2011 NFL Hall Of Fame: Why Canton Awaits Andre Reed In 2012

Andre Reed is perhaps the most glorified wide receiver in Buffalo Bills history. He holds many franchise records, such as receptions, yards, touchdowns and games played.

Since becoming eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2006, Reed has been greatly overshadowed by other legendary wide outs, such as Michael Irvin (2008), Art Monk (2008) and Jerry Rice (2010). 

In that same time, Reed has also watched former teammates enshrined in the Hall, including Thurman Thomas (2007), Bruce Smith (2008) and owner Ralph Wilson, Jr. (2008). 

2011 Hall of Fame results will be no different then the last few for Reed, and here are two reasons why.

Reason 1: Cris Carter

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

11 Aug 2001: Cris Carter of the Minnesota Vikings adjusts his helmet during the pre-season game against the New Orleans Saints at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas. The Vikings defeated the Saints 28-21. DIGITAL IMAGE . Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martine

Along with Reed, fellow wide out Cris Carter is a finalist for the 2011 NFL Hall of Fame class, which means bad news for Reed.

Carter does not have the championships to support his greatness, but his stats speak volumes. Former coach Buddy Ryan (and ESPN's Chris Berman) famously said of Carter, "All [Cris Carter] does is catch touchdown passes."

Carter is third all-time in receptions (1,101), eighth in yards (13,899) and fourth in touchdowns (130).

He has been a Hall of Fame finalist in 2008, 2009 and 2010, figuring to be a lock this year. 

Reason 2: Tim Brown

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 8: Tim Brown #81 of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sideline during the game against the St. Louis Rams at the Network Associates Coliseum on August 8, 2003 in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Rams 7-6. (Photo by

Tim Brown is also a Class of 2011 finalist, seemingly bumping Reed down another notch.

Brown was drafted sixth overall in the 1988 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Raiders. He earned a trip to the Pro Bowl his rookie season, his first of nine trips.

After an extraordinary 17-year career, Brown is fourth all-time in receptions (1,094), fourth in yards (14,934) and tied for sixth in touchdowns (100).

Based on stats alone, Brown probably gets the nod over Reed. If not inducted this year, Brown would be the leading receiver for next year’s class.

2011 NFL Hall Of Fame Finalists

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 8: Bruce Smith looks on with former Buffalo Bills teammates Thurman Thomas (center) and Jim Kelly following his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the 2009 enshrinement ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on August 8, 2009 in

» Jerome Bettis, RB (1993-95 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 1996-2005 Pittsburgh Steelers)

» Tim Brown, WR/KR (1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

» Cris Carter, WR (1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins)

» Dermontti Dawson, C (1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers)

» Richard Dent, DE (1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Indianapolis Colts, 1997 Philadelphia Eagles)

» Chris Doleman, DE/LB (1985-1993, 1999 Minnesota Vikings, 1994-95 Atlanta Falcons, 1996-98 San Francisco 49ers)

» Marshall Faulk, RB (1994-98 Indianapolis Colts, 1999-2005 St. Louis Rams)

» Charles Haley, DE/LB (1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys)

» Chris Hanburger, LB (1965-78 Washington Redskins)

» Cortez Kennedy, DT (1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks)

» Curtis Martin, RB (1995-97 New England Patriots, 1998-2005 New York Jets)

» Andre Reed, WR (1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins)

» Les Richter, LB (1954-62 Los Angeles Rams)

» Willie Roaf, OT (1993-2001 New Orleans Saints, 2002-05 Kansas City Chiefs)

» Ed Sabol, Contributor (1964-1995 NFL Films)

» Deion Sanders, CB/KR/PR (1989-1993 Atlanta Falcons, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1995-99 Dallas Cowboys, 2000 Washington Redskins, 2004-05 Baltimore Ravens)

» Shannon Sharpe, TE (1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens)

There Is Always Next Year

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

17 Oct 1999: Andre Reed #83 of the Buffalo Bills looks on from the bench during the game against the Oakland Raiders at the Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Raiders defeated the Bills 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport

Lately, that seems to be what Bills fans say every…November. No question, Reed had a Hall of Fame career. Unfortunately though, each year is a numbers game; no fewer than four and no more than seven individuals must receive 80 percent approval from the Selection Committee.

Hopefully for Reed's sake, Carter and Brown will both be inducted this year, freeing things up for him in 2012.

Good things come to those who wait.  He will get his turn.