The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted its class of 2022 during the past weekend. With the addition of this year’s class, there are now 362 former players, coaches, and contributors who have a permanent home in Canton, Ohio.
Only 86 of the 362 eligible individuals were inducted in their first year. As some former football stars will be eligible for the first time, that number will probably rise next summer. Next summer, up to three senior finalists, one coach/contributor finalist, and five modern-era players could all be inducted.
Who will comprise the induction class for the following year? Let’s examine how it can possibly turn out.
** indicates players who are first-year eligible.
future candidates for induction
**CB Darrelle Revis (2007–2017): During his ten-year career, “Revis Island” was anything but a getaway for NFL wide receivers. The seven-time Pro Bowler consistently shut down the league’s top receivers while making quarterbacks’ lives miserable. In 2014, he assisted New England in ending their 10-year Super Bowl drought after guiding the Jets to back-to-back AFC championship games in 2009 and 2010.
**EDGE Dwight Freeney (2002–17): An intimidating pass-rusher with a devastating spin move. During his career, he recorded 125.5 sacks, 107.5 of which came while playing with the Colts. helped the Cardinals reach the NFC Championship Game nine years after winning a Super Bowl with Indianapolis in 2006.
**OL Jonathan Thomas (2007–17): In addition to being chosen to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s, Thomas, one of the best left tackles in NFL history, had 10 consecutive Pro Bowl nods. Thomas, the modern-day “Iron Man” of the NFL, participated in 167 games and logged 10,363 straight snaps.
From 1996 through 2008, LB Zach Thomas Thomas, a tackling machine, amassed seven Pro Bowl and five All-Pro selections throughout a nine-year period. Over the course of his 13-year career, he recorded 1,734 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 17 interceptions (four of which were returned for scores), 16 forced fumbles, and 8 fumble recoveries.
Torry Holt, 1999–2009 Holt, an essential component of the “Greatest Show on Turf” offense of the Rams, caught the opening touchdown in the Rams’ Super Bowl victory over the Titans. Holt enjoyed a protracted period of statistical excellence, which includes eight consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards. He twice held the NFL record for receiving yards and once for receptions.
