The Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame will induct 28 new members this summer season in Canton, Ohio. Eight of these new members come through this 12 months’s induction class, with the opposite 20 members belonging to final 12 months’s centennial class. The ceremonies will happen from Aug. 5-9, with the Cowboys and Steelers additionally scheduled to play within the annual Corridor of Fame Recreation.
Whereas final 12 months’s expanded induction class actually helped, there are nonetheless a slew of deserving gamers who’re ready to earn their rightful place within the Corridor of Fame. With the 2021 Corridor of Fame announcement nonetheless recent in our minds, we determined to try every NFL‘s group’s greatest participant who’s at present not in Canton.
Right here is the standards for the listing:
- The participant should have performed greater than half of his profession for the franchise
- The participant should be at present eligible for induction into the Corridor of Fame
So, who’s your favourite group’s greatest non-Corridor of Fame participant? Let’s discover out.
Arizona Cardinals – Ottis Anderson, RB
Anderson’s success throughout his eight seasons with the Cardinals, alongside together with his late-career resurgence with the Giants, needs to be sufficient to in the future earn him a spot in Canton. The 1979 offensive Rookie of the 12 months, Anderson earned All-Professional honors that season whereas speeding for a career-high 1,605 yards. In his first 86 video games with the Cardinals, Anderson averaged 86 speeding yards and 111 all-purpose yards. He additionally scored 45 touchdowns whereas serving to the Cardinals publish three consecutive profitable seasons from 1982-84.
In 1986, Anderson was traded to the Giants, the place he served as Joe Morris’ backup throughout New York’s first Tremendous Bowl run. Three years later, Anderson was again within the beginning lineup, speeding for over 1,000 yards whereas serving to the Giants publish a 12-4 report. The next season, Anderson once more led the Giants in speeding through the common season whereas serving to New York stun the two-time defending champion 49ers within the NFC title sport. In Tremendous Bowl XXV, Anderson rumbled for 102 yards and a landing to assist the Giants topple the favored Payments. Anderson, 34 years outdated on the time, continues to be the oldest working again in league historical past to be named Tremendous Bowl MVP.
Atlanta Falcons – Tommy Nobis, LB
Atlanta’s first draft choose, Nobis performed on simply two profitable groups throughout his 11-year tenure with the Falcons. Regardless of his group’s lack of success, Nobis earned the popularity of his friends, incomes 5 Professional Bowl picks and one All-Professional nod throughout his first seven seasons.
The NFL’s Rookie of the 12 months in 1966, Nobis recorded a whopping 294 tackles that season. That whole shouldn’t be solely a Falcons’ franchise report, it’s unofficially the probably the most tackles ever credited to a participant in NFL historical past, in accordance with the Falcons’ group web site. Nobis’ early success earned him a spot on the NFL’s All-Decade Workforce for the Nineteen Sixties.
“I simply keep in mind how dominating a soccer participant he was,” former Cardinals Corridor of Fame offensive lineman Dan Dierdorf as soon as mentioned of Nobis. “I keep in mind his pace. For an enormous man, I used to be startled {that a} man might make that many performs on the sideline from a center linebacker place.”
Baltimore Ravens – Jamal Lewis, RB
Lewis’ profession is just a little weird. The fifth total choose within the 2000 draft, Lewis rushed for 1,364 yards as a rookie whereas serving to the Ravens attain their first Tremendous Bowl. In Tremendous Bowl XXXV, Lewis rushed for 102 yards and a landing in Baltimore’s 34-7 win over the Giants. Three years later, Lewis earned Offensive Participant of the 12 months honors after speeding for two,066 yards, the third-highest whole in NFL historical past. Lewis, who performed his closing three seasons for the Browns (serving to Cleveland publish a 10-6 report in 2007), compiled 4 different 1,000-yard speeding seasons. His 10,607 profession speeding yards are twenty fifth in league historical past.
