Richard Seymour not elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots’ dynasty to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Ty Law had to wait what felt like an unjust four years before his induction. It appears the eventual second member will follow a similar path.
For the third straight year, Richard Seymour’s Hall of Fame candidacy comes up a step short. He was named a finalist last month, but wasn’t announced with the eight player class revealed Saturday night at the NFL Honors event. Those inducted were Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, Calvin Johnson, Alan Faneca, John Lynch, Drew Pearson, Tom Flores and Bill Nunn.
Despite a decorated career and recommendations from the likes of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, Seymour once again fails to cross the threshold into Canton. Why? The only somewhat reasonable explanation is his career numbers being below the average the Hall usually takes.
It’s what happened beyond the numbers that makes Seymour a Hall of Famer though. As a defensive tackle, he was able to impact plays away from the ball. He anchored some of the best defensive units of the era he played in, and helped revolutionize the position for smaller, more athletic players. Aaron Donald, who was named 2020 Defensive Player of the Year on Saturday, plays in a mold Seymour helped develop.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame does not limit the number of ballots for potential inductees, so Seymour will get another shot in 2022. It took Ty Law six years, four as a finalist, before he finally was inducted, and Seymour appears to be heading down a similar path. Not that either player deserved to be kept waiting.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].
