Thursday afternoon the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced their list of eligible candidates for induction into the Class of 2019.
While the list includes 91 players and 11 coaches it is also highlighted by four first-year newcomers; tight end Tony Gonzalez, cornerback Champ Bailey, linebacker London Fletcher, and safety Ed Reed.
Gonzalez and Reed are shoe-ins to be enshrined in their first year of eligibility. Gonzalez finished his career with 1325 receptions for 15,127 yards and 111 touchdowns. While Reed recorded 64 interceptions, seven returned for touchdowns, along with 13 fumble recoveries that resulted in three touchdowns to go along with over 640 tackles and six sacks. Both are considered to be near the top of their positions historically.
It's not that Bailey or Fletcher didn't have good careers, theirs is just caught in the shade of the other two first-timers. Bailey recorded 52 interceptions, four returned for touchdowns, to go along with six fumble recoveries, over 900 tackles, and three sacks. Fletcher had 23 interceptions with two touchdowns, 12 fumble recoveries, two returned for touchdowns, along with over 2000 tackles, 39 sacks, and two safeties. It should also be noted that Fletcher is one of only five players in NFL history to have 250 starts without missing a single game.
This year's overall group includes 39 defensive players, 47 offensive players, and five special teamers. The Pro Football Hall of Fame website posted the full list of candidates today.
A list of 18 finalists will be submitted to the Hall of Fame committee the day before this year's Super Bowl. The list already has senior committee finalist Johnny Robinson, and contributor finalists Pat Bowlen and Gil Brandt on it. Generally, the group elects four-five new members each year, but the rules state up to eight can go in at the same time. To be enshrined you have to get at least 80 percent support from the committee.
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