A regular feature profiling each of the 17 candidates for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Name: Gene Hickerson
Position: Guard
Career: 1958-1973 Cleveland Browns
Pros: Probably the best blocker Jim Brown ever had, and Brown didn't become the best running back in history all by himself. He also paved the way for Hall of Fame runners Bobby Mitchell and Leroy Kelly. He was an all-pro for five consecutive seasons from 1966 to 1970.
Cons: He retired more than two decades ago, and if the voters of the 1970s and 1980s didn't think he was worthy, why should the voters of the 2000s?
Verdict: Guards don't get into the Hall of Fame very often, but I think it's time to change that. Hickerson was a major part of a great Cleveland running attack. He gets a vote of YES.
Previous votes:
NO: Richard Dent, Fred Dean, Ray Guy
YES: Russ Grimm
Note: By rule, the Hall of Fame must induct between three and six new members.




