NFL: Initial Thoughts on the 2017 Hall of Fame Class

By John Sarianides

The 2017 Hall of Class was revealed tonight at the NFL Honors. Here my thoughts.

1. LaDainian Tomlinson getting in on the first ballot is not a surprise. Tomlinson is the fifth leading rusher all time and one of the five best offensive players of his generation.

2. I’ve come around to Kurt Warner getting in. The career numbers aren’t going to jump out at you but Warner was a two time MVP and he played well in all three of his Super Bowl appearances. He deserves to be in.

3. Morton Andersen also deserves to get in. He the all time leading scorer in NFL history. That matters! Andersen is only the second place kicker to get inducted into the Hall of Fame.

4. I still don’t understand why it took former Seahawks great Kenny Easley this long to get into the Hall of Fame? Senseless if you ask me.

5. Terrell Davis had a great career despite the fact that it was cut short (1995-2001). I don’t have a problem with Davis getting in but I don’t think he should have gotten in ahead of Terrell Owens. Owens had the better career despite not winning a Super Bowl.

6. Speaking of T.O. There is a good chance he doesn’t get in 2018 either. Ray Lewis and Randy Moss are on the ballot for the first time and there is a chance they both get in as first timers. Owens might have to wait two more years.

7. I have mixed feelings about Jason Taylor being a first ballot Hall of Famer but he did lead the NFL in sacks between 2000-2011. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t doubt he is a Hall of Famer but I am not sure he should have gotten in, in his first year on the ballot.

8. Jerry Jones getting in as contributor continues a trend that was established last season with former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo getting in. Patriots owner Bob Kraft could be the next owner to get in.

9. Are Brian Urlacher and Richard Seymour Hall of Famers? Both will appear on the ballot for the first time next year. If you look at their career numbers, you can make a case that they are not but I think both will eventually get in. That is my issue with the Hall of Fame. It is becoming a popularity contest.

10. Joe Jacoby not getting in is a travesty. Then again, Jerry Kramer isn’t in the Hall of Fame either so Jacoby not getting in again is not all that surprising.