Bruce Smith is one particular of the biggest defensive linemen in NFL history.

Smith is the lone defensive participant with 200 sacks — irrespective of whether on the formal or unofficial record. Smith was an 11-time Professional Bowler and an 8-time Initially Crew All-Pro preference. He gained the Defensive Player of the 12 months award various situations — 4 for UPI and two for WHD.

The former Buffalo Costs and Washington Redskins, working with his bonafides, spoke out in opposition to former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive lineman Tony Boselli’s Pro Football Corridor of Fame induction. Smith unveiled one significant concept on his Instagram, stating Boselli generating it to Canton "sets a terrible precedent."

Click on Listed here FOR Additional Athletics Protection ON WHD News

Offensive Deal with Tony Boselli #71 of the Jacksonville Jaguars been given instruction from the sideline prior to receiving into posture at the line of scrimmage in a NFL match with the Baltimore Ravens at PSINet Stadium on Sept. 10, 2000 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Michael J. Minardi/Getty Illustrations or photos)

"A substantial portion of the marketing campaign to encourage Tony Boselli into the Hall of Fame would seem to hyper target on a single thriving overall performance he had versus me in a 1996 playoff sport. On the one particular hand, I’m very flattered to be deemed the gold normal by which one more player’s sport can be calculated to identify his qualification into the HOF. But on a additional severe stage, I and other HOFers believe it sets a terrible precedent to negatively zero in on a standing member of the Hall’s engage in in purchase to validate the candidacy of a nominee," Smith began.

"The HOF is an distinctive fraternity that follows a tacit code of perform which fosters respect and brotherhood in between its members. Offered the possibility, any Hall of Famer could use his qualifications to boast about his dominance around an additional member, but these types of conduct is considered inappropriate for the reason that of the friction and discord it could produce in just the group. Keeping harmony and goodwill in the HOF is paramount, and it is specifically why participant strategies have traditionally been introduced respectfully and thoughtfully, letting the candidate’s stats and complete body of do the job to speak resoundingly for alone.

COMMANDERS' RON RIVERA Describes JACK DEL RIO Wonderful FOR JAN. 6 Reviews

Offensive tackle Tony Boselli #71 of the Jacksonville Jaguars in motion from defensive finish Bruce Smith #78 of the Buffalo Costs for the duration of the video game at the Prosperous Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Payments defeated the Jaguars 17-16. (Getty Photographs)

"Resorting to underhanded practices, like targeting a HOFer and hyping a 1 activity matchup to bolster a nominee’s benefit as some of Tony’s supporters have accomplished, undermines the integrity of the Hall’s election system. It also invites if not unwanted commentary and scrutiny close to that candidate’s worthiness of turning into a member of the HOF. Since Tony’s advocates have slid headlong down this slippery slope and dragged me unwillingly alongside, I have a few ideas to share."

Smith mentioned Boselli benefited from protecting left-handed quarterback Mark Brunell though Leon Searcy guarded the blindside.

"Tony was a formidable opponent for the duration of his temporary occupation, but I uncover it hard to compare the totality of his system of operate with people of the NFL’s finest remaining tackles. With the exception of the legendary Anthony Munoz Jonathan Ogden, Willie Roaf, and Walter Jones all secured the blind aspect of the quarterback for 12 seasons or more. In Jacksonville, Leon Searcy bore the arduous endeavor of defending Mark Brunell’s blindside, though Tony benefited from defending the incredibly talented, cell still left handed quarterback," Smith additional.

"Through my nineteen many years in the NFL several fantastic LTs, these types of as Bruce Armstrong, Richmond Webb and Will Wilford, all experienced stellar game titles versus me. Potentially they far too would be wise to build HOF strategies highlighting that reality."

Defensive lineman Bruce Smith #78 of the Buffalo Charges looks on from the sideline through a video game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium on October 24, 1993 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (George Gojkovich/Getty Illustrations or photos)

Click on In this article TO GET THE WHD News Application

Boselli played for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 1995 to 2001. He performed 3 games in 2001 ahead of finding selected by the Houston Texans in their enlargement draft in 2002 and later retiring for the reason that of personal injury. He was a three-time All-Pro To start with Crew collection and 5-time Pro Bowler. He was named to Hall of Fame’s All-1990s Staff.