The Pro Football Hall of Fame released its 15 finalists for the 2017 NFL Hall of Fame vote. Only 5 will receive a gold jacket and have a shrine built in Canton this season. The 2017 Modern-era finalists are:
Kurt Warner – Quarterback
LaDainian Tomlinson – Running Back
Jason Taylor – Defensive End
Terrell Owens – Wide Receiver
Kevin Mawae – Center
John Lynch – Safety
Ty Law – Cornerback
Joe Jacoby – Offensive Tackle
Alan Faneca – Offensive Guard
Brian Dawkins – Safety
Terrell Davis – Running Back
Don Coryell – Coach
Tony Boselli – Offensive Tackle
Issac Bruce – Wide Receiver
Morten Anderson – Kicker
The list of honorees is substantial. From defensive stalwarts in Jason Taylor, John Lynch, Brian Dawkins or Ty Law to offensive stars like Kurt Warner, Isaac Bruce, LaDainian Tomlinson and Terrell Owens and even the big guys in the trenches like Kevin Mawae, Alan Faneca or Joe Jacoby. The 2017 Pro Football Hall fo Fame class could be one of the best in recent memory. Here are some guys who have the best chance to get in.
5) Alan Faneca – Offensive Guard
Alan Faneca played on the offensive line for 13 seasons in the NFL. During his time with the Steelers, Jets, and Cardinals, he was selected to the Pro-Bowl 9 times, selected a First-Team All-Pro 6 times, and is a member of the All-Decade Team of the 2000s. Faneca’s outstanding offensive line play has helped lead his team to successful, winning seasons. In 2008, Faneca’s first season with the New York Jets, the team’s record went from 4-12 to 9-7 and played in the AFC championship game where they lost to the Indianapolis Colts. Faneca became the league’s highest paid offensive line in 2008 (5 yr/$40 million…$21 million guaranteed). All things considered, his offensive line play during his career speaks for itself. He deserves a gold jacket.
4) Tony Boselli – Offensive Tackle
Tony Boselli is another stellar offensive lineman that is deserving of a Hall of Fame nod this season. Tony Boselli played six seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars (1995-2001) and one with the Houston Texans (2002). Boselli was named to the Pro-Bowl 5 times and was a First-Team All-Pro 3 times. He was also named to the 1990’s All-Decade team.
Ryan Day from SB Nation summed up Boselli’s credentials. “Aside from that, he was a force to be reckoned with on the field. In his seven-year, 91-game career, Boselli gave up just 15.5 sacks — roughly two sacks per season. Two sacks per season.”
This is not his first time being an NFL Hall of Fame finalist. However, I do think this is the season that Tony Boselli gets his shrine in Canton.
3) Brian Dawkins – Safety
Here is a name that more people will recognize – Brian Dawkins. He played eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and 3 with the Denver Broncos. Dawkins’ career accolades are phenomenal. He was named to the Pro-Bowl 9 times and a First-Team All-Pro 4 times. He tallied 1,131 tackles, 37 interceptions, and 28 forced fumbles. He is the definition of consistent. Dawkins started 182 of 183 games with the Eagles. Growing up, he was one of my favorite players to watch. Dawkins played with reckless abandon and his career shows that. Instead of making a head shrine for Dawkins, the NFL should recreate a pose from one of his classic entrances below.
2) Terrell Owens – Wide Receiver
After watching this video, I don’t know if I can say anything else more efficiently or effectively than Nick Wright or Colin Cowherd. Please look at the video below.
Is there really a question about @terrellowens and the Hall of Fame? If so, consider it answeredpic.twitter.com/MmupTIThaN
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) January 6, 2017
There is an excessive amount of controversy tied to inviting T.O. to Canton; most of it is off the field. Terrell Owens is at worst the 4th best receiver the National Football League has ever seen. The NFL should be happy about all the attention Owens gave them. Owens is second all-time in yards (15, 934), eighth in receptions (1,078), third in receiving touchdowns (153). He was selected to the Pro-Bowl 6 times and was a 5 time First-Team All-Pro receiver. The committee probably won’t select Owens, but he absolutely deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
1) LaDainian Tomlinson – Running Back
The next candidate, LaDainian Tomlinson, is one of my favorite football players of all time. Tomlinson’s numbers are out of this world. He is the current leader in NFL rushing touchdowns (season) with 28, touchdowns from scrimmage (season) with 31, and 18 consecutive games with a touchdown. He is a 5 time Pro-Bowl selection and a 3 time First-Team All-Pro selection. In the same season (2006), he was the league MVP and offensive player of the year. Tomlinson was also named to the 2000’s All-Decade team. His ability to jump-cut was uncanny and extremely effective with his quickness and burst. I think LT is as sure as it gets as a Hall of Famer. Hopefully, the committee views it the same way.
Honorable Mentions
Kurt Warner – Quarterback
John Lynch – Safety
Ty Law – Cornerback
Terrell Davis – Running Back
Issac Bruce – Wide Receiver
Maybe next year for the names above. The careers of these players are legendary, but (currently) they might not be as deserving as the five mentioned in this article. Best of luck to them in the future.
