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The Arena Football Hall of Fame is the official Hall of Fame of the Arena Football League (AFL). The inaugural class was announced in 1998 and the Hall was not formally organized until 2011. Prior to 2011, there were four classes: 1998–2000 and then another in 2002. The Arena Football Hall of Fame is the highest honor for players, coaches, and contributors involved in the AFL. The voting process consists of fans and current Hall of Fame members voting on the finalists. The finalists are selected by the League Office in which they collect ballots from the Arena Football Hall of Fame Advisory Board, a group which consisted of former players, executives, journalists and media personnel with a long-time involvement in the league.[1][2] The league began to decline in 2015, so no Hall of Fame announcements have been made since this year. The league folded for a second time in 2019. After the league's second closure, ArenaFan, a long-running fan site, announced it had taken over operations of the Arena Football Hall of Fame.[3]
 | This article needs to be updated. (August 2018) |
| Established | 1998 |
|---|---|
| Website | www.arenafootball.com/hallfame |
In order to be nominated for the Arena Football Hall of Fame, a candidate must meet at least one of four criteria (as of 2015, depending upon whether he is being considered as a player, a coach, or a contributor). A player who has played after the 1989 season must have played a minimum of three seasons. A player must be retired for a minimum of three full seasons. A coach must have been active for a minimum of five seasons but does not need to be retired. There is no minimum number of seasons required for contributors but rather contribution to the significant advancement of the AFL.[4]
There is currently no physical location for the Arena Football Hall of Fame. Unlike the Pro Football Hall of Fame, there is not a museum associated with Arena Football, but there is, however, within the Pro Football Hall of Fame a relatively small exhibit that features the history of the Arena Football League.[5]
Much like the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Arena Football League has a weekend dedicated to the inductees and during a selected Hall of Fame Game the inductees will partake in a Hall of Fame ceremony. This ceremony takes place prior to the game and will feature highlights as well as speeches from each of the inductees. Recent Hall of Fame Games were aired on CBS Sports Network prior to the termination of the league's agreement with CBSN following the 2018 season.[6]
The list is complete up to date 2014 Hall of Fame class.
| Inductee | Class | Position | Team(s) | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwayne Dixon | 1998 | Wide receiver/Defensive back | Washington Commandos | 1987 |
| Detroit Drive | 1988–1991 | |||
| Jim Foster | 1998 | League Founder/Executive, Commissioner, Team Owner/President | N/A | N/A |
| Commissioner | 1987–1992 | |||
| Iowa Barnstormers | 1995–2001 | |||
| Jerry Kurz | 1998 | League Co-Founder/Executive, Commissioner, President | N/A | N/A |
| CEO (AF2) | 2004–2009 | |||
| Commissioner | 2010–2014 | |||
| President | 2015–present | |||
| Tim Marcum | 1998 | Head Coach | Denver Dynamite | 1987 |
| Detroit Drive | 1988–1989, 1991–1993 | |||
| Tampa Bay Storm | 1995–2010 | |||
| Kansas City Command | 2011 | |||
| New Orleans VooDoo (AHC) | 2012 | |||
| Orlando Predators (AHC/DC) | 2013 | |||
| Gary Mullen | 1998 | Wide receiver/Defensive back | Denver Dynamite | 1987 |
| Los Angeles Cobras | 1988 | |||
| Detroit Drive | 1989–1992 | |||
| Cincinnati Rockers | 1993 | |||
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 1995 | |||
| Tate Randle | 1998 | Defensive Specialist | Detroit Drive | 1988, 1990–1992 |
| Alvin Rettig | 1998 | Fullback/Linebacker | Detroit Drive | 1988–1993 |