Regardless of his success, the one time Lewis earned All Professional/Professional Bowl honors was throughout his monster 2003 season. Lewis additionally didn’t have a really lengthy profession, as he hung up his cleats for good earlier than his thirty first birthday. He additionally missed your entire 2001 season after struggling a knee damage. However regardless of his lack of longevity and Professional Bowl nods, Lewis’ physique of labor ought to render him future consideration for Canton.
Buffalo Payments – Steve Tasker, WR
One of many best particular groups gamers in NFL historical past, Tasker earned seven Professional Bowl nods from 1987-95. Throughout that span, Tasker helped the Payments turn into the primary franchise seem in 4 consecutive Tremendous Bowls. Tasker’s brilliance was on show through the opening minutes of Tremendous Bowl XXVII. With the Cowboys punting from their very own 16 yard line, Tasker was lined up in opposition to linebacker Robert Jones, a rookie who crammed in for an injured starter. Jones did not have an opportunity in opposition to Tasker, who beat Jones on an inside transfer earlier than blocking Mike Saxon’s punt. Tasker’s play arrange the sport’s first landing.
Two different Payments from the ’90s that I thought-about had been linebackers Darryl Talley and Cornelius Bennett. The duo performed a substantial position in serving to the Payments’ protection permit a median of simply 17.3 factors per sport throughout their four-year run atop the AFC.
Carolina Panthers – Sam Mills, LB
Few gamers have had an even bigger influence on a franchise than Mills, who we made an exception for because it pertains to not spending at the least half of his profession in Carolina. Whereas he solely spent three years in Carolina, Mills’ influence continues to be felt inside the group; he has a statue that’s at present exterior Financial institution of American Stadium.
A 2021 finalist, Mills introduced a direct spark to the growth Panthers. After racking up 110 tackles throughout his first season in Carolina, Mills earned All-Professional honors in 1996 whereas serving to the Panthers attain the NFC Championship Recreation in simply their second 12 months of existence. Within the course of, Mills grew to become the primary 37-year-old protection participant to be chosen to the Professional Bowl. Mills then loved a productive third season with the Panthers earlier than calling it a profession after the 1997 season.
A five-time Professional Bowler, Mills is a member of the Saints Corridor of Fame in addition to the Panthers Ring of Honor. A former Panthers assistant coach, Mills, who continued to teach regardless of receiving a most cancers prognosis, was the inspirational power behind the Panthers’ run to Tremendous Bowl XXXVII. His “maintain pounding” mantra continues to function the group’s rallying cry. Mills, who died in April of 2005, had his quantity 51 retired by the Panthers earlier than the beginning of the ’05 season.
Cincinnati Bengals – Ken Riley, CB
Riley retired with 65 interceptions, which is at present tied for the fifth highest whole in NFL historical past. The participant Riley is usually in comparison with is Charles Woodson, who’s a part of this 12 months’s induction class. An extremely constant participant all through his profession, Riley picked off at the least 4 passes 9 totally different occasions, tallying a career-high 9 interceptions in 1976. A key member of the Bengals’ 1981 AFC championship group, Riley returned a league excessive three interceptions for touchdowns throughout his closing two seasons. In 1983, his closing NFL season, the 36-year-old Riley recorded eight interceptions (returning two for scores) whereas incomes his first profession All-Professional choice.
Chicago Bears – Steve McMichael, DT
One in all greatest gamers on the Bears’ vaunted 46 protection, McMichael earned his first of three consecutive Professional Bowl honors in 1985 whereas serving to Chicago seize its solely Lombardi Trophy. A two-time All-Professional, McMichael had 92.5 profession sacks for Chicago, second in franchise historical past. McMichael and Dan Hampton (a 2002 Corridor of Fame inductee) shaped one of many best defensive duos in NFL historical past, a unit that totaled 41.5 sacks from 1984-88.
“These two guys on the level of assault had been pretty much as good as something I’ve ever been round teaching or enjoying,” former teammate and present Washington coach Ron Rivera just lately informed The Athletic.
