Football - Gene Hickerson Finally Joins Hall of Fam

Gene Hickerson was a pulling guard for the Cleveland Browns and after being eligible for 29 years, he was finally elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Hickerson, who is now 72 years old, said that it was a relief to get a phone all about his induction and that he was honored to join other individuals in the Hall.

Hickerson was voted along with Michael Irvin, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Mathews, Roger Wehrli and Charlie Sanders. Sanders and Hickerson were nominated by the veterans’ committee and the selections were announced in Miami during the Super Bowl.

Hickerson played for 15 seasons from 1958 to 1960 and then from 1962 to 1973. He was drafted by the Browns in the seventh round in 1957 Draft. He played a total of 202 games which is the fourth most in franchise history. He also played in 165 consecutive games and was selected for the Pro Bowl six times.

Hickerson wore no. 66 jersey and was famous for being the lead blocker on sweep plays, leading the charge around the end to clear the way for defenders and running backs to pick up yardage.

With his selection, Hickerson becomes the 16th former Browns player to join the Hall of Fame. Hickerson is now a part of the elite group that has head coach Paul Brown, running backs Brown, Kelly, Mitchell and Marion Motley, guard Joe DeLamielleure, defensive end Len Ford, center Frank Gatski, quarterback Otto Graham, kicker / offensive tackle Lou Groza, wide receivers Dante Lavelli and Paul Warfield, offensive tackle Mike McCormack, tight end Ozzie Newsome and middle guard Bill Willis.

Induction into the Hall of Fame will take place in Canton, Ohio on August 4-5, 2007 and the Steelers and Saints will play the annual Hall of Fame game.