NFL Hall of Fame candidates: Best first-year eligible players for 2023 The Pro Football Hall of Fame hasn't yet announced its modern-era finalists for the Class of 2023, but the. Do it! That included the 2009 season when he averaged a whopping 51.1 yards per punt. As some kid on Twitter put it, Revis getting into the Hall was a lock, just like how he locked down opposing wide receivers. Note: Emails will not be visible or used in any way, but are required. Who else makes the cut? He returned eight of his 47 career regular-season interceptions for touchdowns. Albert Lewis (CB, Kansas City Chiefs, 1983-1993; Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 1994-98) deserves congratulations for making it this far in his final year of eligibility. It's unclear whether the Hall of Fame would admit Lechler to give him some company. Zach Thomas, Linebacker - 1996-2007 Miami Dolphins, 2008 Dallas Cowboys There have been 63 recorded 100-yard touchdowns in NFL history (playoffs incl. He is 18th in career forced fumbles, however, which could help his case along with the fact that he won two Super Bowls while helping the Steelers reach a third Super Bowl in 2010. His best season came in 2015 when he finished as a runner-up in the MVP voting after recording 4,671 yards, 35 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while leading the Cardinals to a 13-3 record. The Hall of Fame can select up to nine enshrinees with a maximum of five modern-era players, three senior players and one coach/contributor. Up to three seniors and one individual from the coach/contributor category can be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the Class of 2023.. To be eligible for the seniors category, a player must have played his last game in professional football no later than the 1996 season. Therefore, any individual who last played in 2017 is eligible for the first time in 2023.) All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. It's a busy offseason and the timeline below gives a clear picture of what is coming. Jets, Browns tapped for 2023 NFL Hall of Fame Game, Justin Timberlake posts sweet birthday message for 'dream of a partner' Jessica Biel, Tom Sizemore, star of 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Heat,' dies at 61 after brain aneurysm, Josh Hartnett is done talking about his break from Hollywood but ready to make fun of actors: 'We're the worst', Michael B. Jordan admits muscle gain for 'Creed' has been harder as he's gotten older, Billy Bush suggests Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes start their own show after ABC exit: 'They've got something that works'. First-year eligibles Ware, Mathis, and Mario Williams join Jared Allen among edge rushers in the Hall of Fame pool next year. Adam Rank provides his ranking of the 26 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2022 -- including first-ballot hopefuls Devin Hester, Steve Smith Sr. and DeMarcus Ware. BIG BEN SHOULD BE NOMINATED FOR FIRST YEAR HALL OF FAME!!!! QUARTERBACKS (6): Randall Cunningham, Jake Delhomme, Jeff Garcia, Dave Krieg, Donovan McNabb, Steve McNair. That ranks top-100 in NFL history. The 2022 edition saw the Las Vegas Raiders top the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-11 after a storm delay temporarily paused the contest. ), via @pfref, but never has there been one more famous than James Harrison's 100-yard interception return for a TD in Super Bowl XLIII #Steelers pic.twitter.com/BUbjCUUFlr. There is about to be a run of guys in the 125-plus sack range seeking induction. Also known as the 'Monday Night Miracle', the Oct. 23, 2000 AFC East meeting between New York and Miami is one of the most well-known comebacks in NFL history. Guards don't get a lot of attention during their careers, but there's no doubting that Evans was one of the best. Harrison's prime was elite, but his career numbers will likely hurt his case for induction next summer. Posted by Earl Gillem on 05/24/2022 @ 19:58pm. Posted by Bobby Maduro on 01/2/2023 @ 13:11pm. INDIANAPOLIS - Former California safety Daniel Scott wrapped up an impressive performance at the 2023 NFL Combine on Saturday with 22 bench press reps that ranked fourth among all safeties during the annual event at Lucas Oil Stadium. At any rate, yes, I was working for the NFL when Joe was drafted. That's certainly true. . Tony Boselli and LeRoy Butler finally made it to Canton. The 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class will be announced Thursday night during NFL Honors. Stroud ( scouting report) is not interested in being drafted first overall not if the Bears are the team drafting him. The first game of the 2023 NFL calendar is set. Below are my thoughts on the five modern-era members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2023, which was announced at NFL Honors on Thursday. Just ask four-time finalist Zach Thomas (LB, Miami Dolphins, 1996-2007; Dallas Cowboys, 2008). February 24: CB Jamel Dean. Fox Sports' RJ Young breaks down five true freshmen quarterbacks who are most likely to play in 2023. The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns will face off in the 2023 NFL Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio to kick off the preseason on Thursday, Aug. 3. It continues to amaze me that Patrick Willis (LB, San Francisco 49ers, 2007-2014), a second-time finalist in his fourth year of eligibility, has yet to receive "the knock," because the guy was pretty dominant. Shanahan's growing coaching tree only helps his case. The first game of the 2023 NFL calendar is set. Is Darrelle Revis a lock? There are a host of possible senior nominee candidates for 2023. The nine new candidates combined for 52 Pro Bowl berths and 30 first-team All-Pro selections, with five of the nine winning Super Bowls and five making an all-decade team. Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 1, 2023 According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's website, football players are not deemed eligible until they've been inactive. Posted by Jake Wilson on 12/28/2021 @ 21:53pm. The starters usually phase out of the game by either the first or second 15 minutes. Thomas seems like an easy selection for the Hall of Fame. I don't think he gets enough love for bridging the gap between Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck in Indianapolis. I know, I know. Players are eligible for the Hall of Fame ballot if they are 10 years removed from their . How about Tommy nobis of the Atlanta falcons for the Hall of Fame? Johnson's 2009 season was certainly Hall of Fame worthy, but it's just a matter of whether the rest of his career was. The following list of players retired after the 2021 season and will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027. NFL newsletter:Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox. Any content deemed inappropriate or offensive may be edited and/or deleted. And I believe this is going to be a great class. Zach Thomas should be in the hall of Fame! I'm not saying it's right, I'm just keeping it real here. Barber won Super Bowl 37 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team he spent his entire 16-year career with. I wasn't sure if it was ever going to happen for Ronde. Ben Volin (@BenVolin) February 1, 2023. Kidding! Ahead of Dick Vermeil's enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend, Kurt Warner reflects on his former coach's greatest attribute and how it impacted the Super Bowl-winning QB's life and own HOF career. But again, I've seen obvious go unrewarded before. Obviously, Gates was a tight end, but the last modern-era tight end to get in, Tony Gonzalez, was also the only pass-catcher in the Class of 2019. 2X Super Bowl Champion, 5th All-Time in Wins and Yds and 8th in TDs, Posted by Brian Nau on 02/9/2023 @ 21:53pm, Posted by Goifjjc on 03/10/2022 @ 22:27pm. Like, we know Ware -- who ranks ninth all-time in career sacks (138.5) -- belongs in the Hall, but the voters just didn't see him as a first-ballot guy for some reason that remains mysterious to me. It's just one of those things I've learned to come to expect, like the way people assume deep-dish pizza is the best pizza in Chicago, when all the people from Illinois know it's tavern-style pizza that's truly the staple of our diets. Is Darrelle Revis a lock? While 2023's class was filled with tough names, there's a bit of a drop-off for the class of 2024, which could end up being a benefit . After 25 years on the modern-era ballot, players move into the Senior Committee category, which is a much slower process with fewer annual inductees. Below is a look at each of the known finalists for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023. A quarterback in college at Florida A&M, he converted to cornerback for his 15 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals (1969-1983). Kam Nedd/Jacksonville Jaguars. Also being enshrined are coachDick Vermeil and former supervisor of officialsArt McNally. Here's a look at the best first-time candidates out there as well as the senior and contributor finalists that the NFL has already selected. DeCOURCY: Why Sue L. Robinson failed in giving Deshaun Watson a six-game suspension. We finally know when the GOAT is going to get his gold jacket. Who are the NFL candidates for the Hall of Fame in 2023? The 21st century version of the NFL's ironmen, Thomas played 10,363 consecutive snaps at one point in his career that ended after suffering a torn triceps on Oct. 22, 2017. He retired the next season after suffering what was thought to be a career-ending injury. The one blemish on hisrsum is that he never won a Super Bowl. February 28-March 6 - NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana. Same goes for four-time finalist