| Craig Walls | 1998 | Offensive lineman/Defensive lineman | Pittsburgh Gladiators | 1987–1988 |
| Jay Gruden | 1999 | Quarterback | Tampa Bay Storm | 1991–1996 |
| Orlando Predators | 2002–2003 | |||
| Durwood "Rock" Roquemore | 1999 | Defensive Specialist | Chicago Bruisers | 1987–1988 |
| Albany Firebirds | 1990 | |||
| Orlando Predators | 1991–1996 | |||
| Jon Roehlk[8] | 1999 | Offensive lineman/Defensive lineman | Washington Commandos | 1987 |
| Detroit Drive | 1988–1993 | |||
| Miami Hooters | 1994 | |||
| Iowa Barnstormers | 1995–1996 | |||
| Gary Vitto | 1999 | General Manager | Detroit Drive | 1988–1993 |
| Ben Bennett | 2000 | Quarterback | Chicago Bruisers | 1988–1989 |
| Dallas Texans | 1990 | |||
| Orlando Predators | 1991–1995 | |||
| San Jose SaberCats | 1996 | |||
| Portland Forest Dragons | 1997 | |||
| Carl Aikens | 2000 | Wide receiver/Defensive back | Chicago Bruisers | 1988–1989 |
| Dallas Texans | 1990–1991 | |||
| Orlando Predators | 1992–1993 | |||
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 1994 | |||
| Hercules "Herkie" Walls | 2000 | Wide receiver/Defensive back | Orlando Predators | 1991–1996 |
| Joe March | 2000 | Offensive lineman/Defensive lineman | Denver Dynamite | 1991 |
| Sacramento Attack | 1992 | |||
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 1993 | |||
| Tampa Bay Storm | 1993–1996 | |||
| Nashville Kats | 1997 | |||
| Perry Moss | 2000 | Head Coach | Chicago Bruisers | 1988 |
| Detroit Drive | 1990 | |||
| Orlando Predators | 1991–1997 | |||
| Glenn Mazula | 2000 | Team Owner | Albany/Indiana Firebirds | 1990–2002 |
| Danny White | 2002 | Head Coach | Arizona Rattlers | 1992–2004 |
| Utah Blaze | 2006–2008 | |||
| Mike Ilitch | 2002 | Team Owner | Detroit Drive | 1988–1993 |
| John Corker | 2002 | Offensive lineman/Defensive lineman | Detroit Drive | 1988–1993 |
| Miami Hooters | 1994–1995 | |||
| Fred Gayles | 2002 | Wide receiver/Defensive back | Denver Dynamite | 1989 |
| Albany Firebirds | 1990–1997 | |||
| New York CityHawks | 1997 | |||
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 1998 | |||
| Reggie Smith | 2002 | Offensive Specialist | Chicago Bruisers | 1987–1989 |
| Albany Firebirds | 1990 | |||
| Orlando Predators | 1991 | |||
| Barry Wagner | 2011 | Wide receiver/Defensive back | Orlando Predators | 1992–1999, 2007 |
| San Jose SaberCats | 2000–2006 | |||
| George LaFrance | 2011 | Offensive Specialist | Detroit Drive | 1988–1993 |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 1994–1999 | |||
| New Jersey Red Dogs | 2000 | |||
| Hunkie Cooper | 2011 | Wide receiver/Linebacker | Arizona Rattlers | 1993–2005 |
| Eddie Brown | 2011 | Offensive Specialist | Albany/Indiana Firebirds | 1994–2003 |
| Sylvester Bembery | 2011 | Offensive lineman/Defensive lineman | New England Steamrollers | 1988 |
| Albany Firebirds | 1990–1993 | |||
| Tampa Bay Storm | 1994–1999, 2001 | |||
| Buffalo Destroyers | 2000 | |||
| Kurt Warner | 2011 | Quarterback | Iowa Barnstormers | 1995–1997 |
| Stevie Thomas | 2011 | Wide receiver/Linebacker | Tampa Bay Storm | 1991–1999 |
| Orlando Predators | 2000 | |||
| New Jersey Gladiators | 2001 | |||
| Sam Hernandez | 2011 | Offensive lineman/Defensive lineman | Charlotte Rage | 1992 |
| Las Vegas Sting/Anaheim Piranhas | 1994–1997 | |||
| San Jose SaberCats | 1998–2005 | |||
| Darren Arbet | 2011 | Head Coach | San Jose SaberCats | 1999–2008, 2010–present |
| Gene Nudo | 2011 | Executive | Chicago Bruisers/AFL League Office/Arizona Rattlers/Dallas Vigilantes/ Chicago Rush | 1987–2011 |
| Sherdrick Bonner | 2012 | Quarterback | Arizona Rattlers | 1993–2007 |
| Chicago Rush | 2008 | |||
| Mike Dailey | 2012 | Head Coach | Albany/Indiana Firebirds | 1997–2003 |
| Colorado Crush | 2004–2008 | |||
| Clint Dolezel[9] | 2012 | Quarterback | Milwaukee Mustangs | 1995–1996 |
| Texas Terror/Houston ThunderBears | 1997–1999 | |||
| Grand Rapids Rampage | 2001–2003 | |||
