With the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame Class of 2024 set to be enshrined on Saturday, let’s look forward at who may be in Canton subsequent.
For some groups, it’s straightforward to foretell who the following inductee shall be. With the Arizona Cardinals, it nearly actually shall be huge receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Tight finish Antonio Gates must be the following Charger. The subsequent Indianapolis Colt inducted is more likely to be huge receiver Reggie Wayne.
On different groups, it isn’t as clear who might be subsequent.
Some groups, just like the New York Jets and Detroit Lions, don’t have an apparent Corridor of Fame candidate within the pipeline. With different groups, just like the New York Giants (Eli Manning? Everson Partitions? Carl Banks? Tiki Barber? Tom Coughlin?), Dallas Cowboys (Jason Witten? Darren Woodson?) and Jacksonville Jaguars (Fred Taylor? Jalen Ramsey? Calais Campbell? Coughlin?), the case might be made for a couple of individual.
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Listed here are some prospects, courtesy of Corridor of Fame voters Dan Pompei (who wrote on all AFC groups) and Mike Sando (NFC).
The 11-time Professional Bowl alternative ranks second to Jerry Rice in all-time receiving yards. Fitzgerald, who turns into Corridor-eligible in 2026, spent his full profession with the Cardinals and was an elite playoff producer as nicely (942 yards in 9 playoff video games). His 64-yard landing catch in Tremendous Bowl XLIII gave Arizona the lead over Pittsburgh with 2:37 remaining.
Jones’ elite manufacturing over an eight-year stretch makes him a robust candidate. He had six seasons with no less than 1,300 yards, tied with Randy Moss and Torry Holt for second behind Rice. Like Fitzgerald, Jones stood 6-foot-3 and weighed almost 220 kilos, making him a major game-plan consideration for defenses.
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He wasn’t as celebrated as defensive teammates Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, however Suggs clearly has a Corridor of Fame resume. He ranks eighth in profession sacks and was voted to seven Professional Bowls. He additionally was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the 12 months in 2003 and Defensive Participant of the 12 months in 2011. Suggs shall be Corridor-eligible in 2025, together with former teammate and guard Marshal Yanda, who additionally must be a robust candidate.
Terrell Suggs, who gained two Tremendous Bowls, one with the Ravens and one with the Chiefs, turns into Corridor-eligible subsequent yr. (Patrick Smith / Getty Photos)
He shall be remembered principally as an Eagle as a result of Peters performed 11 years in Philadelphia, together with the entire 2010s, when he was voted all-decade. However he began in Buffalo and made two of his 9 Professional Bowls as a Invoice. Peters has not retired, so if the 42-year-old retains taking part in and 35-year-old Von Miller retires first, Miller might beat him to Canton.
Kuechly’s credentials mirror these of the lately enshrined Patrick Willis. Each have been seven-time Professional Bowl alternatives and five-time first-team All-Professional selections earlier than retiring sooner than anticipated. Willis performed in 112 video games, in contrast with 118 for Kuechly. Receiver Steve Smith is one other sturdy candidate for Carolina, however Kuechly, who turns into eligible for enshrinement in 2025, might beat him to Canton at a place the place there’s much less of a logjam.
Reggie White referred to as Hilgenberg one of many 5 greatest offensive linemen he confronted, together with Anthony Munoz, Jackie Slater, Ed White and Erik Williams. Hilgenberg was a seven-time Professional Bowl alternative recognized for his quickness. It’s robust faulting him for lacking the Nineteen Eighties all-decade crew lower when Dwight Stephenson and Mike Webster have been the alternatives.
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He has been a Corridor of Fame semifinalist for 3 straight years and was voted to the highest 10 final yr earlier than lacking the lower. A 3-time first-team All-Professional, Anderson is extensively thought of one of the best proper sort out of his era. Quarterback Ken Anderson additionally has been shut in recent times as a senior candidate.
Regardless that Garrett is barely 28 years outdated and has performed simply seven seasons, he appears like a shoo-in. It’s doable Joel Bitonio will soar him, nevertheless it’s tough for guards to get into the Corridor of Fame. Bitonio has a powerful resume, however there are a number of guards with comparable resumes already within the queue, together with Jahri Evans.
Woodson performed a number one position on the Jimmy Johnson-built Dallas defenses that gained three Tremendous Bowls within the Nineteen Nineties. A finalist for the Corridor in every of the previous two seasons, Woodson has gotten additional within the course of than Jason Witten, who ranks second to Tony Gonzalez in receiving yards amongst tight ends. He had 23 interceptions, together with 12 from 1994 to ’96, when he was named first-team All-Professional every season.