Cleveland Browns – Clay Matthews, LB
A four-time Professional Bowler, Matthews spent 16 of his 19 NFL seasons with the Browns, serving to Cleveland win 5 AFC Central division titles through the Eighties. Matthews retired with 69.5 profession sacks, 27 pressured fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries. He additionally led the NFL in tackles on 4 totally different events. One in all Matthews’ greatest seasons didn’t lead to a Professional Bowl choice. In 1984, Matthews led the league with 126 tackles whereas additionally posting 12 sacks and three pressured fumbles. Matthews’ play was a significant cause why the Browns appeared in three AFC Championship Video games from 1986-89.
Whereas he has but to obtain the decision to Canton, Matthews was inducted into the Browns’ Ring of Honor in 2019. He was a Corridor of Fame finalist in 2021.
Dallas Cowboys – Darren Woodson, SS
With Drew Pearson’s 2021 induction, Woodson is now the Cowboys’ most deserving Corridor of Famer who continues to be ready to obtain his gold jacket. As a rookie, Woodson helped Dallas seize their first Tremendous Bowl win in 15 years. A 12 months later, Woodson grew to become a starter whereas serving to the Cowboys repeat as champions.
In 1994, the versatile security started a streak of 5 consecutive Professional Bowl picks. An All-Professional every year from 1994-96, Woodson’s play in 1995 helped the Cowboys turn into the primary group to win three Tremendous Bowls in a four-year span. Whereas the Cowboys’ dynasty fell off after that, Woodson continued to be a power effectively into the following decade. In 2003 (his closing season in Dallas), Woodson tallied 86 tackles and 16 passes defensed whereas serving to the Cowboys make the playoffs throughout Invoice Parcells’ first season in Dallas.
Denver Broncos – Randy Gradishar, LB
Whereas Tom Jackson and Rod Smith acquired consideration, Gradishar stays the best Bronco who continues to be ready for his place in Canton. The 14th total choose within the 1974 draft, Gradishar earned All-Professional honors in 1977 whereas main Denver’s “Orange Crush” protection, a unit that helped spearhead the Broncos’ first Tremendous Bowl look. Gradishar earned 5 extra Professional Bowl picks (in addition to one other All-Professional nod) throughout his closing six seasons with the Broncos. A member of the Broncos Ring of Fame, Gradishar is credited with over 2,000 tackles throughout his 10-year profession.
“We did not see Denver that always,” Dan Hampton informed Sports activities Illustrated again in 2014, “but it surely was enjoyable watching sport movies of Gradishar. We might child Mike Singletary and say, ‘Take a look at that — Gradishar takes on a block, he would not dance round it, Mike.’
“One time I requested Walter Payton who gave him the toughest shot in his profession. He informed me one identify — Gradishar. He was well-respected in Chicago.”
Detroit Lions – Herman Moore, WR
A 3-time All-Professional, Moore caught a then NFL report 123 passes in 1995. He additionally recorded 1,686 yards (third behind Corridor of Famers Jerry Rice and Isaac Bruce) and 14 touchdowns. Two years later, Moore once more led the NFL in receptions whereas eclipsing the 1,200-yard barrier for a fourth straight 12 months. Throughout a seven-year span, Moore averaged 85 receptions for 1,190 yards and eight touchdowns a season. Not dangerous for a receiver who by no means performed with a Professional Bowl quarterback.
Moore’s former teammate, defensive finish Robert Porcher (95.5 profession sacks) additionally acquired consideration.
Inexperienced Bay Packers – LeRoy Butler, SS
A finalist in 2021, Butler is likely one of the two first-team safeties on the NFL’s All-Decade group for the Nineties. The opposite is Steve Atwater, who was a part of this 12 months’s Corridor of Fame induction class. A four-time All-Professional (that included three straight seasons from 1996-98), the versatile Butler racked up 38 interceptions, 889 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 13 pressured fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries over his profession. He additionally recorded the primary Lambeau Leap, which ought to positively depend for one thing. Butler’s success helped the Packers win one Tremendous Bowl and two NFC titles through the ’90s.
