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Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2006 celebrates 20-year anniversary

By: Andy Caron/Pro Football Hall of Fame
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Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Troy AikmanCredit: Paul Spinelli/NFL Photos

On Aug. 5, 2006, six of football’s greatest (five players and one coach) were enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Class of 2006, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, includes quarterback TROY AIKMAN, linebacker HARRY CARSON, coach JOHN MADDEN, quarterback WARREN MOON, defensive lineman REGGIE WHITE and offensive lineman RAYFIELD WRIGHT.

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When Aikman was selected with the first overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1989 NFL Draft, expectations were high. By his 52nd game (1993), he had already reached the 10,000-yard passing mark. In that same season, the former UCLA All-American led Dallas to a Super Bowl XXVII victory, the Cowboys’ first Super Bowl win in 15 years. Teaming up with Hall of Famers MICHAEL IRVIN and EMMITT SMITH, the offensive trio led the Cowboys to two more championships, winning Super Bowls XXVIII and XXX. Aikman finished his Hall of Fame career with 32,942 passing yards and 165 touchdowns.

Carson was one of the most dynamic and aggressive linebackers the game has ever seen. Known for his incredible athleticism, he was adept at defending both the run and the pass. His pursuit of the ball carrier was unmatched, and he produced some of the biggest single-game stat lines in NFL history. In a prime-time game against the Green Bay Packers, Carson posted 20 solo tackles and five assists. Additionally, his 12 solo tackles and interception against the Washington Redskins helped the Giants claim the 1986 NFC East division title. Carson was selected to nine Pro Bowls during his 13-year career.

Madden is widely regarded as one of the most influential coaches in NFL history. Known for his contagious personality on the field and in the booth, Madden evolved the game of football by appealing to all fans. He boasted a 103-32 record in 10 seasons with the Oakland Raiders and led them to a Super Bowl XI title. Madden retired with a .759 regular season winning percentage, ranking highest among coaches with 100 career wins.

Following an successful six-year stint in the Canadian Football League, Moon signed an NFL contract with the Houston Oilers. In his first season in Houston, he set the Oilers’ single-season record for passing yards (3,338). Led by Moon, the Oilers operated a run-and-shoot offense that resulted in him being named AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1990. He spent time with the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks before his retirement in 2001. Moon, a member of the Titans' Ring of Honor, is considered one of the best passers in professional football history.

White was one of the most dangerous defensive linemen to grace the football field. During his eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, he recorded 124 sacks, including 21 sacks in 1987. Following his free agency signing with Green Bay, White helped lead the Packers to a victory in Super Bowl XXXI. White’s spectacular defensive play earned him spots on the NFL’s All-Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s.

Wright’s football career was built on perseverance. After being drafted in the seventh round by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1967 AFL-NFL Draft, he was utilized at a variety of positions. Following an injury to right tackle Ralph Neely, Hall of Fame coach TOM LANDRY named Wright the Cowboys’ starting right tackle. Wright took full advantage of the opportunity. From 1971 to 1976, Wright earned six consecutive first- or second-team All-NFL honors. He was a part of two Super Bowl-winning squads in 1972 and 1978.

2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame anniversary classes

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