The Pro Football Hall of Fame recently revealed its list of 25 modern-era semifinalists who will be considered for the Class of 2024, which will be revealed before Super Bowl LVIII in February. Among them are two first-year eligible candidates that made the semifinalist cut in tight end Antonio Gates and pass rusher Julius Peppers. There are a slew of other notable names who have been finalists in the past, including return specialist Devin Hester, wide receivers Steve Smith Sr. and Torry Holt and linebacker Patrick Willis. There are also three senior finalists up for induction: Linebacker Randy Gradishar, defensive tackle Steve McMichael and wide receiver Art Powell. That made us wonder: Who is one player, coach or owner from each NFL team who should be in the Hall of Fame by now? Because, let’s face it, there are multiple deserving parties who continue to wait their turn. From multi-year semifinalists to those who have been waiting decades to those considered among the greatest ever at their position, our NFL Wire editors revealed their pick for one player, coach or owner who should be in the Hall of Fame by now.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports No, he isn’t eligible yet. Yes, he is expected to make it in his first ballot in 2025. But of any potential Hall of Famer, he is the one who should be in. He has the volume numbers (second all-time in receptions and receiving yards). He has accolades — 11 Pro Bowl, an All-Pro season, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. He had five 100-catch seasons, including three after the age of 30. He had a record-setting postseason run and, were it not for Santonio Holmes’ improbable catch, Fitzgerald’s 64-yard touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII would have been one of the most iconic moments, giving the traditionally moribund Cardinals a Super Bowl Championship. There might not be another player more respected in the NFL in his generation. If there were ever a player to just immediately enshrine, It is Larry Legend. – Jess Root, Cards Wire
Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports “Mr. Falcon” himself has inexplicably been snubbed time and time again despite a Hall of Fame-worthy career as the franchise’s foundational draft pick in 1966. Nobis, a relentless inside linebacker, never received the credit he deserved due to playing on a bad Falcons expansion team. The former Texas star made five Pro Bowls and was selected to one All-Pro team over his 11 seasons in Atlanta. Nobis passed away in 2017, and it’s long past time to honor what he did for both the league and franchise. – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports Boldin’s 13,779 career receiving yards rank 14th all-time, more than Hall of Famers Andre Reed, Steve Largent, Art Monk, and Charlie Joiner. His 1,076 catches are ninth in NFL history. Boldin was also the fastest player to reach 400 receptions (67 games), 500 receptions (80 games) and 600 receptions (98 games). The former FSU QB turned WR set the NFL rookie record with 101 catches and was the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2003. – Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire
