One of the highlights of the NFL’s Honors show is getting to see who will be the latest inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On Saturday, the Hall will reveal its class of 2017, set for enshrinement in early August.
NFL Hall of Fame 2017: LaDainian Tomlinson a favorite to join new class Saturday night
The Hall of Fame will have a new batch of inductees set to be enshrined in Canton this year.
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There are 18 finalists on the ballot this year: 15 modern-era candidates, along with a senior finalist (Kenny Easley) and two contributor finalists (Jerry Jones, Paul Tagliabue).
To receive induction, a candidate must get at least 80 percent votes from the Selection Committee, made up mostly of media members. At least four people must be elected every year, but no more than eight.
This year, there are three players making the final ballot in their first year of eligibility. The biggest lock of the class is probably LaDainian Tomlinson, who dominated the NFL in the 2000s and set a new gold standard for versatile running backs with his receiving ability. Jason Taylor is also in his first eligible year, and stands a good chance of getting in after putting up 139.5 sacks in his career, seventh-most in NFL history.
The third first-time finalist, Brian Dawkins, was known as one of the hardest-hitting safeties of his generation, but this year might be his best chance in a while. The Hall of Fame is typically slow inducting safeties, and with Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu approaching eligibility in the near future, Dawkins might be forced in line next to new 49ers general manager John Lynch if he doesn’t make it in 2017.
One of the more intriguing candidates is Kurt Warner, making his third appearance on the ballot. Warner is a two-time MVP and the leader of the St. Louis Rams’ Greatest Show on Turf, but a late start and mid-career slump hurt his overall stats. Perhaps Warner can get in on the strength of his peak, but it’s been an uphill battle for him.
Terrell Owens is a finalist for the second straight year. He should absolutely be a Hall of Famer for his brilliant football play, but his abrasive personality and various antics likely turned off voters the first time around. Some voters have a preference for first-ballot Hall of Famers having to “earn” that distinction, so perhaps TO will get his due after being snubbed last year.
Another candidate long overdue for induction is coach Don Coryell. The architect of the “Air Coryell” offense in the 1970s, Coryell’s scheme was instrumental in revolutionizing the passing game in the NFL, springing Dan Fouts and Kellen Winslow to Hall of Fame careers. Hopefully the late coach, who passed away in 2010, gets a bust in Canton alongside his fellow Chargers legends.
The Hall of Fame class will be announced at the Honors show, which begins at 8 p.m. ET Saturday and will be televised on FOX.
Hall of Fame finalists
Brian Dawkins, safety
Jason Taylor, defensive end
LaDainian Tomlinson, running back
Terrell Davis, running back
Morten Andersen, kicker
Don Coryell, coach
Kurt Warner, quarterback
Terrell Owens, wide receiver
Isaac Bruce, wide receiver
Tony Boselli, offensive tackle
Alan Faneca, guard
Joe Jacoby, offensive tackle
Ty Law, cornerback
John Lynch, safety
Kevin Mawae, center
Kenny Easley, safety (senior finalist)
Jerry Jones, contributor
Paul Tagliabue, contributor
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