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The Selection Committee will consider those three (along with 15
modern-era players and a coach/contributor) for enshrinement in
Canton, Ohio, when they meet in January.
"I'd like to thank the Seniors Committee for the extensive
research each member put into preparing for the selection
meeting. The Selectors talked about 12 individuals -- several
never discussed in a forum like this before -- and every
candidate's resumé was presented in great detail," HOF president
Jim Porter said in a news release on Wednesday. "Expanding the
conversation with additional Selectors participating in the
process produced three worthy Finalists now on the doorstep of
election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame."
Howley, 86, played linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys (1961-73)
and Chicago Bears (1958-59). He was a six-time Pro Bowl
selection and five-time first-team All-Pro who was named the MVP
of the Cowboys' Super Bowl V victory against the Baltimore
Colts.
Klecko, 68, was a defensive lineman for the New York Jets
(1977-87) and Indianapolis Colts (1988). He made four Pro Bowls
and two All-Pro teams and recorded 78 sacks, including a
league-leading 20.5 in 1981.
"You made my day; that's for sure," Klecko said in a
congratulatory phone call with Porter. "I've had too many of
them ‘no' phone calls, and to get this one with a ‘yes' is just
absolutely exciting. ... It's a great time in the Klecko house."
Riley, who died in 2020 at age 72, was a cornerback with the
Cincinnati Bengals for 15 season (1969-83). He intercepted at
least one pass every season and finished his career with 65
picks, tied with Charles Woodson for the fifth most in NFL
history.
"This is long deserved," Bengals president Mike Brown said in a
statement. "It is unfortunate Kenny is gone because we know how
much he would have appreciated this. His family is surely
pleased at this news. Kenny was a splendid player and still
holds the Bengals record for most interceptions over a career.
It would be a wonderful thing if he were selected for the Hall
of Fame."
The other players who were considered were quarterback Ken
Anderson, guard Bob Kuechenberg, linebackers Maxie Baughan,
Randy Gradishar and Tommy Nobis; cornerbacks Eddie Meador and
Everson Walls; receiver Sterling Sharpe and running
back/defensive back Cecil Isbell.
--Field Level Media
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