Tony Gonzalez, Ed Reed and Champ Bailey headlined the announcement of the 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Thursday night. The list was culled down from a list of 25 semifinalists, named in November.
Joining the trio on the list of finalists are wide receiver Isaac Bruce, running back Edgerrin James, defensive backs Steve Atwater, Ty Law and John Lynch, offensive linemen Tony Boselli, Kevin Mawae, Alan Faneca and Steve Hutchinson, defensive lineman Richard Seymour, and coaches Don Coryell and Tom Flores.
The selection as a finalist marks Hutchinson and Atwater’s second time making the cut (Atwater was first a finalist in 2016, Hutchinson last year), the third time for Boselli, Bruce, James, Law and Mawae, the fourth time for Faneca, and the sixth time for Lynch. Flores and Seymour are first time finalists.
Among those not making the cut were coach Jimmy Johnson, receivers Hines Ward and Torry Holt, linebacker Clay Matthews. Two finalists from the 2018 class, Everson Walls and Joe Jacoby (who was a three time finalist) ran out of modern era eligibility, and now must wait for a possible seniors nomination.
The fifteen finalists will be cut to 10, and then cut to five before being placed up for a final yes/no vote, along with contributors Pat Bowlen and Gil Brandt and Senior Nominee Johnny Robinson on Saturday, February 2, the day before the Super Bowl.
We realized that we never actually put up an official post this year with our prediction in it, and that a fair number of our regular commentors have already listed their guesses on our thread about Robinson’s nomination–but this year, we’ve put together the form below to submit your choices below, and if a enough people submit guesses, we may come up with some sort of prize (and even if not, we’ll post some sort of adulation to the submission with the most correct).
And for the record, my guess this year would be Faneca, Gonzalez, Lynch, Reed and Coryell, with a yes to Bowlen, Brandt and Robinson.
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Realized I forgot to add a form field for email address–so if you were the one that filled it out last night, shoot me an email (tony(at)zoneblitz.com).
I think Gonzalez, Reed, Bailey, Faneca and Hutchinson are all very deserving Could also see the HOF voters going with two Safeties if they pick either John Lynch or Steve Atwater. Both their times should be near.
Which of Atwater or lynch do you prefer Tony p
Tony, thanks for putting up the update and poll
I think with Robinson and Reed as Safeties I just don’t see voters securing 3 safeties out of the 6 player slots this election.
S TE DB OL plus 2nd OL or WR/RB/DE (Seymour??) would seem to be the distribution. If Reed, Gonzalez (and perhaps Bailey) are all 1st ballot elected I suspect Seymour will wait as 4 first time out of 5 moderns seems unlikely. Bailey may be in battle with Law, so always possible Bailey is not elected which would open slot for another 1st ballot selection in Seymour. I think many has assumed Bailey is a lock, but I am reading that a Bailey/Law split among voters for the final election may be reality.
I’m thinking the same thing about Bailey and law
I think Atwater and Lynch are very close in a comparison. I wish Atwater had a few more ints. playing free safety but I realize it’s not a given to have more ints. than a strong safety depending on how they are used in their defense. I’d give Lynch a slight edge on being a ball hawk. Both of these guys were tone setters who flew around making bone jarring tackles . I’d give Atwater a slight edge. Since I see them as so close I’d give the nod to Atwater and hopefully Lynch follows him soon.
Correction to my earlier post regarding timing of announcement of election results:
From PFHOF website “The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019 will be announced during NFL Honors, a two-hour primetime awards special to air nationally on the eve of Super Bowl LIII at 9 p.m. (ET and PT) on CBS. NFL Honors will be taped earlier that evening at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta from 5-7 p.m. (local) when the 2019 Hall of Fame Class will be introduced for the first time. ”
OK which means “unofficial” news (often posted by the new PFHOFers themselves, who got in or did not) will likely start to show up on social media as early as 5p as those elected are informed by the Hall in advance of them then appearing “live” on the show during taping around 6pm-which by when we will certainly see news on social media well in advance of the”official” announcement on the aired show around 10p-four hrs later!!
And don’t ask we why everyone other major award show (Oscars, Emmys etc….) can broadcast with results live in EST, but the NFL can’t and needs to tape delay production?????? In this day of social media, sort of makes the “official” announcement underwhelming when news has slipped out hours before???
