![Troy Polamalu was the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year. [Image Source: Flickr | wstera2]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/7/30/660x290/b_502x220x82/troy-polamalu-was-the-2010-defensive-player-of-the-year-image-source-flickr-wstera2_2303037.jpg "Troy Polamalu was the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year. [Image Source: Flickr | wstera2]")
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019 ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 3. Those who will be enshrined are cornerback Champ Bailey, contributor Pat Bowden, contributor Gil Brandt, tight end Tony Gonzalez, cornerback Ty Law, center Kevin Mawae, safety Ed Reed, and safety Johnny Robinson.
Here are three players who are eligible for the first time in 2020 (Troy Polamalu, Reggie Wayne, and Patrick Willis) as well as seven players who were finalists to be enshrined in 2019 but were unable to.
Steve Atwater, S (Broncos 1989-98, Jets 1999)
In 11 NFL seasons, Atwater was named to the Pro Bowl in eight of them (also a First Team All-Pro twice). The hard-hitting safety won two Super Bowls late in his career with the Broncos and intercepted 24 passes.
Tony Boselli, OT (Jaguars 1995-2001)
While his career wasn’t a lengthy one as he played just seven seasons, Boselli proved himself to be the premier left tackle in his prime. He made five straight Pro Bowls from 1996-2000 and was a First Team All-Pro three straight years from 1997-99.
Isaac Bruce, WR (Rams 1994-2007, 49ers 2008-09)
Bruce’s career saw the four-time Pro Bowler go over the 1,000-yard receiving mark eight times. He currently ranks fifth all-time in receiving yards (15,208), 12th in receiving touchdowns (91), and 13th in receptions (1,024).
Alan Faneca, G (Steelers 1998-2007, Jets 2008-09, Cardinals 2010)
While guard may not be as high-profile a position along the offensive line as tackle, Faneca was one of the best for a lengthy amount of time. He made nine straight Pro Bowls from 2001-09 and was named a First Team All-Pro in six of those seasons.
Steve Hutchinson, G (Seahawks 2001-05, Vikings 2006-11, Titans 2012)
Much like Faneca, Hutchinson was one of the best guards on a weekly basis. He earned seven straight Pro Bowl nods from 2003-09 and was named a First Team All-Pro five times.
Edgerrin James, RB (Colts 1999-2005, Cardinals 2006-08, Seahawks 2009)
According to NFL.com, James is one of just four players (along with Walter Payton, Eric Dickerson, and Barry Sanders) to have rushed for at least 1,500 yards in four different seasons. His 12,246 rushing yards are 13th-most in league history while his 80 rushing touchdowns are the 20th-most.
John Lynch, S (Buccaneers 1995-2003, Broncos 2004-07)
Much like Atwater, wide receivers feared going down the middle with Lynch lurking. He intercepted 26 passes, forced 16 fumbles, and made nine Pro Bowls during his career.
Troy Polamalu, S (Steelers 2003-14)
One of the best safeties of his era, Polamalu won two Super Bowls with the Steelers and was named the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year. He intercepted 32 passes in his career and was named to eight Pro Bowls (also was a four-time First Team All-Pro).
Reggie Wayne, WR (Colts 2001-14)
During his marvelous career, Wayne tallied over 100 receptions four times and over 1,000 yards eight times. His career numbers consist of 1,070 receptions (10th all-time), 14,345 receiving yards (10th all-time), and 82 receiving touchdowns (tied for 24th all-time).
Patrick Willis, LB (49ers 2007-14)
While his career didn’t last all that long (eight seasons), Willis was a Pro Bowler in his first seven years, a five-time First Team All-Pro, and twice led the NFL in tackles. Niners Wire, of USA Today, believes his career may not have been long enough to get him enshrined.
