Every year, there are several deserving finalists whose names are not selected for inclusion in the Professional Football Hall of Fame. This year was no different, as several finalists with resumes in the Hall of Fame will have to wait at least another year before being honored in Canton. Ohio.
This year’s class presented unique challenges. There were several eligible first-year finalists who were blocked for induction. As expected, Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson were selected in their first year of eligibility. Joining them as a nominee in the first vote is Calvin Johnson, whose decision to retire at age 30 has not been accused by voters.
Although there is no official criterion, voters tend not to introduce many players in the same position in the same class. This was exemplified in this year’s induction class. Johnson and senior finalist Drew Pearson were two of the four finalists who played receiver. Alan Faneca was one of the two finalist strikers. John Lynch and Woodson were two of the fourth finalists who played on the defensive back. Although their inductions probably contributed to other finalists not being included in this year’s class, that does not explain why none of the three finalists who played the linebacker were not selected.
Among the 10 finalists whose names were not called during Saturday’s NFL Honors, here are the five that most deserved the induction.
1. OL Tony Boselli (1995-2001)
A member of the All-1990s NFL team, Boselli was five times a Pro Bowler and three times an All-Pro. His presence helped Jaguars to achieve two games for the AFC title during the franchise’s first five years of existence. Boselli would already be in Canton if it weren’t for an injury that prematurely ended his career after less than 100 games.
2. LB Zach Thomas (1996-2008)
Thomas was a tack machine that accumulated 1,734 tackles during his 13-year career. A key member of the talented Miami defense in the mid-1990s, Thomas was seven times Pro Bowler, five times All-Pro and a member of the NFL’s All-2000 team. The 2017 induction of former teammate Jason Taylor may be the reason that Thomas continues to wait for his own induction.
3. LB Clay Matthews (1978-1996)
Four times a professional player, Matthews recorded an impressive 1,595 tackles during his career. Matthews, who was also credited with 69.5 career sacks, played a key role in a Browns team that achieved three games for the AFC title in four years. The fact that Sacks did not become an individual statistic until 1982 undoubtedly undermines Matthews’ cause. Playing in a time that included other external linebackers Lawrence Taylor, Andre Tippett and Charles Haley (among others) may also have hurt your cause. The fact that Matthews’ Browns fell short in each of his AFC title games against the Broncos may also be a contributor.
4. WR Reggie Wayne (2001-2014)
Wrongly cast as Marvin Harrison’s Batman Robin, Wayne has carved out his own niche in Indianapolis. A six-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XLI champion, Wayne led the NFL in receiving in 2007. The eighth best recipient of all time at the time of his retirement, Wayne was the No. 1 recipient on the Colts’ 2009 AFC team. . Wayne’s association with Harrison is probably one of the main reasons why he will have to wait at least another year to receive a bronze bust and a gold jacket.
5. LB Sam Mills (1986-1997)
Five times as a Bowler, Mills led the Saints to four appearances in the 1987-92 playoffs. A member of the Panthers’ inaugural team, Mills anchored a Carolina defense that advanced to the NFC title game in just its second year of existence. Although his role in helping to make New Orleans and Carolina into playoff teams is celebrated by both franchises, the fact that Mills does not play in a larger market may be the reason his career is often overlooked with regard to the Hall of Fame. .