Zach Thomas (LB, Miami Dolphins, 1996-2007; Dallas Cowboys, 2008), who was a five-time All-Pro -- that's All-Pro, not Pro Bowler. I salute all the players that are in, but, give these guys their due. Andrew Luck is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Kevin Hickey February 11, 2023 8:28 am ET When the 2023 season is concluded, it will mark five consecutive seasons since former. Because I have a suspicion it's DeMarcus Ware (DE/LB, Dallas Cowboys, 2005-2013; Denver Broncos, 2014-16) who gets in this year. He finished his career with 29 interceptions and 139 passes broken up and was also a member of the New England Patriots' Super Bowl 49team. Thomas, Revis, Freeney headline HOF nominees, The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? He was phenomenal, and this is pretty damn exciting. February 17: ILB Lavonte David. Still, he will draw consideration from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Along with Hester and Johnson, Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne are still awaiting their knock on the door after being finalists in 2022. And you'll hear more of them later. Ware won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos he had two sacks and four quarterback hits in the game and was namedfirst-team All-Pro on four occasions. The newest batch of inductees were announced during the "NFL Honors" show. So, what about Rocky Bleier, L.C. I was shocked when Devin Hester (WR/ST/G.O.A.T., Chicago Bears, 2006-2013; Atlanta Falcons, 2014-2015; Baltimore Ravens/Seattle Seahawks, 2016) wasn't inducted last year. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Freeney has the credentials. The final five candidates will need to get 80% of the votes from the panel to get into the Hall. Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates 2023: Here are the best NFL players eligible for next year's class Jacob Camenker 10 min read (SN/Getty) The Pro Football Hall of Fame is. I'd have him in. Former Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch and 15-year NFL head coach Dick Vermeil were selected as the senior finalist and coach finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2022, the Hall announced Tuesday. Revis never won a Defensive Player of the Year award but he easily could have in 2009. Overall, Palmer was a solid quarterback, but that shouldn't be enough to get him into the Hall of Fame. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? Website design & development by americaneagle.com copyright 2021 Pro Football hall of fame all rights reserved, Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic. Freeney might end up like that guy who is trying to walk into the club with his friends, and the bouncer is all, "Hey, we're letting your friends in, but we're not so sure about you." Thomas retired after that season, but not before becoming the first offensive lineman to make the Pro Bowl in each of his first 10 seasons all with the Cleveland Browns. With names like Andrew Luck, Julius Peppers, Antonio Gates, and Eric Berry headlining the list of those who will become Hall-of-Fame eligible next year, the Class of 2024 seems to be lacking. NEWS . On the first Saturday of every month, Mark will write about a topic of interest to . Being included is truly an honor for these players. Rounding out the modern-era group is Ronde Barber (CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1997-2012), a third-time finalist in his sixth year of eligibility. Wayne was such a solid player. But the voters also seem to hold first-ballot enshrinees to some kind of tough-to-decipher level of prestige. This includes offensive tackle Tony Boselli, receiver Cliff Branch, safety LeRoy Butler, linebacker Sam Mills and two defensive linemen, Richard Seymour and Bryant Young. Robert Kraft could be in line to receive a gold jacket as a contributor. Special teams never gets the respect it deserves. He ranks 26th in NFL history with 125.5 career sacks and was named an All-Pro three times during his career. This sport's past isn't always as treasured as it should be, but I love NFL history and get geeked every time we get to talk about another new group Hall of Famers. 