of the same Hall of Fame class. Statistics are compared and contrasted, to see if one’s more worthy than the other.

Brown comes up on the wrong end of that argument. He has been a finalist six times, and has seen Jerry Rice, Cris Carter and Andre Reed go in without him making it past the first cut.

He always bowed out with grace, even when the rejection tore him up inside. This time Brown walked into the ring of honor with Harrison left in the cold.

[RELATED: Brown: Hall of Fame election 'an incredible honor']

Despite missing out on a dream election for the second straight year, Harrison was complementary of the one who got in.

“I’m ecstatic that Tim Brown got in,” Marvin Harrison told RTV 6 in Indianapolis on Saturday night. “I’m glad he doesn’t have to wait and go through this another year. Tim Brown is the man. Tim Brown should’ve been in there five years ago. Now my night is made. I’m cool that Tim Brown is in the Hall of Fame. I like Tim Brown as a person. I love Tim Brown as a player.”

It seems these elite receivers are all part of the one fraternity, and root for each other to get in. There are a number of quality receivers with eligibility approaching, but there’s little doubt that Harrison will get elected at some point. Brown believes he should go in next.

“Absolutely,” Brown said. “I know they have a lot of guys coming up, Isaac Bruce and Terrell Owens and Randy Moss and all of those guys, but there is no doubt in my mind that Marvin will be the next receiver to go in. He’s a great guy, incredible football player and a guy that’s well deserving, obviously. Looking forward to welcoming him in, no doubt about it.”