Selection Saturday
Apparently Bruce was informed he was not elected
Plus moved press conference up to 6p
Lynch Atwater and Boselli didn’t get in
Bailey and bowlen in
Mawae IN
Johnny Robinson reportedly in
looks like this is the confirmed class
Reed
Gonzalez
Bowlen
Robinson
Bailey
Mawae
Brandt
Law
Reported 2019 class
Reed
Gonzalez
Bowlen
Robinson
Bailey
Mawae
Brandt
Law
I got 7/8, missed out on Law over Boselli
Great class especially glad for Bowlen Brandt Robinson plus Law and Mawae who have been waiting
No complaints about this class. All are very deserving.
Especially happy for Robinson.
At least one OL broke through, though kind of odd it was Mawae.
Nice to get both Law and Bailey in as well.
Johnny’s in!!!!!!!!!! I think his years waited matched his number 42. What a relief he’s on cloud nine!
Robinson got elected. That was honestly my only concern. I no longer have to call for his name every August.
Disappointed that Faneca missed out again, but I can’t complain with who made it. Congrats to all the inductees!
Any word on who made the final 10?
I guess it was time for a Center. I saw Boselli on Dan Patrick this week. He a good dude! I think he might take this hard. Tough to wait all day so close to it than you get a call saying you’ve been cut and they usher you quickly out of hotel. Must be very disappointing. Feel for all the guys who didn’t make it. Faneca is waiting a little longer than I would of thought but he’s still a young man at 42. He’ll be in soon I’ve got to think. 6 times All-Pro is pretty great.
Those that made the final 10 but didn’t get inducted: Atwater, Boselli, Faneca. Hutchinson, James,
Eliminated in the cut from 15 to 10: Bruce, Coryell, Flores, Lynch, Seymour.
Interesting that Atwater made it further than Lynch this time around. I’d be thrilled if he could sneak in next year!
with the way 2020 is that could possibly happen regarding atwater
With just Troy P a likely first ballot in 2020, I would think it bods well next year for Atwater, Boselli (third time in final 10), Faneca and James-oh which I may as well make my class of 2020 prediction
Amen Corey!!! One more urgent election to go in my book, Chuck Howley.
which finalist do you think has hit a wall?
Hitting the wall? Definitely Coryell, who (usually) keeps reaching the finals and spins h8s wheels. He can’t seem to make the first cut much of the time, though he did a few years ago.
John Lynch probably has for the time being, though he’s eligible until 2032, so he’s got a while to go. Steve Atwater jumping the line on him is actually okay by me, as his eligibility runs out sooner than Lynch’s, in 2024.
Early guess for next year regular candidates: Polamalu, James, Hutchinson, Boselli, Atwater.
Also this election ends the five year trial period that the Hall Board approved for the 1-2 rotation of seniors and contributors. Hall will need to set rules for future elections
Only slight surprise for me is that 3 DBs were selected and only 1 OL as I predicted it would be 2 and 2. I thought Law would have an outside chance ahead of Chanp but didn’t expect both to be elected with Ed Reed a mortal lock for one spot.
In hindsight though the backlog at DB is far longer and this is actually a good day for Atwater despite not being elected. I’ll agree that next year is shaping up to be Atwater, Polamalu, Edge and two of the 3 OL with the odd man out (Hutchinson perhaps) elected in either 2021 or ‘22 before Joe Thomas becomes eligible in 2023
I think they got the first cut from 15 to 10 absolutely correct. Boselli, Faneca and Hutchinson are clearly knocking on the door, with Atwater and Edge making the jump from Top 15 to Top 10 for the first time.
Patrick Willis is also a first time eligible next year but I think his candidacy is going to be looked at like Boselli’s and he’ll have to wait a few years.
One final note. Flores and Coryell have no chance unless they move coaches into the Contributors category.
8 times as a semi-finalist I think that was Atwater’s best shot.
I’ll go 2020 Steve Hutchinson, Alan Faneca, Polamalu, John Lynch and Edgerrin James. I think Lynch needs in because Darren Woodson is gaining steam and Ronde Barber is coming at safety.
It would be “Snake” like if Bob Kuechenberg gets the Senior nod but I think it’ll be Howley and or Gradishar.
Tony yet this year Atwater advanced into final 10 while Lynch has not, suggests to me that voters are moving Atwater first towards election before lynch, not sure why they would change that next year
i think so too paul in regards to atwater
I’m baffled to know where you’re coming from Tony with your opinion on Atwater.