Houston Texans – Andre Johnson, WR
We’re bending the foundations right here because it pertains to gamers solely being on this listing who’re eligible for enshrinement. I am making an exception on this case as a result of the Texans, created in 2002, have no nice former gamers who’re at present eligible for enshrinement. That brings us to Johnson, who will likely be eligible for enshrinement in 2022. Johnson, a seven-time Professional Bowler and two-time All-Professional, led the league in receptions and receiving yards on two totally different events. A key member of the Texans’ first 4 AFC South championship groups, Johnson is eleventh all time in profession receptions (1,062) and receiving yards (14,185).
Indianapolis Colts – Reggie Wayne, WR
A 2021 finalist, Wayne was typically overshadowed by extra flamboyant receivers. Wayne additionally spent greater than half of his profession enjoying alongside Marvin Harrison, who acquired his gold jacket in 2016.
Whereas his profession might haven’t acquired the eye it deserved, Wayne’s profession numbers communicate for themselves. Wayne, a six-time Professional Bowler, led the NFL in receiving yards 2007. Two years later (after Harrison retired through the 2008 offseason), Wayne helped lead the Colts to their second Tremendous Bowl in 4 years. And whereas his profession marks (he is tenth all-time in receptions and receiving yards) are spectacular, Wayne’s postseason numbers — he caught 93 passes for 1,254 yards and 9 touchdowns — actually set him aside from his friends.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs – Otis Taylor, WR
We’re persevering with our run of receivers with Taylor, whose sport went via a seamless transition after the Chiefs moved from the AFL to the NFL following the 1970 league merger. Fittingly, within the closing sport performed earlier than the merger, Taylor made the game-breaking play, as his 46-yard landing reception sealed the Chiefs’ victory over the Vikings in Tremendous Bowl IV.
Taylor made a fair higher play in opposition to the Raiders in that 12 months’s AFL Championship Recreation. With the rating tied within the third quarter, and with the Chiefs going through a 3rd and lengthy simply exterior their very own finish zone, Kansas Metropolis quarterback Len Dawson discovered Taylor for a 41-yard acquire. The play helped arrange the Chiefs’ go-ahead landing. Merely put, Chiefs followers grew accustomed to seeing these kind of exploits from Taylor, a a number of All-Professional who led the NFL in receiving yards in 1971.
San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers – Leslie O’Neal, OLB/DE
I am not going to disregard the unusual undeniable fact that our receiver streak ends with the Chargers, who had been synonymous with high-flying offenses throughout their first 25 years of existence. Shout outs are to ensure that former Chargers receivers John Jefferson and Wes Chandler, who loved great stretches of success catching passes from Corridor of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts. Russ Washington, the group’s greatest offensive linemen through the “Air Coryell” period, additionally acquired consideration.
The highest spot right here, nevertheless, goes to O’Neal, whose 132.5 profession sacks is similar profession whole as Lawrence Taylor. Making O’Neal’s profession much more spectacular is the truth that he was in a position to rebound from a extreme knee damage that worn out his whole second season. A six-time Professional Bowler, O’Neal tallied at the least 10 sacks in a season eight occasions. His 12.5 sacks through the 1994 season helped the Chargers seize their first AFC championship. From 1989-95, O’Neal recorded 89 sacks that included a career-high 17 sacks through the 1992 season.
St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams – Torry Holt, WR
A seven-time Professional Bowler and 2021 finalist, Holt helped St. Louis win the Tremendous Bowl throughout his rookie season. In Tremendous Bowl XXXIV, Holt’s third quarter landing catch (in addition to his 109 receiving yards) helped the Rams maintain off the Titans in one of many best Tremendous Bowls ever performed.
