The Pro Football Hall of Fame grew by eight people as the Class of 2021 was announced on Saturday. Three players were named first-ballot Hall of Famers: quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, and defensive back Charles Woodson.
Will there be any first-balloters in next yearâs class? Here are ten notable former players that will be eligible for the first time in 2022. Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name. A list of all the players who will become eligible can be found at Not In Hall of Fame.
Anquan Boldin, WR (Cardinals 2003-09, Ravens 10-12, 49ers 13-15, Lions 16)
Named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2003, Boldin had one of the most productive seasons ever for a rookie receiver as he snagged 101 balls for 1,377 yards and eight touchdowns. Altogether, the three-time Pro Bowler amassed 1,076 receptions (ninth all-time) for 13,779 yards (14th) and 82 touchdowns (tied for 25th).
.@AnquanBoldin realized his purpose in life went beyond football.
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2021
He reflected on that in his 2015 #WPMOY speech. (by @Nationwide)
đș: #NFLHonors -- TONIGHT on CBS (9pm ET) pic.twitter.com/apZC19UZYU
Devin Hester, WR/KR/PR (Bears 2006-13, Falcons 14-15, Ravens 16, Seahawks 16)
Known by many as the best return man in NFL history, Hester took 14 punts and five kickoffs to the house in his career. His 14 punt return touchdowns are four more than any other player (Eric Metcalf is second all-time with 10).
14 years ago today,
— Barstool Sportsbook (@BSSportsbook) February 4, 2021
Devin Hester first TD +2200 â pic.twitter.com/exPzWetOsf
Andre Johnson, WR (Texans 2003-14, Colts 15, Titans 16)
Johnson was named First-Team All-Pro back-to-back years in 2008 and 2009 when he combined for 216 catches for 3,144 yards and 17 touchdowns. He had seven seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and is 11th all-time in both receptions (1,062) and receiving yards (14,185).
Andre Johnson feels like a player that was pretty underrated throughout his career and will probably be looked back on in the same light.
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) February 7, 2021
Guy was freaking amazing for a very long time.
Nick Mangold, C (Jets 2006-16)
One of the premier centers in his heyday, Mangold was named a Pro Bowler seven times in an eight-year span from 2008-15. He was also a First-Team All-Pro in 2009 and 2010.
Itâs about damn time @afan66! Canât wait to celebrate you in Canton this summer. @steelers @nyjets @AZCardinals #PFHOF21
— Nick Mangold (@nickmangold) February 7, 2021
Robert Mathis, DE (Colts 2003-16)
The 2013 season was a dominant one for Mathis when he led the league with 19.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles. He forced 54 fumbles for his career while recording 123 sacks.
Players eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time in 2022 include DeMarcus Ware, Devin Hester, Steve Smith Sr., Robert Mathis, Andre Johnson, Vince Wilfork, Anquan Boldin.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2021
Tony Romo, QB (Cowboys 2004-16)
A four-time Pro Bowler, Romo led the NFL with a 113.2 passer rating in 2014. He threw 248 touchdowns for his career and ended it with a 97.1 rating, which is the highest for any quarterback that did not play in 2020.
Tony Romo on Super Bowl LV matchup: Patrick Mahomes has "rare ability" to challenge Tom Brady as "greatest of all time" https://t.co/mjH3K44Uii
— CBSDFW (@CBSDFW) February 4, 2021
Steve Smith, WR (Panthers 2001-13, Ravens 14-16)
In 2005, Smith led all players in all three major receiving categories with 103 catches for 1,563 yards and 12 touchdowns (also was named Comeback Player of the Year that season). He is 12th all-time with 1,031 receptions and eighth with 14,731 receiving yards.
Former Panthers, Ravens WR Steve Smith still holds a grudge against Texans coach David Culley https://t.co/bEaDCt0EdW via @thetexanswire
— ThePanthersWire (@ThePanthersWire) February 6, 2021
DeMarcus Ware, LB (Cowboys 2005-13, Broncos 14-16)
For seven straight seasons from 2006-12, Ware finished with double figures in sacks while twice leading the league (20 in 2008, 15.5 in 2010). He sacked opposing quarterbacks 138.5 times in his career, good for the ninth-most all-time. NBC Sports believes Ware may have the best chance to be inducted first-ballot.
As part of Black History Month, we are proud to recognize the men and women who have represented Troy so well throughout the years.
— Troy Athletics (@TroyAthletics) February 5, 2021
Today we honor a man who needs no introduction for @TroyTrojansFB - @DeMarcusWare !#OneTROY #TroyCARES pic.twitter.com/1zjctpZk2J
Vince Wilfork, DT (Patriots 2004-14, Texans 15-16)
A two-time Super Bowl winner with the Patriots, Wilfork was one of the best run-stoppers throughout his career. He made five Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in 2012.
Vince Wilfork provided Gronk with his âwelcome to the NFLâ moment. đȘ đ
— theScore (@theScore) February 1, 2021
(đ„: @NFL) pic.twitter.com/JCqTVmjEF5
Mario Williams, DE (Texans 2006-11, Bills 12-15, Dolphins 16)
The first overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, Williams had five seasons with over 10 sacks. The four-time Pro Bowler had a career-high 14.5 in 2014 when he was also named a First-Team All-Pro.
Pro Football Hall of Fame plans to reveal Class of 2021 on Feb. 6.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) January 22, 2021
Here are some who become eligible in 2022:
QB Tony Romo
WR Anquan Boldin
WR Andre Johnson
WR Steve Smith
C Nick Mangold
DE Mario Williams
DE Robert Mathis
LB DeMarcus Ware
DT Vince Wilfork
Who stands out?
