Defining Rodney Harrison’s Hall of Fame case with a single stat
With Richard Seymour heading to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, who should be the next Patriots player inducted? Making the case for Rodney Harrison.
Rodney Harrison of the New England Patriots talks to Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals after Johnson was unable to catch a ball in the end zone at Gillette Stadium on December 12, 2004 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won 35-28. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesWith Richard Seymour being announced as member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 over the weekend, four years of campaigning for his case come to an end. Who is the next former Patriots who should get the big push towards Canton?
The case could be made for players like Vince Wilfork or Logan Mankins, who were on the ballot for the first and second time respectively last year, but no player from any team in the league has been more overlooked in recent years than Rodney Harrison. Harrison first became eligible in 2013, and has reached the semifinal round just once since. He's never been a finalist.
Why hasn't Harrison gotten that far despite a seemingly undeniable Hall of Fame resume? Some point to his reputation as a 'dirty' player. Harrison himself has cited what he calls "lazy" anti-Patriots bias from the selection committee. However, none of that has to do with his skills as a football player.
In defending Harrison's case, there's a number of directions one could go. Yet there's one single stat/fact that should begin and could end any conversation about his fit for Canton.
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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 abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
