Beyond The Mic: Faneca A Hall Of Famer

Former LSU All-American and nine-time NFL Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca announced his retirement yesterday. Faneca's 13 year career is littered with accolades, potentially making him a future candidate for the NFL Hall of Fame.

Faneca was a first round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1998, and made an immediate impact on the offensive line. He spent ten years in Pittsburgh, before playing two seasons with the New York Jets, then spending last season with the Arizona Cardinals.

His durability is well documented, as Faneca played in 203 games, missing only 5 in his 13 year career due to injury. Alan ended last season with an active streak of 144 straight games started, the longest among guards in the NFL. He also earned nine consecutive pro bowl selections, and was a first alternate last season. In addition, he was named to the AP first-team All-Pro six times.

Playing guard on the offensive line can often be overlooked. In fact, Bruce Matthews and Randall McDaniel are the only guards to have played in the last 15 years who have a bust in Canton. Five years from now, Faneca should have one of his own. His Canton resume speaks for itself.