Holt led the NFL in receiving yards on two separate events. In 2003, he paced the league in each receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,696). Throughout an eight-year span, Holt averaged 94 receptions for 1,385 yards and eight touchdowns a season. His 13,382 profession receiving yards is at present sixteenth on the all-time listing.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Tony Boselli, LT
Accidents are the one cause why Boselli — a 2021 finalist — shouldn’t be already in Canton. The Jaguars’ first draft choose, Boselli was chosen to 5 consecutive Professional Bowls from 1996-2000. He additionally earned three straight All-Professional nods whereas serving to the Jaguars seem in two AFC championships. Boselli’s profession was lower brief in 2001, nevertheless, as he was pressured to retire after 99 profession video games. In 2006, he grew to become the primary member of the Jaguars Corridor of Fame.
Miami Dolphins – Zach Thomas, ILB
The Dolphins have a slew of Canton worthy gamers who nonetheless have not gotten the decision. Amongst these gamers are former offensive lineman Bob Kuechenberg, receivers Mark Duper and Mark Clayton and working again Ricky Williams. Thomas, a seven-time Professional Bowler and five-time All-Professional, is on the prime of that listing. A former fifth-round choose, Thomas was one of many NFL’s best gamers throughout his dozen seasons in Miami. Thomas, who led the NFL in tackles on two separate events, retired with 1,734 profession tackles, 20.5 sacks, 17 interceptions, 48 passes defensed, 16 pressured fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. His play helped the Dolphins make the playoffs every year from 1997-01. Thomas was a 2021 finalist.
Minnesota Vikings – Jim Marshall, DE
A valued member of Minnesota’s “Purple Folks Eaters” defensive position, Marshall holds quite a few NFL data that features probably the most seasons performed by a defensive participant (20, together with Junior Seau and Darrell Inexperienced), most consecutive video games by a defensive participant (282), most consecutive begins by a defensive participant (270), and most profession fumble recoveries (30). Marshall, who was nonetheless a starter at age 42, helped the Vikings win three NFC titles together with the NFL championship in 1969.
One other Viking who performed throughout Marshall’s period, working again Chuck Foreman, was additionally thought-about. The 1973 Offensive Rookie of the 12 months, Foreman — means forward of his time by way of his versatility — led the NFL in receptions in 1975 with 73.
New England Patriots – Richard Seymour, DE/DT
The sixth total choose within the 2001 draft, Seymour helped the Patriots seize their first of six Tremendous Bowls throughout his rookie season. Seven years later, Seymour left New England as a three-time champion, five-time Professional Bowler and three-time All-Professional. Seymour wasn’t accomplished, nevertheless, including two extra Professional Bowl picks to his resume throughout his 4 years with the Raiders. A 2021 finalist, Seymour acquired a letter on his behalf to the Corridor of Fame voters by Invoice Belichick in 2020.
“Richard Seymour was unquestionably one in all our key gamers,” Belichick wrote, “and I don’t imagine we’d have gained three championships with out him.”
New Orleans Saints – Pat Swilling, LB/DE
A key member of the Saints’ “Dome Patrol” protection of the late ’80s/early ’90s, Swilling earned 5 consecutive Professional Bowl picks from 1989-93. He additionally earned two consecutive All-Professional nods throughout that span whereas main the NFL in sacks (with 17) through the 1991 season. His 107.5 sacks is the twenty fourth highest whole in league historical past.
Whereas his greatest years had been with the Saints, Swilling’s closing Professional Bowl choice got here following his first season with the Lions in 1993. He recorded 13 sacks two years later as a member of the Raiders.
New York Giants – Tiki Barber, RB
After receiving simply 11 begins throughout his first three seasons, Barber broke via in 2000, amassing over 1,700 all-purpose yards whereas serving to the Giants attain the Tremendous Bowl. He went on to get pleasure from six extra extremely productive seasons with the Giants that included three consecutive Professional Bowl seasons. Barber earned All-Professional honors in 2005, when he rushed for a career-high 1,860 yards (the Thirteenth-highest single-season whole in NFL historical past). Throughout his closing three seasons, Barber averaged 1,680 speeding yards (whereas averaging 5 yards per carry) and a couple of,204 all-purpose yards. In 2006, his closing NFL season, Barber rushed for 1,662 yards whereas reaching 2,000 all-purpose yards for a 3rd straight season.