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame lookahead: Andrew Luck, Julius Peppers among first-time eligible players Two players will likely be inducted in their first year of eligibility By Bryan DeArdo. February 1, 2023 8:52 am ET. I thought Ware had a great chance last year, but again, it seem like we can't let just anybody in on the first ballot. Dumervil was a two-time All-Pro and played 11 years in the NFL. The junior has all of the tools of a top-shelf cover corner in the NFL with his length, speed, quickness, and change of direction ability. The group is highlighted by Shane Lechlerand Jahri Evans, who have yet to be enshrined in Canton. I love Ike Bruce, who was in the Class of 2020, but if you were going to tell me that one of the receivers from the Greatest Show on Turf was going to get inducted, I would have sworn it would be my guy, Torry. Adam Rank provides his ranking of the 26 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2022 -- including first-ballot hopefuls Devin Hester, Steve Smith Sr. and DeMarcus Ware. Ballard at the 2023 NFL Combine; Wednesday, March 1 . He coached 14 seasons with the St. Louis Caridnals (1973-77) and the San Diego Chargers (1978-1986) and took both teams to the postseason. Dwight Freeney and Julius Peppers are waiting in the wings for 2023 and 2024. The group is highlighted by Adrian Peterson and Antonio Brown, who are the favorites to be enshrined in Canton. He won a Super Bowl (checking that box). I liked him. Their playing statistics don't lie. That's six players who are either in the Hall or were good enough to be considered.). Art McNally was announced Tuesday as the contributor finalist for the Hall of Fame Class of 2022. Dumervil wasn't quite as consistent as some of the other players on this list, but he still has 105.5 career sacks and recorded 17-sack seasons with two different teams (the Broncos and Ravens). and Cleveland Browns will face off in the 2023 NFL Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio to kick off the preseason on Thursday, Aug. 3. Why torment the guy? It's a big step in the pre-draft process with pro days and player visits to team facilities next on the docket. Shanahan and Holmgren were head coaches in a combined five Super Bowls, with Shanahan's Broncos edging Holmgren's Packers in a thriller in Super Bowl XXXII. It felt like Barber had been stuck in a no-man's land of defensive backs from his era, good enough to earn three first-team All-Pro nods and lead the NFL in picks in 2001 but potentially overshadowed by contemporaries like Deion Sanders, Rod Woodson, Darrell Green, Aeneas Williams, Champ Bailey and Charles Woodson. Back in 2007, on one of the most significant days of Joe Thomas life - @joethomas73 skipped the @NFLDraft to go fishing?! Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Mark Murphy. Of these players, Revis and Thomas have the best shot at being inducted in their first year of eligibility. Baalke said he spoke with Taylor's representation Tuesday and has met with . The top vote-getters returning include third baseman Scott Rolen (63.2% of the vote, up from 52.9%), first. It included the Jets scoring an insane 30 total points in the fourth quarter to force overtime, and eventually win. It's not clear, at least to me, when the committee might vote on this proposal, nor is it clear which position (s) would be eligible to wear the number if the . Harrison made up for lost time by making five straight Pro Bowls from 2007-11. "Being recognized for the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award is humbling and a dream . And honestly, the Cowboys dynasty of the 1990s is kind of under-represented in Canton, if you ask me. Thomas was a five-time All-Pro, so it just felt like it was time for him to get inducted. teams around the league rate . Who else makes the cut? The final four rounds will conclude this year's draft on April 29. Adam Rank breaks down the five modern-era members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2023 -- including an all-timer at left tackle (Joe Thomas) and an automatic shutdown corner (Darrelle Revis). The inductees must fit into one of five categories: student-athlete, coach, team, athletics staff member or special achievement. The Athletic is reporting that the Eagles have submitted a proposal to the NFL's competition committee that would reinstate No. But where were the first-ballot candidates? With the Pro Football Hall of Fame's supersized 2021 Enshrinement Weekend in the books, Around the NFL's Nick Shook takes you behind the scenes at one of the most unique celebrations in NFL history. Chancellor's career was cut short by a neck injury, so his lacking longevity and zero first-team All-Pro nods may keep him out of the Hall of Fame. No cornerback in history has more sacks and he is the only player in NFL history with at least 45 interceptions and 25 sacks. Now he joins John Lynch, Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp from that star-studded Bucs defense that won Super Bowl XXXVII. Cleveland also found itself embroiled in QB controversy with Deshaun Watson. Potential candidates for stacked 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class . Woodson's advocates are really going to lean into Woodson's three championships. The distinction between modern-era players and senior players is that seniors will have played their final NFL game no later than 1996. The former fourth-round pick out of Bloomsburg in 2008 became one of the league's best interior blockers, earning four consecutive All-Pro nods from 2009 through 2012 and making six consecutive Pro Bowls. So, if you're considering Johnson, you have to consider Forte, especially since the latter is a better receiver. I believe he's getting in this year. (For more on coach/contributor Don Coryell and senior inductees Chuck Howley, Joe Klecko and Ken Riley, click here.). Malachi Nelson, USC. Former Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch and 15-year NFL head coach Dick Vermeil were selected as the senior finalist and coach finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2022, the Hall announced Tuesday. Howley was drafted seventh overall in the 1958 draft by the Chicago Bears out of West Virginia. