Best of Yesterday and Today Series Wraps Up

Best of Yesterday and Today Series Wraps Up

May 25, 2002 - Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones visited the Hall of Fame today to wrap up the month-long Best of Yesterday and Today series. Jones was joined by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan. The two signed over 500 autographs in the Hall's NFL Films Theater from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The pairing gave fans a chance to meet two of the most dominant defensive players in the history of professional football.

Jones, a 1980 Hall of Fame inductee, dominated opposing offenses by way of the sack, a term he invented. As a key component of the Los Angeles Rams "Fearsome Foursome," Jones had a reputation for one thing - getting to the quarterback at all costs.

Strahan has made his mark in very similar fashion. On January 6, 2002, with a sack of Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre; he raised his season total to 22.5 sacks, breaking the old mark of 22 held by former New York Jets defensive end Mark Gastineau.

After that game, Strahan's jersey and helmet were shipped to the Hall of Fame. "It's incredible," commented Strahan on the fact that his jersey is now in the Hall of Fame. "And to be able to come here and share it with Deacon, that's special, and something I'll never forget."

"I thought it was just fantastic," said Jones on Strahan's new record. "Michael's a good friend of mine, and I wish him nothing but the best. And if he keeps his game going the way that it's going now, he'll rest here some day."