*Advances to the Top 10 for the first time and is now ahead of Lynch
* Three DBs elected today helps clear up a good chunk of the backlog at the position
* Next year is a much weaker one for first-time eligibles compared to 2019.
The candidates who make the first cut down to 10 are virtually assured of future election. Next year I see three tiers for the DBs
Polamalu and Atwater (Definite Top 10 and great chance for election)
Lynch (finalist again and might crack the Top 10)
D.Woodson, Butler and Barber (semi-finalists looking to break into the Top 15)
in terms of worthiness how would you rank woodson barber and butler boKnows 34
Robert
I don’t think there’s much between them. Perhaps Barber is slight favourite will make the jump as he’s now the Top CB on the ballot. Butler and Woodson will be stuck next year again ranked 4th-5th among the safeties.
They all have multiple 1st team All Pros and while Woodson is the only one of the trio not to be All Decade, he was a 4-time 1st team All Pro and an integral part of the Dallas dynasty that won three championships.
Ten returning finalists next year plus Troy P leaves at least another four spaces available in the Top 15.
Boknows34: good chance that there are more new finalists as several of the electors have commented on the futility of the coaching candidates. Would seem at least possible, if not likely, that they decide to shift toward more electable candidates.
Re semifinalist DBs, I think Barber is most likely to take the next step. Will be interesting if he jumps his teammate, Lynch. Others I’d like to see advance include Torry Holt, Darren Woodson, Sam Mills, Zach Thomas, and Leslie O’Neal.
Also there is s decent chance that the process sees some changes. Seniors going back to 2 per year, contributors category changing to a non-player committee or a new separate coaches committee. Also still a chance for the 100th anniversary “amnesty” class. Could be lots of changes soon.
PFHOF CEO David Baker mentioned in an interview last night that the Hall is considering – in addition to the usual 8 member class in August 2020 – a special 17th member class in September 2020 as part of 100th anniversary of the NFL to be held at the Hall. No more details or official announcement yet.
I think that one of those finalist spots that’s up for grabs will go to Willis. He made 7 Pro Bowls, 5 First team All Pro and 1 Second Team All-Pro team in just an 8 year career. I doubt he gets in right away but I think that at worst, he’ll enter the pool as the second best LB behind Zach Thomas. I think he will have as easier time getting elected than Boselli even if he is unlikely to make an All-Decade team.
I think that Barber has the best chance at moving into the finalist round next year out of all of the returning semifinalists, but I am not sure who else moves up with him. I think that Zach Thomas has a chance, and if I had to guess, I would say that Holt moves in as well. The rest of the remaining semifinalists still seem to be in the same spots in their position queues as last year, if not worse. I could see Wayne and Briggs making the Semifinalist round next year as first time eligibles, but don’t see them moving past that.
I think next year could definitely be a year where we have another Walls/Flores scenario where someone goes from not making the semi list in 2019 to making the finalist list in 2020. Steve Wisniewski stands out to me as someone who could make that leap. McNabb, Ricky Watters, Ben Coates, Neil Smith, Michael Dean Perry and Chris Hinton are other guys that might be possibilities off the top of my head
Bo, I don’t believe any modern player has exceeded Bob Kuechenberg’s 8 times in the final 25. Just a hunch that will likely be proven wrong. :)
Furthermore I wouldn’t think Atwater a 1st Team All 90’s HOF player would have had to wait this long unless there’s an issue. I believe if there’s one it’s lack of Int’s for a Free Safety. Lynch 2/9 is similar being known as ferocious hitters and not a great interceptor are having trouble getting in. Not right if that’s the case although y’all know I like Int’s. :) I do think Lynch caught the ball better and fewer Int’s is more related to be a Strong Safety. Lynch is so slightly better IMO. Both were great Broncos. Lynch’s 8th top 25 is next year.
Barber (8 TDs are impressive), Woodson, Butler.
Tony: Atwater is likely suffering from the long time view of the voters (now fortunately slowly changing) regarding devaluing the safety position, just look at all decade players Meador, Harris, Butler
As Clark Judge pointed out, Lynch’s candidacy appears to have stalled and even gone backwards as he’s been twice in the Top 10, but hasn’t made the first cut for two straight years.