New York Jets – Joe Klecko, DL
Mark Gastineau might have been the extra celebrated member of the Jets’ Eighties “New York Sack Alternate,” however Klecko’s mastery of three totally different positions made him a straightforward selection. A defensive finish through the 1981 season, Klecko was named the AFC’s Defensive Participant of the 12 months after recording 20.5 sacks. However regardless of his success, Klecko was requested to maneuver to defensive deal with, a place the place he earned Professional Bowl distinction in 1983 and ’84. In 1985, after shifting place to nostril deal with, Klecko acquired his second All-Professional choice whereas serving to the Jets win 11 video games for the primary time since 1968. Had knee accidents not gotten in the best way, Klecko would probably have already got a bronze bust in Canton.
“Hear, to be elected into the Corridor of Fame must be the piece de resistance in your profession,” Klecko just lately informed The Athletic.
Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders – Cliff Department, WR
Department, one of many best deep threats in league historical past, might very effectively be the perfect former NFL participant who shouldn’t be at present a Corridor of Famer. A 3-time All-Professional, Department led the NFL in receiving yards and landing receptions in 1974, his first season as a starter. Two years later, Department led the NFL in landing receptions whereas serving to the Raiders seize their first Lombardi Trophy. Department continued to be a power effectively into the ’80s, as he was a key member of the Raiders’ Tremendous Bowl championship groups in 1980 and ’83. One of many best postseason receivers in NFL historical past, Department caught three touchdowns within the Raiders’ victories over Philadelphia and Washington in Tremendous Bowls XV and XVIII.
Whereas Department (who died in 2019) was once more handed over for induction in 2020, his household is holding out hope that No. 21 will lastly earn enshrinement in 2021.
“It could imply the world to us,” Elaine Anderson, Cliff’s sister, informed CBS Sports activities again in February. “It could imply the whole lot to us, as a result of we all know that he is deserving. His data communicate for itself.”
Philadelphia Eagles – Donovan McNabb, QB
The No. 2 choose within the 1999 draft, McNabb rapidly gained over the Metropolis of Brotherly Love after main the Eagles to the playoffs in 2000, his first season as a starter. Over the following 4 years, McNabb would lead Philadelphia to 4 consecutive NFC Championship Video games and an NFC title on the finish of the 2004 season. McNabb would lead the Eagles to a fifth NFC title sport in 2008 earlier than incomes his closing Professional Bowl berth as Philadelphia’s quarterback in 2009. Together with the playoffs, McNabb posted a powerful 101-56-1 report because the Eagles’ beginning quarterback. His 1-5 report in championship video games is probably going the explanation why he has struggled to achieve extra Corridor of Fame momentum.
San Francisco 49ers – Roger Craig, RB
A four-time Professional Bowler, Craig was an important member of the 49ers’ Eighties dynasty. In 1985, a 12 months after changing into the primary participant to attain three touchdowns in a Tremendous Bowl sport, Craig grew to become the primary participant to surpass 1,000 yards speeding and receiving in the identical season. Three years later, Craig earned All-Professional honors after speeding for a career-high 1,502 yards. His success that season helped the 49ers seize their third Tremendous Bowl win of the last decade. The next 12 months, Craig’s three postseason touchdowns helped San Francisco turn into the second franchise to win 4 Tremendous Bowls.
Craig, who led the NFL in receptions in 1985 and all-purpose yards in 1988, is a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Workforce for the Eighties, together with Corridor of Famers Walter Payton, Eric Dickerson and John Riggins. Craig additionally had arguably the last decade’s greatest run, which ought to depend for one thing.
Simply behind Craig is linebacker Patrick Willis, a seven-time Professional Bowler and five-time All-Professional throughout his eight seasons in San Francisco. Willis was the perfect participant on a 49ers group that reached three consecutive NFC title video games and Tremendous Bowl XLVII.
