SAN FRANCISCO — Bill Polian entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year, making one of the most dynamic speeches heard at the Canton shrine.
This year, Polian has nearly as strong a connection to the hall. Four of the finalists for the class of 2016 have major ties to him.
Polian hired Tony Dungy as his coach in Indianapolis, where together they won the 2006 NFL championship.
He drafted receiver Marvin Harrison and running back Edgerrin James, two stalwarts of the Colts who were quarterbacked by Peyton Manning.
Before moving to Indy, Polian traded for Kevin Greene, who then sparked a defense that helped the Carolina Panthers make the NFC title game in their second season of life.