autographed 1965 topps walt sweeney

#173 – Walt Sweeney

There is a feeling among AFL fans that the American Football League players are consistently overlooked for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  In truth there are many players, the bulk of whose careers were spent in the AFL, that deserve serious consideration, if not outright induction.  In an effort to spark some discussion regarding their hall of fame worthiness, I will occasionally compare AFL players to their NFL (and Hall of Fame) counterparts.

The first such comparison is between Walt Sweeney of the San Diego Chargers, and two HoF offensive guards, Tom Mack and Mike Munchak.

Walter Francis Sweeney – First round draft choice of the San Diego Chargers, second player overall in the 1963 AFL Draft…  Earned his starting position in 1964, and played in 181 of 182 games during his career…  Named to nine AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl games…  Named All-AFL/All-AFC five times…

Thomas Lee MackRams’ first round draft pick, second player overall in 1966 NFL draft. . .One of only two rookies on veteran-laden team. . . Earned starting role as rookie and held left guard position for next 13 seasons. . .Extremely durable, never missed a game during 184-game career. . .Named to 11 Pro Bowls. . .All-NFL five times. . . All-Western Conference once, All-NFC eight times…

Michael Anthony MunchakOilers’ first-round draft pick, eighth player overall and first offensive lineman selected, 1982 … Earned starting left guard position, rookie season … Devastating blocker, anchored Oilers line that helped team perennially rank near top of NFL’s offensive statistical categories … Named first- or second-team All-Pro ten times … All-AFC seven times … Elected to nine Pro Bowls …

Their careers look pretty comparable to me.  Walt Sweeney has a history of drug abuse and a lawsuit against the NFL that may factor into his not being in the Hall of Fame, but looking strictly at accomplishments on the field, Sweeney looks like he belongs in the HoF.  Thoughts?