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Sapp inches closer to Canton

Posted Feb 1, 2010 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Feb 1, 2010 at 11:51 AM

By IRA KAUFMAN
TAMPA—Warren Sapp’s path to Canton just became smoother.

Sapp is still three years away from becoming eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he now has a stronger case for entry after he was named to the NFL’s all-decade team of the 2000s. The dynamic No. 99 is the only defensive player selected on the last two all-decade teams, in voting by the Hall of Fame selection committee.

As Tampa Bay’s representative, I will eagerly present Sapp’s Hall of Fame case in 2013 if, as expected, he makes the list of the final 15 modern-day candidates.

Tackle Willie Roaf and guard Larry Allen joined Sapp on the all-decade teams of the 1990s and the 2000s, quite an honor for three warriors who excelled in the trenches.

The Class of 2013 could include Sapp, former Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, ex-Bucs safety John Lynch and Jonathan Ogden, the sturdy left tackle of the Ravens who also retired following the 2007 season. Strahan and Ogden joined Sapp Sunday on the NFL’s all-decade team.

While Sapp’s belligerent persona could turn off some Hall of Fame voters, committee rules stipulate that only a player’s on-field performance should be considered.

When Sapp is elected into the Canton, Ohio shrine of excellence, his induction speech should be quite entertaining.