The Task(er) at hand

Big news out of Buffalo is that presenters for this years HOF inductees have been chosen.  Buffalo has two inductees this year in long time owner Ralph Wilson and All-World Defensive End Bruce Smith.  Ralph Wilson will be introduced by Chris Berman while Bruce Smith will be introduced by Ted Cottrell.  Both are very deserving recipients of their HOF inductions.  But, this time of year always makes me think of one player who quite possibly will never get inducted into the HOF but is very deserving, Steve Tasker.

Steve Tasker was almost a career Buffalo Bill as he began his career with the Tenessee Oilers but really separated himself after becoming a Buffalo Bill.  He epitomized the culture of the Buffalo area and it’s blue collar work ethic.  Steve Tasker was for the most part a special team’s ace, he was there “gunner.”  He played a vital role in ensuring that the opposing team did not have good field position when kicking off or punting the ball away.  When talking about keys to winning any game, field position is often one of the biggest factors many coaches will point to.  Steve Tasker became arguably the best special teams player in th NFL, and did affect the outcome of several games with key tackles.

My feeling on the HOF is that it is to honor people who made exceptional contributions and were exceptional at their respective position.  Steve Tasker was not just exceptional off the field but he was an exceptional player on the field.  He was clearly the best player at this position for 9 years making the Pro-Bowl 7 times in that span.  Take away position and anyone making 6 consecutive Pro-Bowls and made 7 Pro-Bowls in 9 years has to at least get on the final ballot?  It is unfortunate that the Hall of Fame will not recognize the value and importance special teams plays within the game of football.

Every year I look at the contributions Steve Tasker gave to the Buffalo Bills and I measure it up against those who were selected that year.  Is field position any less important than a sack or a reception?  Is a fumble on special teams (recovered or forced) have any less value than a fumble while on defense?  The bottom line is that football is sold as a “game of inches,” and no one proved that more than Steve.  Until Steve Tasker gets his time in the HOF as well as Special Teams players getting the recognition they deserve, it will not be a celebration of the leagues greatest contributors.  It will always be a collection of only 2/3 of the greatest players to ever play the game.

Tags: Bruce Smith, Hall of Fame, Ralph Wilson, Special Teams, Steve Tasker