Greatest Panther of all time: Brad Hoover vs. Jon Beason

by James Dator on Jun 20, 2011 3:23 PM EDT

This is it folks... the last matchup in the 1st round. Thus far the round has been fairly easy, well, the second round already looks like a doozie.

This match-up pits HOOOOV against Beast. Two players, both fan favorites. Who will win!?

Brad Hoover, FB

via media.gatewaync.com

Statistics as a Panther: 152 games, 961 rushing yards, 1,046 receiving yards, 9 total TD

I don't know if there's a better allegory for the Carolina Panthers as an organization than FB Brad Hoover. The local boy who was born in Thomasville, NC, went to Western Carolina University and then went un-drafted only to be signed by the Panthers in 2000. Over the 10 seasons Hoover was in Carolina he was a consummate professional and excellent blocking fullback. Always willing to do the dirty work, or get the hard yards there's good reason we still love HOOOOV.

Jon Beason, MLB

via jonbeason52.com

Statistics as a Panther: 64 games, 540 tackles, 8 INT, 3 FF

Accolades: Pro Bowl (2008, 2009, 2010), All Pro (2008, 2009)

In a short time Jon Beason has proved to be the undeniable leader of the Carolina Panthers. When he arrived in Charlotte as a 1st round pick in 2007 he saw a team in desperate need of a defensive leader and went about filling that role. Since that time Beason has further taken on the role as leader and with the departure Jake Delhomme he cemented himself as the 'go to' leader on both sides of the ball. When this is coupled with outstanding on field play, averaging 135 tackles each season you have a player who is on the fast track to 'greatest ever' whether it's now, or in the future.

Poll

Who is/was the greater Panther?

Brad Hoover

304 votes

Jon Beason

560 votes

864 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 54 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

As much as it pains me...

I have to vote against Hoover here. Beast is just better.

One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.

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by BW Smith on Jun 20, 2011 3:27 PM EDT reply actions

I want so badly to vote Hoov.

But I can’t vote against the Beast.

by BusyBeingAwesome on Jun 20, 2011 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Hooov was a utility player

He filled a role at times when needed, at a position that many great offenses don’t even use. Beason on the other hand is the centerpiece of your defense.

stay thirsty my friends

by southtunnel on Jun 21, 2011 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Many offenses don't use FB's.

But we did, and without him we wouldn’t have had nearly as much success as we did. Beason has more than earned his nickname of “Beast”, and did wonders to step up and lead our defense after losing Minter and Morgan. But his career is still young, we’re talking about what they’ve done, not what they will do. In a few years this is no contest, but for right now it should be slightly in Hoovers favor.

Yes I'm a dude.

by Flowing Willow on Jun 21, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Going with Hoover

While Beason is the heart and soul of this current team, Hoover, just like Sam Mills, John Kasay & Jerry Richardson, is the heart and soul of the franchise. He is a beloved, blue collar, local talent player, who went out each Sunday and kicked ass. The guy took more of a pounding over his years then any other Panther during that time. And not to mention, the team did everything to replace him, and he still kept coming out, winning the job and blowing over defenders while protecting the QB and RB’s in his career. Can’t say much more than that

Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano

by AParker on Jun 20, 2011 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

Oh and Hoover went to Western Carolina, not East Carolina

Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano

by AParker on Jun 20, 2011 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

rec'd +1

Kinda like asking what’s more important… food or water?

by DesertCat on Jun 20, 2011 7:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

So then Hoover, Sam Mills and John Kasay are your top 3 then, yeah?

stay thirsty my friends

by southtunnel on Jun 21, 2011 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Poor Brad

He fell in a terrible first round bracket.

I still love ya, HOOV!

Cam Newton for '11 ROY!

by Newsinz on Jun 20, 2011 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

I'll have to think about this one but

in a few more years Beason wins this hands down against Hoover, but for now I’m leaning Hoov. Beason is a better player but as far as all time greatest panther, I’m not sure Beason is there yet.

If you really want to do something, you will find a way. If you don't, you will find an excuse.

by LittleKing on Jun 20, 2011 3:31 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

+1

No doubt Beason is the man, a leader and a great player, but because of the time Hoover was here, I had to go Hoover as well. It sucks because Beason is my favorite player right now. A main reason Carolina’s running game has been top notch over the years was because if Hoover. He was a difference maker and a spectacular fullback. Beason is too for the defensive side of things but he just hasn’t been here long enough to be considered “The Greatest Panther of All Time”.

by voodoochild on Jun 20, 2011 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Bad matchup for Hoov

But Beason is just too good.

Go Panthers

by Smitty89 on Jun 20, 2011 3:32 PM EDT reply actions

Love'em both

But Beast is just a Beast

follow me @JustinB_TU11

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by Justin704 on Jun 20, 2011 3:37 PM EDT reply actions

Voting against Hoov kinda feels like cheating on your significant other.

But in this case, it must be done.