The 5 returning candidates who made the Top 10 in 2018, also progressed to the Top 10 this year, with Law and Mawae gaining election. That certainly bodes well for Atwater, Boselli, Faneca, Hutchinson and Edge James for next year’s Class with its much weaker 1st time eligible candidates. A clear pecking order has been established and barring a surprise I think we’ll see at least four of these names elected in 2020.
Polamalu is eligible next year. Who would be the odd one out among the five in the Top 10
Hutchinson
in recent memory has anyone seen a player stall out on the finalist ballot like lynch
Bill Belichick certainly did his legacy a solid as if he needed too lol by delivering the lowest scoring SB in history. The Patriots don’t win the SB without Belichiick and Brian Flores improving the Defense all year long . Not uncommon for Bill and part of his greatness but he brought the D to the SB unlike the last two SB’s. I like everyone thought the game would be a shootout not 13-3 Hopefully Flores will bring a few wins to Miami as HC.
The game only reinforced that Belichick and Brady’s success truly is a partnership. Best ever!!
May very well be the end of 4/5 Gronk. 1st ballot HOFer?
Does SB MVP Julian Edleman have a better chance to be a HOFer than 2/5 Wes Welker?
Do we think the Patriots Defense is on equal footing with 1966 Packers, 1969 Chiefs or 2000 Ravens?
They are now being one of the only teams to beat the top 2 Offenses to win it all.
I believe that Hutchinson will have to wait one more year after next and then he should go in. The 85 Bears are still the best defensive team I have ever seen. 2000 Ravens and 86 Giand and 70’s Dolphins and Steelers were pretty good as well (This Pats Team had a good month but not a great season like those other teams.) Bill B has been to 9 Super Bowls in 18 years and won 6…no question the best ever. I believe Gronk will most likely retire and end up a 1st Ballot along with Peppers. Especially since it sounds like Brady, Brees, Fitzgerald and Gates are all returning.
In hindsight Drew Brews and the Saints would of been an even a more intriguing match up in the SB.
Bill, do you give Brady or Belichick more credit for the Dynasty?
IMO Brady isn’t the most skilled QB ever but he’s the best closer ever (winner) and has the best leadership qualities ever. He influences players on the whole Team a lot which is really unusual. That makes him the GOAT. Man that’s hard for me to say!!
Without him, Belichick isn’t viewed as the best HC and I think he hates that. Was Vince Lombardi viewed as the best because of Bart Starr? Walsh because of Montana? Brady is more than a great player he’s the pulse of the Team. It probably wasn’t always that way but what they’ve achieved the last half of the Dynasty is more Brady IMO.
One point is do we think Tom Brady stays as healthy if he plays in the 60’s and 70’s?
Incredible the national media acts like Belichick coaches his Team by himself. lol
“Does SB MVP Julian Edleman have a better chance to be a HOFer than 2/5 Wes Welker?”
Lets address and clear this up right now-neither are ever getting into the Hall. DONE
I think Gronk has a pretty good shot at 1st ballot as he is likely getting selected for the 2010s all decade team (to be announced in early January 2020)
In his column today Peter King suggested that Atwater was 6th in the voting cutdown from 10 to 5 (he voted for Atwater in his final 5), that is only speculation since Hall does not release votes or totals so there is no real way to know, but likely reflects a strong sense that his case was well received by the Committee and bodes well for his 2020 election-even with fellow Safety TroyP on the ballot also.
And he is also on my early prediction for 2020 election: TroyP, Atwater, Boselli, James, Faneca (how is a 6(2)/9/SB/All Decade player not already in???, his non election is getting a plenty of post election discussion and questioning).
It is nice to see that there is not as much of the all too frequent complaining and debating about the voting results and process this election-unlike many years especially when TO was passed over. Sure fans of the Raiders (Flores) and Broncos (Atwater) are all over social media, but does not seem to be as severe or widespread criticism as in past.
Actually I think the most exciting and interesting Hall news coming out this weekend – and no its not Edleman)or even the 2019 elections which went pretty much as expected, but that in an interview PFHOF CEO David Baker mentioned that the Hall is considering – in addition to the usual 8 member class in August 2020 – a special 17th member class in September 2020 as part of 100th anniversary of the NFL to be held at the Hall. No more details or official announcement yet. This could clear out the modern finalist, or hopefully and more significantly move a large number of deserving senior candidates, especially pre 1980 players including all decade team members, into the Hall. Will have to wait and see if it is approved and how the election process would play out, and I know some will see this as “water downing” the Hall, but its basically adding a two year class of enshirees which advances rather than adds to their addition to the Hall. Didn’t BBHOF do this a number of years ago focusing on early MLB players lost to history and deserving of election??