Shanahan gained back-to-back Tremendous Bowls in Denver and took his groups to 10 championship video games. With a exceptional teaching tree that continues to form his legacy, Shanahan is likely one of the strongest contributor candidates. His offensive philosophy stays prevalent within the NFL, partly as a result of his son Kyle has thrived utilizing it.
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This can be a robust one after the Corridor of Fame choice committee rejected former Lions coach Buddy Parker as a contributor. If Stafford makes it, he’ll accomplish that primarily based on no matter crew success he enjoys in his present job with the Rams. Ndamukong Suh and Darius Slay had wonderful careers as Lions, however have been they Corridor of Famers? Detroit short-timers corresponding to Adrian Peterson don’t rely right here.
Holmgren turned across the Packers and Seahawks, main each to the Tremendous Bowl whereas creating Professional Bowl quarterbacks and rating among the many elite play callers of his period. The Corridor’s subcommittee for contributors has named Holmgren one among its 12 semifinalists in recent times. That places Holmgren in sturdy place to achieve Canton earlier than Aaron Rodgers, who should wait 5 years after retiring.
Mike Holmgren reached three Tremendous Bowls as a head coach, profitable one. He has a superb shot to get into the Corridor earlier than one other legendary Packer, Aaron Rodgers. (Rick Stewart / Allsport)
Watt may need been a Corridor of Famer if he retired after 5 seasons. By that time, he had already gained three NFL Defensive Participant of the 12 months awards. He’s more likely to be voted in as quickly as he’s eligible, however when that shall be is unsure, as Watt has entertained the opportunity of a comeback after one yr of retirement.
A finalist for the final 5 years, Wayne seems to be shifting nearer. He was caught in a large receiver logjam with Andre Johnson and Torry Holt, however that was damaged this yr when Johnson was voted in. Wayne completed within the high 5 in NFL receiving yards 4 occasions, together with in 2007, when he led the league.
Taylor was a Corridor of Fame finalist for the primary time this yr. If he advances, it is going to be as a result of he averaged 4.6 yards per carry. The one different operating backs with a 4.6-yard common or higher with no less than 2,500 carries are Adrian Peterson and Barry Sanders. However Taylor was by no means a first-team All-Professional, and he appeared in just one Professional Bowl, as an alternate. Different Jaguars prospects embrace Jalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell and coach Tom Coughlin.
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A compelling case was made for Lewis in 2023 when he was a first-time finalist. Now he’s a senior candidate, which might work in his favor. Tony Dungy, who coached Lewis, believes he is likely one of the high 5 cornerbacks of all time. If Lewis will get misplaced within the seniors pool, Travis Kelce (or maybe Andy Reid, relying on how for much longer he coaches) might be the following Chief inducted.
He has come shut repeatedly. Hayes was a four-time modern-era finalist and has been a senior candidate since 2012. With the assistance of Stickum, Hayes was at his most dominant in 1980, when he led the league with 13 interceptions and was voted NFL Defensive Participant of the 12 months. He additionally was all-decade within the Nineteen Eighties. Raiders guard Steve Wisniewski additionally deserves consideration.
Many have been stunned when he was not voted on this yr as a first-time eligible. It’s solely a matter of time, as Gates scored extra profession touchdowns than any tight finish and is essentially the most prolific move catcher in Chargers historical past, which is saying one thing. He was an all-decade participant, a three-time first-team All-Professional and an eight-time Professional Bowler.
Holt is a five-time finalist for the Corridor whose probabilities improved when one other receiver, Andre Johnson, earned enshrinement with the 2024 class. He and Reggie Wayne will seemingly turn into finalists once more in 2025. In the meantime, the five-year ready interval for enshrinement has begun for one more Rams nice, Aaron Donald.
Webb deserves a share of the credit score for Dan Marino’s success as a passer within the Nineteen Nineties, however he hasn’t obtained it from Corridor of Fame voters. Although he was voted to seven straight Professional Bowls, two first-team All-Professional groups and the all-decade crew of the ’90s, Webb by no means has been a Corridor of Fame semifinalist. He has three years of modern-era eligibility remaining.
The previous Vikings and Chiefs move rusher is a four-time Corridor finalist, indicating he’ll seemingly earn enshrinement finally. Allen, whose 136 sacks rank twelfth on the official checklist (since 1982) and sixteenth on the unofficial checklist (since 1960), may quickly have competitors from one other Vikings nice. Operating again Adrian Peterson would turn into eligible in 2027 if he doesn’t play once more.