| Las Vegas Gladiators | 2004–2005 | |||
| Dallas Desperados | 2006–2008 | |||
| Randy Gatewood | 2012 | Wide receiver/Defensive back | Arizona Rattlers | 1996–2007 |
| Mike Hohensee | 2012 | Head Coach | Washington Commandos | 1990 |
| Albany Firebirds | 1994–1996 | |||
| Anaheim Piranhas | 1997 | |||
| New England Sea Wolves | 1999–2000 | |||
| Chicago Rush | 2001–2008, 2010 | |||
| Peoria Pirates (AF2) | 2009 | |||
| Philadelphia Soul | 2011 | |||
| Iowa Barnstormers | 2012–2014 | |||
| Portland Thunder | 2015 | |||
| William Niro | 2012 | League Co-Founder/Executive | N/A | N/A |
| Cory Fleming[10] | 2013 | Wide receiver/Linebacker | Nashville Kats | 1994–1995, 2006 |
| Carolina Cobras | 2002 | |||
| Orlando Predators | 2003–2005 | |||
| Darryl Hammond | 2013 | Wide receiver/Linebacker | Albany Firebirds | 1991–1994 |
| St. Louis Stampede | 1995–1996 | |||
| Nashville Kats | 1997–2001, 2005–2006 | |||
| Georgia Force | 2003–2004 | |||
| Austin Wranglers | 2004 | |||
| Greg Hopkins | 2013 | Wide receiver/Linebacker | Albany/Indiana Firebirds | 1996–2001 |
| Los Angeles Avengers | 2002–2006 | |||
| Bob McMillen | 2013 | Fullback/Linebacker | Arizona Rattlers | 1995–2001 |
| San Jose SaberCats | 2001–2002 | |||
| Chicago Rush | 2003–2007 | |||
| Carl Paganelli | 2013 | Official/Adviser/Contributor | N/A | N/A |
| Lawrence Samuels | 2013 | Wide receiver/Linebacker | Tampa Bay Storm | 1994–2000, 2002–2010 |
| New Jersey Gladiators | 2001 | |||
| Andre Bowden | 2014 | Fullback/Linebacker | Tampa Bay Storm | 1991–1993, 1997–2001, 2003–2004 |
| Carolina Cobras | 2002 | |||
| Damian Harrell | 2014 | Wide receiver | New England Sea Wolves/Toronto Phantoms | 1999–2002 |
| Colorado Crush | 2003–2007 | |||
| Chicago Rush | 2008 | |||
| Milwaukee Mustangs | 2010–2011 | |||
| Kyle Moore-Brown | 2014 | Offensive lineman/Defensive lineman | Albany/Indiana Firebirds | 1995–2003 |
| Colorado Crush | 2004–2008 | |||
| Omarr Smith | 2014 | Wide receiver/Defensive back | San Jose SaberCats | 2000–2002, 2004–2008 |
| Tampa Bay Storm | 2003 |
Class of 2015 Finalists:[11]
- James Baron Offensive lineman/Defensive lineman for the Nashville Kats from 1997 to 2001 and 2005 to 2007, and the Chicago Rush from 2002 to 2004 and 2008
- Craig Bornemeier Executive
- Siaha Burley Offensive Specialist for the Orlando Predators from 2001 to 2002, the Los Angeles Avengers from 2003, the Arizona Rattlers from 2004 to 2005, 2008, and 2010, and the Utah Blaze from 2006 to 2007
- B. J. Cohen Offensive lineman/Defensive lineman for the Orlando Predators from 1999 to 2002 and 2008, the Tampa Bay Storm from 2003, the New Orleans VooDoo from 2004 to 2005, and the Kansas City Brigade from 2006 to 2007
- Mark Grieb Quarterback for the Anaheim Piranhas from 1997, the Milwaukee Mustangs from 1997, and the San Jose SaberCats from 1999 to 2008 and 2011 to 2012
- Jay Gruden Head Coach for the Orlando Predators from 1998 to 2001 and 2004 to 2008. Gruden is already inducted for his playing career and thus would be the first to be inducted twice as the hall is currently configured.
- Kevin Guy Head Coach for the Tennessee Valley Vipers (AF2) from 2002 to 2004, the Rio Grande Valley Dorados (AF2) from 2005, and the Arizona Rattlers from 2008–present
- Kenny McEntyre Defensive Specialist for the Orlando Predators from 1998 to 2006 and 2008 to 2012, and the Kansas City Brigade from 2007
- Steve Papin Offensive Specialist for the San Jose SaberCats from 1997 to 2001, the New York Dragons from 2002 to 2003, and the San Diego Riptide (AF2) from 2003
- Will Pettis Wide receiver/Defensive back for the Pensacola Barracudas (AF2) from 2002, the Dallas Desperados from 2003 to 2008, and the Dallas Vigilantes from 2010
These were the finalists for the 2015 Hall of Fame class; however, this was the year that began the decline of the league until its second bankruptcy in 2019. No future Hall of Fame announcements have been made since 2015.
