5 PICKS FOR THE NFL HALL OF FAME
Recently, the New England Patriots released franchise legend Julian Edelman after a failed physical. Edelman played a key role in the Pats’s dynasty days, evolving from a college quarterback to a speedy kick and punt returner to Tom Brady’s favorite target. His postseason stats and success are superior to NFL legends Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin. However, he has pedestrian regular season stats, including only 36 career touchdown catches and only 6,000 receiving yards. In comparison, Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf has 18 regular season touchdown catches and 2,000 career receiving yards in two short years. Currently, the sports world is debating whether Edelman is NFL Hall of Fame caliber. I say no. While, Edelman was clutch in high-pressure play situations – stats count more.
Here’s my top 5 choices for NFL HOFers. What’s your take?
#1 Michael Vick
There is a lot of controversy surrounding Mike Vick and the dog-fighting scandal in the early 2000s. But Vick’s on-field dominance cannot be ignored. He shredded NFL defenses with ease, whether it was on the ground, or through the air. Vick was the first quarterback in NFL history to throw and run for both 1,000 yards. He never did win an MVP award, but was first team All-Pro twice and second team three times. Vick was dominant in Philly and won a Comeback Player of the Year.
#2 Hines Ward
Honestly, I thought Hines Ward was already in the HOF. Ward is one of the greatest Steelers of all time with several 1,000-yard 10 TD seasons under his belt to go with two Super Bowl rings. Ward certainly has the qualifications to be inducted into the HOF, but he has never been voted in during his eligibility. I believe that Ward has been overshadowed by other great receivers such as Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Calvin Johnson, and Terrell Owens.
#3 Devin Hester
Devin Hester is perhaps the most dominant return man of all time, even greater than Deion Sanders. He is the only returner in NFL history to run back an opening kick return in the Super Bowl. Hester played a key part in Chicago’s 2006 Super Bowl run and received his first All-Pro selection that year. He attained All-Decade honors in both the 2000s and the 2010s. But why isn’t Devin Hester in the HOF? He was the best at his position for many years and was one of the most dangerous special teams players. 1 vote for the Hall!
#4 Shaun Alexander
Shaun Alexander has done what no other player on this list accomplished – MVP status. Alexander was what Derrick Henry is now, a freight train on steroids. He would destroy defenses with his bruising running style and his vicious stiff arm. Alexander could break tackles and run with unforeseen speed. Unfortunately, Alexander never won a ring in Seattle or Washington. Alexander has been eligible for some time now, but has never been voted in the Hall; I believe he should be.
#5 Darren Woodson
Darren Woodson was a key part of the Cowboys’s 1990s dynasty, one of the greatest franchise runs in NFL history. Woodson, who was drafted with one of the picks acquired from the Herschel Walker trade, could play both the pass and the run. Woodson always contended for Defensive Player of The Year in his prime. He is the only player in NFL history to average more than 50 tackles and 5 interceptions in every year of his career. Although, he never won DPOY; he won Defensive Rookie of the Year and was a member of the All-Decade and All-Century teams in the 1900s.
Is Edelman HOF-worthy? Who would you like to see in a gold jacket?
Edelman is by no means HOF worthy if Hines hasn’t been put him himself. I totally agree about Hines, it’s only a matter of time for him. Same with Devin Hester. Donald Driver and Steve McNair are two guys that should be going in soon, IMO.
If the Hall was not based on rings, Hester and McNair are first ballot. Players who were dominant should not be excluded due to their lack of rings.