Tom Flores, Drew Pearson finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame



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Two-time Super Bowl winner coach Tom Flores and wide receiver Drew Pearson are finalists for the 2021 promotion of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Flores, the first Hispanic NFL coach, has been nominated in the New Coaching category and Pearson is a senior nominee.

Flores, 83, had a career record of 105-90 with the Seattle Raiders and Seahawks. He took the Raiders to Super Bowl victories in 1981 and 1984.

Flores has won 91 games against 56 losses (a winning percentage of 61.9%), including a playoff record 8-3 (0.727), during his nine seasons with the Raiders (three at Oakland and six at Los Angeles). His career in total only wins that of Hall of Famer John Madden in franchise history.

An undrafted free agent, Pearson has played his entire 11-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, forming three All-Pro teams. He had 489 receptions for 7,822 yards (16 yards per catch). A member of the 1970s All-Decade team, Pearson made 22 playoff games, making 68 catches and scoring eight touchdowns. The 1977 Cowboys won the championship with Pearson leading the NFL in receiving yards (870) this season.

Flores and Pearson will be considered for induction at the Hall Selection Committee meeting the day before the Super Bowl. To be elected, each must receive the votes of 80% of the 48 members.

“Thank you for this call. You made my day and you made my life,” said a moving Pearson, 69, on Tuesday near the end of a call from Hall of Fame President and CEO David Baker. “How can I thank you? I cry, and I haven’t cried for a long time. Good tears. I’ve been waiting for this call for so long.”

A total of 18 finalists will be considered: Flores, Pearson, one contributor (to be named August 25), and 15 Modern Era players to be determined later this year and in January.

The 2021 class will be officially dedicated on Sunday August 8, 2021.

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