AF2 Hall of Fame Inductees
With the dissolvement of the AF2 developmental league, there was a single class of ten members inducted into the AF2 Hall of Fame. While this league was owned and run by the AFL, a separate Hall of Fame was created. AFL and AF2 creators Jim Foster and Jerry Kurz are the only members of both Halls. This Hall was designed to recognize individuals who significantly impacted the AF2. While some members have been involved with AFL teams, this group was inducted based only on their contributions to the AF2. No members have been inducted beyond the inaugural class.[12]
| Inductee | Class | Position | Team(s) | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitch Allner | 2009 | Wide receiver/Defensive back, Head coach | Quad City Steamwheelers | 2000 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 2001 | |||
| Tulsa Talons | 2002–? 2007–2011 (HC) | |||
| Jim Foster | 2009 | League Founder/Executive, Team Owner/President | N/A | 2000–2009 |
| Iowa Barnstormers | 1995–2001 | |||
| Quad City Steamwheelers | 2000–2009 | |||
| Skip Foster | 2009 | Head coach | Tulsa Talons | 2000–2003 |
| Austin Wranglers (AFL) | 2004–2006 | |||
| Kevin Guy | 2009 | Head coach | New Jersey Red Dogs (AFL) | 2003 |
| Tennessee Valley Vipers | 2002–2004 | |||
| Rio Grande Valley Dorados | 2005 | |||
| Arizona Rattlers (AFL / IFL) | 2008–present | |||
| Rich Ingold | 2009 | Head coach | Quad City Steamwheelers | 2002–2004 |
| Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers | 2006–2009 | |||
| Dallas Vigilantes (AFL) | 2010 | |||
| Jerry Kurz | 2009 | League Co-founder/Executive, Commissioner, President | N/A | 2000–2009 |
| CEO | 2004–2009 | |||
| Dan Newman | 2009 | Owner/Team president, Team chairman, League executive | Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings | 2003–2010 |
| New Orleans VooDoo (AFL) | 2011–2015 | |||
| Jim Foster | 2009 | Offensive specialist | Carolina Cobras (AFL) | 2002 |
| Memphis Xplorers | 2003–2005 | |||
| Las Vegas Gladiators (AFL) | 2006–2007 | |||
| Matthew Sauk | 2009 | Quarterback | Tennessee Valley Vipers | 2001, 2003 |
| Los Angeles Avengers (AFL) | 2001 | |||
| Louisville Fire | 2004–2005 | |||
| Philadelphia Soul (AFL) | 2006 | |||
| Grand Rapids Rampage (AFL) | 2007 | |||
| Arizona Rattlers (AFL) | 2008 | |||
| Craig Strickland | 2009 | Quarterback | Tulsa Talons | 2000–2001, 2003 |
| Dallas Desperados (AFL) | 2004 | |||
| Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz | 2004–2006 |
Joe DeLamielleure was the first Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee to ever play with an Arena Football Team; as an apparent publicity stunt, he played two games for the Charlotte Rage in the 1992 season, seven years after he had retired from professional football.[13]
Kurt Warner, who played three seasons with the Iowa Barnstormers from 1995 to 1997 and was inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame in 2011, is the first player with substantial arena football experience to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as well as the first to be inducted into both halls. Warner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
The ownership group of the Colorado Crush has also been inducted: John Elway was inducted as a player in 2004, while Pat Bowlen was inducted as an owner in 2019. Both Elway and Bowlen were inducted almost entirely for their contributions to the NFL's Denver Broncos.
The Indoor Football League Hall of Fame is the corresponding Hall of Fame for the Indoor Football League. While both the IFL and AFL Hall of Fames represent indoor football leagues, they are both separate. There are no members that have been enshrined into both Halls, nor have any members of the AFL Hall played in the IFL. There have been a few members of the IFL Hall of Fame that have played in the AFL, such as Chris Dixon, Lionell Singleton, Jameel Sewell, and Myniya Smith, but none had contributed enough to the AFL to earn entry into the Hall. However, there are some instances of former AFL teams that have been integrated into the IFL that have members enshrined for their tenure within the new league. The Green Bay Blizzard, Texas Revolution, and Tri-Cities Fever are former members of the AF2, but have since moved to the IFL. The Blizzard have had running back LaRon Council, defensive back/kick returner B. J. Hill, head coach Robert Fuller, quarterback Jameel Sewell, and wide receiver Bryan Pray enshrined. Lionell Singleton from the Fever has been enshrined. Javicz Jones from the Revolution has been enshrined. The Iowa Barnstormers have moved from the AFL to the IFL and have had linebacker Javicz Jones and wide receiver Bryan Pray enshrined. Bryan Pray has also played for the Spokane Shock when they were in the IFL, but were known as the Spokane Empire then. Kevin Guy was inducted into the AF2 Hall of Fame and is still actively coaching in the IFL. Guy has made a prolific career in three separate indoor football leagues.
Only two players in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame have contributed to the Arena Football league; however, neither had a great enough contribution to be inducted in both Halls. Joe Kapp was inducted into the CFL Hall of Fame as a player in 1984 and coached for the Sacramento Attack in the AFL for the 1992 season. Bobby Jurasin was inducted in 2006 as a player and played with the Iowa Barnstormers for the 1999 season, unfortunately this was his last professional football season as he sustained a neck injury and was forced to retire.
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