Jim Tyrer, a former Kansas City Chiefs lineman and an iconic figure in the American Football League during the 1960s, recently faced a setback in his pursuit of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tyrer, who played a pivotal role in the Chiefs' success both in the AFL and after its merger with the NFL in 1970, was renowned for his exceptional skill on the field. Despite his impeccable record, which includes playing 180 consecutive games and starting every game over 11 seasons for the Chiefs, Tyrer fell short of securing a place in the Hall of Fame.
Tyrer's career achievements are nothing short of remarkable. He was selected for nine Pro Bowls and was named to the AFL's All-Time Team. His contribution to the sport was further recognized by his induction into the Chiefs' Hall of Fame. Notably, Tyrer served as a steadfast left tackle, protecting future Hall of Famer Len Dawson. However, despite being chosen as one of three player finalists by the Senior Committee from an initial pool of 182 former players, Tyrer did not receive the necessary votes for Hall of Fame induction.
The Hall's bylaws dictate that voters should evaluate candidates based solely on their on-field performance. Yet, Tyrer's candidacy was clouded by off-field events, including evidence suggesting he might have suffered from football-related head trauma long before it became a widely recognized issue. His children rallied behind his candidature, with his son Brad Tyrer asserting that the man responsible for a tragic incident "wasn't our dad."
"I'm disappointed because I thought he deserved it…. It seems like [some voters] didn't follow the rules of how you're supposed to look only at on-field and not off-field issues." – Jason Tyrer
Tyrer's family, while saddened by the outcome, expressed understanding of the decision process. Brad Tyrer emphasized that the Hall of Fame outcome was not pivotal for their personal closure regarding their father's legacy.
"It wasn't like we were waiting on this to bring us closure or anything," – Brad Tyrer
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