Four Jackets Needed

The term "future Hall of Famer" is used too loosely to describe players these days. If they all made it to Canton, the HOF would need to build a new wing just for them. Every team, including the Pats, has players on that list.

Tonight's game between the Pats and Ravens truly has four future Hall of Famers in Ray Lewis, Ed Reed Tom Brady and Coach Bill Belichick. All four should be first time selections when they become eligible. If they don't get selected, there is something wrong with the process.

The biggest question is how will they end their career? Ed Reed has been banged up in recent years. Ray Lewis seems to be indestructible after playing linebacker for 17 seasons. Tom Brady has often said that he wants to play until he is 40. Coach Belichick has never been one to tip his hand. Who knows what he will do?

Hopefully, they all leave the game on their own terms. Their stars have shined so brightly. It would be a shame for any of the players to end it with a catastrophic injury. I often wonder how much Coach Belichick wants to do this. He shows no sign of slowing down, but he even has said that nobody does it forever.