"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "

by ERL on Jun 20, 2011 3:40 PM EDT reply actions

Look at it this way...

Voting against Hoov to vote for Beast is like cheating on your significant other with Brooklyn Decker. She’ll understand because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and she’d probably cheat on your with Brooklyn Decker if the opportunity arose.

One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.

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by BW Smith on Jun 20, 2011 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

*your should be you...

I’m slipping. I think I need a grammar nazi for my own posts.

One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.

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by BW Smith on Jun 20, 2011 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

BW, I’m going to have to ask you to email me any future comments ahead of time for my approval.

by BusyBeingAwesome on Jun 21, 2011 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions

NOOOOOOO!!!!

NOT THE PRE-APPROVED COMMENT REQUIREMENT!!! I’M SHAMED…

One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.

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by BW Smith on Jun 21, 2011 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions

lol

by BusyBeingAwesome on Jun 21, 2011 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions

I can't fully understand this without a visual, sorry.

"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "

by ERL on Jun 20, 2011 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Big Picture is Big, but you asked for visual

Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano

by AParker on Jun 20, 2011 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I am beginning to see a pattern of new Panthers beating out old ones. This is not "who is the best athlete" or "who can take whom," but who is the greatest Panther. I think the Beast is awesome, but he has not even played half the games HOOOOVER has.
Hoover will be forever in Panther lore and a fan favorite for his 124yard (I Think it was 124 yard) game on Monday Night Football against Green Bay. That was pre-Fox I believe, that is how long the guy was around. What makes him great is not that he had the fastest forty but that he always showed up and cleared the holes for others to get the glory. I do not know how many times I heard "a great block by Hoover." As much as he is loved He is the most overlook player in panther history for most never realized just how crucial he was to our offence. I would say that he was very much like The original "Moose" FB Daryl Johnson for the Cowboys. Unlike Johnson however, who pretty much had one Hallfame running back to block for, Hoover broke holes for a great number of backs, from Tim Biackabatuca….(too lazy to look it up) Davis and Foster to Smash and Dash.

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by bigred28655 on Jun 20, 2011 4:04 PM EDT reply actions 6 recs

I think he blocked for

Biakabatuka, Fred Lane, Stephen Davis, Deshaun Foster, Eric Shelton D. Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and Mike Goodson (there were others, but I don’t remember whom.

Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano

by AParker on Jun 20, 2011 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions

New always beats out old, because most voters are not old-timers.

The most current always appears better, because memories of past accomplishments fade. Fresh is deemed superior.

I bet most voting on it now would think Tiger better than Jack…and after just last week, many would now say Rory’s better than Tiger.

I Rec’d your post to make it 5 Green, and Best of the Best. Too good, bigred.

by bigdavis on Jun 23, 2011 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions

HoovI picked Hoov

I picked Hoov because his absence was so obvious last year. His absence had a direct impact on the amount of time the QB had to throw, and the creation of running lanes for our backs. The dropoff on offense across the board was easily noticeable. With Jake playing horrible football, we still had a chance in many games, and I think much of it had to do with Hoov’s blocking. Our QBs last year didn’t play much worse than Jake in 2009, but we were worse overall on offense. I blame that on missing Hoov.

As for our defense, remember that as good as Beason plays, we never seem to get stops on crucial 3rd downs, and he doesn’t come up with too many big plays. I say that based on the number of games we gave up a ton of points. If Beason were all that, we could win more games when our offense only scores 15 points. I think Beason is extremely talented, and I am partially blaming him for failures of the defense as a whole, but if he’s the defensive captain, and the defense is getting run amock, then I can’t say he’s better than Hoov.

by usana_gaines on Jun 20, 2011 4:14 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I picked Hoooooooov. He’s done so much for the team and sacrificed his body for it. He made allowances for the team and always put them first.

Beason is getting there in his play and leadership on the field but he held out after he was drafted for more $$…

by scorpion12 on Jun 20, 2011 4:21 PM EDT reply actions

steve smith

by ieatcrayons on Jun 20, 2011 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

This should probably stop.

by BusyBeingAwesome on Jun 21, 2011 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Just for the record

Hoover went to Western Carolina, not Eastern Carolina. Sorry, that was bothering me.

And I want to vote for Beason, but I just can’t get myself to vote against Hoov. I feel like he was underappreciated his entire career here, much like the franchise, and, like you said James, he’s a good representation of the organization.

by RV21 on Jun 20, 2011 4:34 PM EDT reply actions

Bothered me too.

by DesertCat on Jun 20, 2011 7:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Fixed

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by James Dator on Jun 20, 2011 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I picked Hoov as well

Once Beason’s time is done in Carolina, I think this will be a no brainer. But the FB position in general is such an unsung position in football. On top of that, Hoover was a vastly underrated FB in the league. Hoov all the way at this point in time.

by Fernando De La Cruz on Jun 20, 2011 4:43 PM EDT reply actions

I was shocked when I saw the results

I voted Hoov, simply due to longevity. After Beast plays for even only 3 more years I’d vote for him but right now gotta go with Hoover. He was always underappreciated IMO and we all saw the drop-off in the run game this past year (obviously it was due to many other factors as well). I’d argue Hoover had as much impact on the run game as Beason does on defense. And, c’mon, watch an old game and tell me with a straight face you don’t get goosebumps when BoA erupted in a great big HOOOOOV!