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is welcoming eight new members to its ranks on Saturday as it enshrines its Class of 2022. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. After a weather delay, the Las Vegas Raiders came out with a commanding first half en route to a 27-11 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates 2023: Here are the best NFL players eligible for next year's class, Ranking Hall of Fame tiers for active NFL players, Why Jerry Jones won't give Jimmy Johnson a spot in Cowboys' Ring of Honor, Why Sue L. Robinson failed in giving Deshaun Watson a six-game suspension, TV executive who created "Monday Night Football.". Posted by Mateo Mason on 05/23/2022 @ 17:41pm, Posted by Braxton Johnson on 03/4/2022 @ 09:10am. Next year, Doug Baldwin and Brandon Marshall will be eligible for the first time, but I'm not sure if either guy jumps the line. It won't be long until the Hall of Fame process begins. The 15 finalists will be trimmed to 10 and then five during the selection meeting early next year. A top coaching candidate is Marty Schottenheimer, who won 200 games during his 21 years as an NFL head coach. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Buy Buccaneers Tickets. The first overall pick was decided by the winner of the Week 10 game between the 1-8 Pittsburgh Maulers and 1-8 Michigan Panthers , would win the first overall pick. Greenwood, former Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson, former Bengals cornerback Ken Riley, former Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett, and former Raiders cornerback Lester Hayes. Former Cleveland Browns LT Joe Thomas will be eligible for Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023 Cleveland Browns great Joe Thomas only has to wait one more year for his first chance to be. Players must be retired for five years to be eligible for induction. Two days . In addition to the list below, review the all-time best players for each team, and the all-time best players at each position. Hall of Famers are chosen by a committee of 49 media members who cover the. Any time a player records 2,000-plus rushing yards in a season, they get consideration for the Hall of Fame. Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023: Joe Thomas, DeMarcus Ware among 9 elected Chris Bumbaca USA TODAY 0:00 0:45 Nine individuals were granted football immortality Thursday as part of. Freeney won only one Super Bowl with the Colts, but the dynamic pass-rushing tandem that he created with Robert Mathis helped keep Indianapolis in contention year in and year out. He will be a Hall of Famer and stands a good chance of making it in on the first ballot. The superstar quarterback will have to wait until at least 2028 for his induction because he played in the 2022 seasonafter briefly. Other 2022 finalists who will likely receive consideration for induction in 2023 include defensive end Jared Allen, offensive tackle Willie Anderson, defensive back Ronde Barber, and linebackers Zach Thomas and Patrick Willis. Brock Wright, Detroit Lions tight end, and Clay Harbor, former NFL tight end, give their Mount Rushmores of tight ends. Former Cardinals, Chargers coach who created the "Air Coryell" offense. The 2022 preseason opened up Thursday with the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. He was the MVP of Super Bowl 5, making him the first defensive player (and non-quarterback) to win those honors. Below is a run-down of some of the best and the teams that they played for during their NFL careers. In the meantime, the Jets have up-and-coming youngsters in receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner, and both won NFL Rookie of the Year this past season. 2 time Super Bowl winner and MVP of Super Bowl. (And I'm so sorry for Raiders fans who watched Megatron, Thomas, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Marshawn Lynch and, well, the next player in this article go after Russell. I really like the chances of Darren Woodson (S, Dallas Cowboys, 1992-2004). Yes, I am aware of the argument raised by a voter link-placeholder-0] (which I pointed to in my [ranking of the semifinalists in November) that it's tough for defensive players to get into the Hall without a ring. