Five questions with Hall of Famer Harry Carson

By Connor Byrne  |   Sunday, August 13, 2006  |  Comments( 7 )

New York Giants
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Over the course of 13 seasons with the New York Giants, Harry Carson became one of the best linebackers in not only franchise history but NFL history, too. The middle linebacker was a nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro between 1976-1988, teaming with outside 'backers Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks to help the Giants gain prominence, winning Super Bowl XXI.

Prior to then, Carson made a name for himself on a defensive unit nicknamed, the "Crunch Bunch." Along with Taylor, Brad Van Pelt and Brian Kelly, New York's foursome of linebackers was among the greatest ever assembled.

On Aug. 5, Carson earned the ultimate individual accomplishment, being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. In his unrehearsed, unwritten 15-minute speech, Carson spoke on numerous different issues and even paid his respects to those Giants fans that passed away in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The new Hall of Famer was kind enough to answer some questions on the induction, his career, among other things. It was truly an honor to interview such a classy, respected individual.

Byrne: First of all, congratulations on your induction, Harry. How much did it mean to have your 23-year-old son, Donald, present you into Canton?

Carson: I was honored to have my son present me for induction. It was a close call between him, my daughter, Aja, and my college football coach, Willie Jeffries. My son has demonstrated that he is very much my son through his positive mental attitude and leadership.

Byrne: Your speech was much like Alan Page's induction in 1988, since both of you spent a great deal of time focusing on important issues. For you it was mostly about diversity and rights for retired players. Do you believe the NFL is making solid progress in both departments?

Carson: The NFL is making progress with both issues but in the opinion of many, at a snail's pace. As Executive Director of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, I know that former commissioner [Paul] Tagliabue and Dan Rooney, the chairman of the diversity committee, have been committed to diversity, but the owners and some team general managers are still very slow to have a minority no matter how qualified.

On the matter of retired players, the League and the Players Association need to work harder to upgrade the pensions and benefits of those who've made the NFL what it is today.

Byrne: After such a long and frustrating wait, what do you think it would have meant to the Giants' late Hall of Fame owner, Wellington Mara, to see you finally earn your Canton due?

Carson: Mr. Mara would be extremely happy!

Byrne: In the history of the League, has there been a better pair of linebackers on one team than you and fellow Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor?

Carson: It's not my position to judge the talent of another duo, trio or quartet of linebackers.

Byrne: Lastly, Harry, when you were drafted as a fourth-round defensive end out of little-known South Carolina State in 1976, could you ever have imagined your career culminating with a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a middle linebacker?

Carson: I've never thought much about the Hall of Fame until I was elected to the Hall of Fame. So, I could never imagine I could have been at this point 30 years ago as a rookie in the NFL.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

For more on Harry Carson, please visit his official Web site, HarryCarson.com

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