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
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by KaiserBromley on Jun 20, 2011 5:39 PM EDT reply actions

Another very difficult choice.

On one hand Beast is a beast, one of the best in the league at his position and the leader of the defense. Like others have said, in a few more years when all is said and done Beast probably wins this one hands down. But being so young at this point I can’t put him ahead of what Hoov did for the team over the years. Beast is the better player, but Hoov has the better legacy at this point imo. Gotta go with the Hoov on this one.

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by John Chilton on Jun 20, 2011 6:51 PM EDT reply actions

This isnt fair

Another matchup between two fan favorites? Talk about cruel and unusual punishment.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained...sometimes you have to go against the grain.

by Disciple of Carolina on Jun 20, 2011 7:34 PM EDT reply actions

Panthers have always been the underdogs.

Players like Hoov are the epitamy of this franchise. Walk-ons like Jake, and overachievers such as Smitty are what make it fun to be a fan!

by DesertCat on Jun 20, 2011 7:55 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Close one, but I went with Hoover, because as far as I know, he doesn’t frequent strip clubs.

by SlayerGhaleon on Jun 20, 2011 7:56 PM EDT reply actions

And that affects his play on the field how?

One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.

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by BW Smith on Jun 20, 2011 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions

It doesn’t, but personal conduct impacts my vote, and I do not condone the exploitation of women.

by SlayerGhaleon on Jun 20, 2011 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Fair enough...

One cries because one is sad. For example: I cry because others are stupid, and it makes me sad.

Follow me on Twitter

by BW Smith on Jun 20, 2011 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

This vote is pissing me off

"Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental." -Doug Plank

by Imisshooooooooov on Jun 20, 2011 8:16 PM EDT reply actions

lol

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by Ivan459 on Jun 20, 2011 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah...me too (a little)

This was the only vote that I came back later to check and was a little disappointed with the results.

I kinda like power running football though. It’s iike a bloody violent ballet…
When it was working it was a thing of beauty to me. - Vagus

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by The Duke Dude on Jun 21, 2011 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions

This vote makes me sad :'(

You’re #1 in my heart Hoov

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Jun 20, 2011 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

I voted Brad Hoover.

Because the question isn’t “who is going to be the greater Panther” but “who is/was the greater Panther” Right now as it stands Beast will surpasse most if not all of his predecessors in the former category, but he doesn’t have the longevity to beat Hoov. He has the stats and accolades, but Hoover was always immensely underrated. Carolina has been known for much of it’s history as a smashmouth team. We will run you over on offense and hit you in the mouth on defense. Hoover’s contribution to the ground attack can’t be underscored enough in this situation. He helped make our rushing attack one of the most consistent and feared ones in the league. Everyone knew we were going to run the ball to win. But that didn’t change the success we’ve had, and Hoover has been a big part of it. Now add in the off field stuff. Beast is one of my favorite Panthers, but that rap song and frequenting strip clubs mean I can’t get behind him as whole heartedly as someone like Minter or Hoover. They were role models on and off the field, Beason is a great leader, but not someone I look up to as a person. Whether they should be or not, athletes are looked up to by many, and those that fulfill both their duties on and off the field like Hoover don’t get enough credit.

Yes I'm a dude.

by Flowing Willow on Jun 20, 2011 11:32 PM EDT reply actions

IF YOU DON"T VOTE FOR HOOVER

YOU ARE VOTING FOR THE ONE FOR ONE OF THE BEST LB’S CURRENTLY ON THE TEAM, SO ITS OK. BUT VOTE FOR HOOVER DAMN IT

Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano

by AParker on Jun 21, 2011 8:17 AM EDT reply actions

Hoover's best quality was being on the team a long time

That doesn’t make you a “great”

stay thirsty my friends

by southtunnel on Jun 21, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions

No, his best quality was his crunching blocks to spring any back who ran behind him for a long gain.

Carolina is known as a smasmouth team, Hoover is no small factor in that reputation.

Yes I'm a dude.

by Flowing Willow on Jun 21, 2011 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I thought Beason and voted Hoover

Beason is obviously the future of the franchise and has as good a shot as any in our team’s short history to become HoF (It’s tough for a small market player). I love both of these players dearly. My vote was a lifetime achievement award, if you will.

Maturity is knowing you were an idiot in the past. Wisdom is knowing you will be an idiot in the future and common sense is knowing you should try not to be an idiot now. - J. Jacques

by Vagus on Jun 21, 2011 8:46 AM EDT reply actions