The Pro Football Researchers Association unveiled the 2013 class of inductees into the Hall of Very Good this week. Among the nine chosen is former defensive back Erich Barnes, who appeared in six Pro Bowls during his 14-year NFL career.
Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1958 draft, Barnes earned a reputation as one of the league’s best ball hawks. He recorded 45 interceptions over the course of his career and finished within the top 10 in the league three times.
Barnes was traded to the New York Giants in 1961 and had the best four-year stretch of his career. His first season with the Giants resulted in an All-Pro selection following a seven-interception campaign. That year was the first of three consecutive NFL title game appearances for New York, who lost all three. He returned two interceptions for a touchdown during that first season, including a 102-yarder that tied a then-league record.
He finished his stint in New York with 18 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and four touchdown returns in 56 games.
Though tackles were not a recorded stat at that time in the NFL, Barnes was well known as a dangerously physical player on the gridiron. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound cornerback was an intimidating force whose tackles were reminiscent of those found only in Hollywood flicks these days. In Barnes’ own words, he was “a legend in his time.”
The Hall of Very Good was created by the Pro Football Researchers Association to honor great players that they believe deserve an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The inaugural class was selected in 2003 and subsequent classes have been voted on every year since.
Past inductees include former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson, San Diego Chargers head coach and offensive genius Don Coryell, and former Philadelphia Eagles receiver Harold Carmichael. Seven Hall of Very Good members have gone on to eventually be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.