Burning Question

Q Can a player be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame based on his performance in a pro league other than the NFL?

A Or in other words, will Doug Flutie (right) ever make it to Canton? Although Flutie's NFL numbers and accomplishments are, at best, slightly above ordinary, when his CFL exploits (41,355 passing yards, three Grey Cups, six Most Outstanding Player Awards) are taken into account, he starts looking more like Hall material. Is Flutie a future Hall of Famer?

"We are the Pro Football Hall of Fame, so we do look at leagues besides the NFL," says Hall spokesman Joe Horrigan. " Billy Shaw is in the Hall, and he played his entire career in the AFL." Stats from the All-American Football Conference and the USFL are also recognized by the Hall. "This is Jim Kelly's first year to be considered for induction, and his career will be examined as a whole, including his two seasons in the USFL," says Horrigan.

As for Flutie, however, Canton doesn't recognize CFL stats because the Canadian game uses different rules. In addition, says Horrigan, "We include only football leagues from this country. The CFL has its own Hall of Fame."