Why is Ken Riley not in the pro football HOF?

LandrysFedora

I was recently reading about Mr Riley's career. He had 65 career int's, he was durable, almost never missed a game in his long career. Was he a victim of playing on some bad Bengal's teams or playing in a smaller market? Maybe I'm missing something here but it seems like putting Mr Riley in the hall would be a no brainer??

2dueces

I watched the NFL since 1963 and don’t remember him. I guess the Bengals were a black hole for players. Impressive 9 interceptions in 1976. 5 career Pick 6’s.
Maybe the veterans committee will eventually put a couple of Bengals in. Riley and Ken Anderson.

AFLfan

I don't see him ever getting in, and that has absolutely nothing to do with his playing career. The HOF is so media/money driven that it is now even more difficult for a deceased player to be inducted, even by the veteran's committee. Riley is not alive to draw people to Canton for Induction Weekend, nor can he participate in fund raising or promotional events. At this point his induction is basically an expense with little chance of recuperating the investment. Terrible as I know that sounds, I truly believe it.

LandrysFedora

@AFLfan said:
I don't see him ever getting in, and that has absolutely nothing to do with his playing career. The HOF is so media/money driven that it is now even more difficult for a deceased player to be inducted, even by the veteran's committee. Riley is not alive to draw people to Canton for Induction Weekend, nor can he participate in fund raising or promotional events. At this point his induction is basically an expense with little chance of recuperating the investment. Terrible as I know that sounds, I truly believe it.

That makes total sense, such a shame too.

perkdog

Never heard of him