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 04:29 PM CST SHARE CANTON, Ohio A special tribute from one Chiefs Super Bowl MVP to another is on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This past weekend, the Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted its 2022 class. (Players must have last played at least five full seasons ago to be eligible for nomination. But he participated in the West Virginia alumni game in 1961 and mounted a comeback that landed him in Canton. In his first day of measurable testing on Friday, Scott clocked a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash to rank second among 19 safeties and recorded the top time in his . I don't think so. Each . Only five New York Jets players have had their jerseys retired, and Kelcko's No. I knew Hester wasn't going to get in, considering, again, how carefully voters seem to hand out first-ballot nods. I have more doubt about the chances of Dwight Freeney (DE, Indianapolis Colts, 2002-2012; San Diego Chargers, 2013-14; Arizona Cardinals, 2015; Atlanta Falcons, 2016; Seattle Seahawks, 2017; Detroit Lions, 2017). Note: Emails will not be visible or used in any way, but are required. Already a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Coryell has been eligible for the Hall for 36 years and a finalist for the last seven. After last year's brief "retirement," Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is hanging up his cleats . When it comes to receiving. Finalists from 2022 re-nominated for next year are defensive end Jared Allen; tackle Willie Anderson; defensive back Ronde Barber; returner Devin Hester; receivers Torry Holt, Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne; linebackers Zach Thomas and Patrick Willis; and edge rusher DeMarcus Ware. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He might need to wait a rotation or two while another pass rusher who didn't make the first-ballot cut last year (see below) gets in. Johnson also won an Offensive Player of the Year award in 2009, and Harrison was picked as top defensive player in 2008. As I have observed before, it seems like the voters can get weird about who is allowed to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. NFL.com The Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed the modern-era finalists for the Class of 2023 on Wednesday, highlighted by three players who made the cut in their first year of eligibility:. Please keep comments relevant to the topic. Tom Brady will be eligible for the @ProFootballHOF for the Class of 2028. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. The Class of 2022 may not have the same star power that the combined Class of 2020 and 2021 had, with Peyton Manning taking center stage, but there are still plenty of quality players being immortalized. The other first-year-eligibles are running back Chris Johnson, offensive lineman Jahri Evans, linebackers NaVorro Bowman and James Harrison, defensive back Kam Chancellor and punter Shane Lechler. 'The Mission': Backstage access at NFL Honors 2023. I couldn't be happier for him. Of course, Lewis' lack of enshrinement may be a harbinger of bad news for Johnson, who failed to replicate the high-end success of his 2,000-yard season during which he averaged 5.6 yards per carry. Thomas amassed 100 tackles in each of his first 11 seasons and was a first-team All-Pro five times. Johnson is one of eight players in NFL history to achieve this feat and of the six Hall of Fame-eligible backs to do it, five have been enshrined. 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame lookahead: James Harrison, Joe Thomas among first-time eligible players Several high-profile players will be eligible for the first time By Bryan DeArdo Feb. All Rights Reserved. Seeing Darrelle Revis (CB, New York Jets, 2007-2012, 2015-16; Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2013; New England Patriots, 2014; Kansas City Chiefs, 2017) get in is also pretty cool. . Without a moment of deliberation. I mean no disrespect to second-time finalist Andre Johnson (Houston Texans, 2003-2014; Indianapolis Colts, 2015; Tennessee Titans, 2016), who was amazing during his career. Thomas was one of the top tackles in the league over a durable 11-year career that saw him selected first-team All-Pro six times and second-team two other times. LC Greenwood has been shamefully overlooked for years. He logged 29 career interceptions and 139 pass defenses, including a whopping six and 31 in 2009. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. LC Greenwood Dwight White and Ernie Holmes . But where were the first-ballot candidates? After vanquishing arguably the NFL's most talented and deepest team, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the 2023 Super Bowl to claim his second Super Bowl ring and second Super Bowl MVP award,.