Personally I think its a great idea and wonderful event to add to the 100th anniversary celebration, and truly hope it happens. For us would it not be fantastic to see that many deserving seniors (many already in their 70s and 80s) get in rather then struggle each year with only 1-2 and worry about those who may pass on waiting for their turn?
When will we know? Hard to say but perhaps in coming months as league and Hall announce full slate of planned activities in 2019-2020 for the 100th anniversary, certainly after celebration of the SB and Class of 2019 fades from the news cycle.
And finally how about that great NFL 100th anniversary commercial full of great iconic PFHOFers-was fantastic!
Oh yea and the failure of Flores to advance-and same for Coryell and JimmyJ in recent elections-has to be the last straw for voters and others to push the Hall in either getting a special category for coaches OR move them to Contributors (my preference) so they no longer compete directly with players. I understand the Hall is considering such a move to be in place for the 2020 voting cycle. Lets hope so as coaches deserve consideration yet to me its completely understandable that voters may have challenges advancing a coach over a deserving player. And frankly as much as there remain several strong contributor candidates, having coaches in there would only enhance the overall quality of that pool. Personally I am not convinced that Flores would be the best coach or contributor candidate but he should be considered as should all deserving coaches.
Great insight Paul as usual. Agree about Welker and Edelman although wouldn’t mind seeing Welker make it. Faneca is a head scratcher, got to believe he’s a lock next year.
Paul, I think the reason we’re not seeing any whining this time around is that Terrell Owens is already in. :-)
Also agree — Julian Edelman and Wes Welker have no business getting into the Hall without a ticket.
I don’t see Edelman as a Hall of Famer. Welker has a case.
We finally got something up representing this weekend’s announcements. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this year’s class – please post here: https://www.zoneblitz.com/2019/02/04/robinson-firsttimers-highlight-hall-fame-class-2019/
Since this thread hasn’t had a comment since February, allow me to overflow at the mouth, haha.
I believe only the most special of football players deserve to be first ballot HOF. Reed and maybe, Bailey on this past ballot, but not Polamalu on this upcoming vote…Many safeties including Donnie Shell, had better production and hopefully he will be part of the senior elects to the Centennial Class…
In the last two to three classes, only Reed, Bailey, Lewis and Tomlinson deserved to be first ballot. The others could have waited…
2020 is a comparatively thin year for quality first-time finalists, and in such years it’s not unusual to get a relative head-scratcher as a first-year inductee. Guys like Jim Kelly, Jackie Slater, and Darrell Green all got in on their first try in such years, and Troy Polamalu is likely to join them, am guessing.
Polamalu was a great athlete, who was fast and decisive near the line of scrimmage, and deserves to be in the Hall. Just not on the first ballot.
Too many safeties had more interceptions and tackles than he did, based on Pro Football Journal statistics…I know he won titles, but BACHS, do you feel he is first ballot ?
There’s no definition or qualification that makes one a 1st ballot PFHOFer and being selected is not a honor of special designation plenty of times is not just the career accomplishments but instead the ballot that election. 4x all pro, DPOY, 2xSB and first team all decade will get him elected in 2020
brian your take on polamalu is getting rather exhausting
I think Polamalu is first ballot worthy but his chances of such status are certainly enhanced by being being eligible for the first time in 2020, as opposed to much tougher looking Classes in 2019 and 2021.
No problem Robert, just my opinion, I won’t beat a dead horse…just don’t believe EVERY player over the last three classes is first ballot worthy…
Fair thought brian
Do I think Troy Polamalu will be first ballot? Probably.
Do I think he is HoF worthy? Yes.
Do I think he’s one of the top, elite safeties of all time (in the company of, say, Ken Houston or Ronnie Lott or Ed Reed or Emlen Tunnell or Larry Wilson)? No.
These are of course not the same thing.
Plenty of discussion and debate on here over the years on first ballot elections, I think we all agree it is often more a case of timing and less a special distinction voters are making with such a selection. For some reason some fans views it carries a special honor but it really doesn’t, all PFHOFers are PFHOFers