Warren Moon kept himself a busy schedule after high school he played at a junior college in Los Angeles and in the Canadian Football League before reaching the NFL. Based on his history, Moon knew better than to expect selection into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.



For the first time since 2001, the maximum number of candidates was chosen, reinforcing the strength of the 15 finalists. Among those who didn't make it are receiver Michael Irvin, former Vikings offensive tackle Gary Zimmerman, Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas and Washington Redskins receiver Art Monk.

The former quarterback received a very nice surprise when he was elected along with five others last Saturday. He is the first African-American quarterback in the Hall of Fame. Among the others were New York Giants linebacker Harry Carson, Coach John Madden, Troy Aikman, Rayfield Wright, and late Reggie White.

If we compare, they’ve had very similar careers Aikman was the NFL's top draft pick in 1989. and Moon was undrafted out of the University of Washington after leading the Huskies to an upset victory in the 1978 Rose Bowl. Aikman retired after 12 seasons because of concussions. Moon, even after playing his first six professional seasons in the CFL, played 17 seasons in the NFL. And Aikman won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys in four seasons, while Moon was unable to reach the Super Bowl.

While he lamented the final fact, Moon said his unusual career path made his selection all the more meaningful. Moon is the first undrafted quarterback to be elected into the Hall of Fame.