Hall of Fame weekend in Canton, Ohio is unlike anything else in the professional sports landscape. In what was a momentous occasion celebrating two—instead of the ordinary one—introductory classes into the Eternal Hall, it’s hard for the mind not to ponder who could be potentially included on the 2022 ticket come next summer.
With Peyton Manning, Troy Polamalu, Charles Woodson, Calvin Johnson, and Edgerrin James among the headliners in this year’s historic group, the 2022 class includes a slew of deserving talents, along with several notable players who could finally receive their gold jackets after years of waiting.
Courtesy of BetOnline, here are the early predictions on the potential Hall of Fame class of 2022, and who, in fact, should earn their bronze bust following a legendary NFL career.
Modern Era Nominees
DeMarcus Ware (2005-2016) (2/3)
Following a dominant nine seasons in Dallas in which Ware, a four-time All-Pro, amassed 117 sacks, the nine-time Pro Bowler took his talents to Denver, pairing up with Von Miller in what was the driving force for the Broncos’ Super Bowl title-winning season in 2015. A menacing threat off the edge for over a decade, Ware’s patented spin move and elite power combo has placed him among the league’s all-time great edge rushers.
Torry Holt (1999-2009) (10/11)
The lead weapon during the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” era, Holt’s resume should offer more than enough support for him to earn his gold jacket come next summer. A seven-time Pro Bowler and 1999 Super Bowl Champion, Holt finished his career second in Rams franchise history in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, second only to recent Canton enshrinee Isaac Bruce.
Reggie Wayne (2001-2014) (5/2)
A key cog within one of football’s most explosive offenses in history, Wayne, along with 2016 Hall of Fame inductee Marvin Harrison, made up one of football’s most lethal wideout tandems to ever grace the NFL landscape. Wayne retired with 1,070 receptions for 14,345 yards and 82 touchdowns.
Tony Boselli (1995-2002) (6/5)
A career cut short from injury with just seven seasons played, Boselli anchored the Jacksonville line to two AFC title games in the Jaguars’ first five years of existence. A member of the NFL’s All-1990s team, Boselli could serve as the first Jaguar to be forever enshrined in Canton.
Zach Thomas (1996-2008) (11/4)
One of the most dominant second-level defenders in NFL history, Thomas is unrivaled by many with his natural ability to wrangle down ball carriers. With more than 1,700 tackles in his career, the five-time All-Pro led the way for talents in Brian Urlacher, Ray Lewis, and London Fletcher of the mid-2000s to pave the way for what proved to be a generational crop of linebacking talent.
Devin Hester (2006-2016) (1/1)
The greatest return man of all time, Hester was in a class of his own when it came to his ability to take it the distance anytime he touched the football.
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A three-time All-Pro with blazing speed and athleticism simply unparalleled in the return game, Hester’s resume speaks for itself that may never be replicated on special teams ever again.
Coach Nominee
Dick Vermeil (Eagles, 1976-83; Rams, 1996-99; Chiefs, 2001-05)
Following his insertion as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976, Vermeil completed a full 180-degree turn within the organization, turning them into a playoff team in 1978. In just two seasons, Vermeil guided the Eagles to their first-ever NFC title.
After a 14-year break from the sidelines, Vermeil returned to football in 1997, taking over a Rams team that was among the worst in football during the 90s. After two consecutive losing seasons, Vermeil transformed the Rams into the “Greatest Show on Turf” behind quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk, and aforementioned receivers Bruce and Holt.
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