Seattle Seahawks – Shaun Alexander, RB
Whereas his prime was comparatively brief, Alexander loved a extremely productive five-year run that noticed him win one speeding title whereas main the NFL in speeding touchdowns twice. Alexander additionally earned three Professional Bowl picks throughout this span whereas being named the 2005 Offensive Participant of the 12 months. Alexander’s success that season helped Seattle attain its first Tremendous Bowl.
Alexander’s 100 speeding touchdowns is tied with Marshall Faulk for the eighth highest whole in league historical past. From 2001-05, Alexander averaged 1,501 speeding yards and 17 touchdowns per season.
Pittsburgh Steelers – L.C. Greenwood, DE
With the upcoming picks of safeties Donnie Shell and Troy Polamalu and lineman Alan Faneca, that leaves Greenwood as the best eligible Steelers participant not enshrined in Canton. The 6-foo-6, 245-pound Greenwood overcome a low draft place (he was drafted within the tenth spherical in 1969) to turn into a power on Pittsburgh’s “Metal Curtain” protection that helped win 4 Tremendous Bowls in a six-year span. A Professional Bowler six occasions over a seven-year span, Greenwood tallied a Tremendous Bowl report 4 sacks in Pittsburgh’s win over Dallas in Tremendous Bowl X. A member of the NFL’s All-Decade Nineteen Seventies Workforce, Greenwood retired because the Steelers’ profession chief in sacks.
The truth that the Steelers have already got 10 Corridor of Fame gamers from Greenwood’s period is the probably cause why he’s nonetheless ready for induction. Different Steelers that acquired consideration: receiver Hines Ward and linebackers Greg Lloyd and Andy Russell.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mike Alstott, FB
With John Lynch’s 2021 choice, Alstott takes over the Buccaneers’ spot as probably the most deserving Corridor of Famer. A six-time Professional Bowler and three-time All-Professional, Alstott rushed for 58 touchdowns throughout his 11-year profession. He additionally caught 13 landing passes whereas compiling 7,372 all-purpose yards for his profession. He additionally helped create working lanes for teammates Warrick Dunn (who must also obtain extra Corridor of Fame consideration), Michael Pittman and Cadillac Williams.
Tennessee Titans – Eddie George, RB
A real battering ram, George helped carry the Titans to their first Tremendous Bowl in 1999. A Professional Bowler every season from 1997-99 (in addition to an All-Professional in 2000), George’s 95 yards and two touchdowns on the bottom in Tremendous Bowl XXXIV helped the Titans overcome a 16-point deficit. George probably would have been named the sport’s MVP if the Titans would have been in a position to upset the Rams, who held on for a 23-16 victory. In 4 video games through the ’99 postseason, George rushed for 449 yards and three touchdowns that included his 162-yard effort in Tennessee’s upset of Peyton Manning’s Colts within the divisional spherical.
George, who additionally gained Offensive Rookie of the 12 months honors throughout his profession, had seven 1,000-yard seasons throughout his time with the franchise. He, together with quarterback Steve McNair, had a significant influence within the integration of the franchise inside the Nashville neighborhood after the franchise moved from Houston to Nashville in 1997.
Washington – Joe Theismann, QB
Theismann edges out receiver Gary Clark as the perfect Washington participant who’s at present not in Canton. A late bloomer (he did not turn into Washington’s full-time starter till age 29), Theismann helped lead Washington to its first Tremendous Bowl victory in 1982. The next season, Theismann earned league MVP honors whereas main Washington again to the large sport. Theismann was nonetheless going robust when a ugly leg damage prematurely ended his profession 11 video games into the 1985 season.
We might be remiss to not point out the late Sean Taylor, whose profession was off to a unbelievable begin earlier than he was tragically killed within the fall of 2007. Whereas he was nonetheless within the early phases of his profession, Taylor, a two-time Professional Bowler, left little doubt that he was probably on his technique to the Corridor of Fame. Taylor’s greatness was on show through the 2005 playoffs, as his 51-yard fumble return for a rating helped Washington defeat the Buccaneers within the wild card spherical.