Earlier than Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Invoice Belichick are inducted, Kraft seemingly shall be given a gold jacket for his contributions to New England and the NFL. He’s had sturdy assist from the contributor committee in recent times. Adam Vinatieri may get in earlier than Kraft. He’s eligible for the primary time subsequent yr. It’s additionally doable Rodney Harrison will soar Brady, Gronkowski, Belichick and Vinatieri as he was a finalist for the primary time final yr.
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Brees is such a lock for Canton upon changing into eligible in 2026 that he’s a safer guess than 2024 finalist Jahri Evans to be the following Saint enshrined. Brees trails solely Tom Brady in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Evans was a high guard throughout his period, however his candidacy wants to achieve momentum for him to beat Brees to Canton.
Tom Coughlin’s candidacy within the contributor class stays very a lot alive, however Manning will transfer entrance and heart as soon as he turns into eligible in 2025. The quarterback’s longevity, prominence and efficiency throughout two Tremendous Bowl-winning playoff runs make him an enchanting candidate. Manning was arguably by no means a top-five quarterback, however these Lombardi Trophies might make the distinction.
He gained’t make the Corridor of Fame for the 4 snaps he’s performed as a Jet, however he’ll for the 230 video games he performed for the Packers, and perhaps for the snaps he has but to play for the Jets. After Winston Hill, Joe Klecko, Curtis Martin, Kevin Mawae and Darrelle Revis have been inducted lately, Jets gamers haven’t had a lot Corridor of Fame traction. Mark Gastineau and Nick Mangold are prospects.
The Jets don’t have an apparent Corridor of Fame candidate within the pipeline aside from Aaron Rodgers, who gained as many MVPs with the Packers (4) as he has snaps performed with the Jets. (Fred Kfoury III / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos)
Kelce’s latest retirement makes him Corridor-eligible for 2029, which leaves a large berth for Eric Allen, Brian Westbrook or one other Eagles nice to make a push. Kelce was a six-time first-team All-Professional over his ultimate seven seasons and is on a really quick checklist of all-time NFL facilities from a motion/athleticism standpoint. Fletcher Cox, who additionally simply retired, and Jason Peters (talked about above within the Payments part) are additionally worthy candidates, however Kelce looks as if the surest guess to get in first.
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He was overshadowed in his period by Brady and Peyton Manning, however Roethlisberger gained two Tremendous Bowls and led the league in passing twice. He shall be Corridor-eligible in 2027 and can most likely turn into a Corridor of Famer not lengthy after. The darkish horse on this race is Hines Ward, an unconventional however worthy candidate.
Gore turns into eligible in 2026 and can have a case with 16,000 yards in 16 seasons. Solely Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton have rushed for extra yards in NFL historical past. One other former 49ers rusher, Roger Craig, was a Corridor finalist in 2010 and 2020, however he hasn’t superior that far once more.
With Holmgren listed within the Packers’ slot, Sherman turns into a logical subsequent alternative for the Seahawks. The five-time Professional Bowl cornerback was the voice and face of Seattle’s famed Legion of Increase secondary, which helped the Seahawks turn into the primary crew for the reason that Nineteen Fifties Cleveland Browns to guide the league in fewest factors allowed for 4 successive seasons. Coach Pete Carroll additionally looks as if a robust candidate, however Sherman will seemingly get in first.
With Buccaneers mainstay Mike Evans nonetheless going sturdy, we don’t but know when he’ll turn into eligible for enshrinement. Brady (like Rob Gronkowski) was primarily a Patriot, however the position he performed in serving to Tampa Bay win a Tremendous Bowl legitimizes his classification right here.
A two-time NFL dashing chief and one-time NFL Offensive Participant of the 12 months, Henry is regarded by many as one of the best operating again of his time. He’s nonetheless constructing his resume, and expectations are excessive for the 30-year-old as he begins a brand new chapter of his profession after signing with the Ravens as a free agent.
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Williams is coming into his fifth season with the 49ers after 9 with Washington, with no indication he’s slowing at age 36. In truth, Williams solely appears to have gotten higher. His streak of 10 successive Professional Bowl seasons (in seasons wherein he’s performed — he missed 2019 due to a contract dispute) consists of first-team All-Professional alternatives in 2021, 2022 and 2023, the primary such alternatives of his profession. Joe Jacoby is one other former Washington sort out to look at. A 3-time Corridor finalist for his work on the Joe Gibbs-era “Hogs” offensive line, Jacoby might reappear as a seniors candidate.
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(High images of Larry Fitzgerald, left, and Antonio Gates: Christian Petersen, Stephen Dunn / Getty Photos)
