Reggie Wayne (L) of the Indianapolis Colts, Patrick Willis (C) of the San Francisco 49ers, and Troy Polamalu (R) of the Pittsburgh Steelers /VCG Photo
The NFL on Tuesday announced all 25 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2020. As one of the top honors in American football, it will go to a number of players, coaches and other significant contributors every year.
The list includes 14 from defensive line, 10 from offensive line and one from special teams – Steve Tasker, former wide receiver of the Buffalo Bills, made the list as a member of the special teams.
Three of next year's names may deserve more attention.
Troy Polamalu, safety (Pittsburgh Steelers, 2003-2014)
Troy Polamalu #43 of of the Pittsburgh Steelers /VCG Photo
Since Polamalu was selected by the Steelers with the No. 16 pick in the 2003 NFL Draft before he contributed his whole career to the team.
Having been considered by many as one of the best strong safeties in the 21th century, he played 158 games for the Steelers, had a total of 778 combined tackles, 12 sacks, forced 12 fumbles (recovering seven), defended 107 passes and intercepted 32.
The eight-time Pro Bowler was named First-team All-Pro four times and Second-team All-Pro twice. In 2006 and 2009, Polamalu helped the Steelers win Super Bowl twice.
Reggie Wayne, wide receiver (Indianapolis Colts, 2001-2014)
Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts /VCG Photo
Wayne joined the league two years earlier than Polamalu. In 2001, Jim Irsay brought him to the Colts with the No. 30 pick. In the following 14 years, Wayne achieved in total 1,070 receptions in 14,345 yards (No. 10 in history) and 82 touchdowns.
More importantly, the six-time Pro Bowler was there assisting Peyton Manning as the Colts' sharpest weapon and witnessed great rivalry between Manning and Tom Brady.
In 2007, Wayne helped the Colts defeat the Chicago Bears at Dolphin Stadium as the receiving yards leader of the season and won Super bowl.
Patrick Willis, linebacker (San Francisco 49ers, 2007-2014)
Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers /VCG Photo
If you agree that Ray Lewis is the greatest linebacker of the 21st century, who do you think is the best successor? The name "Patrick Willis" must have crossed many minds.
He arrived at Levi's Stadium as the No. 11 select of the 2007 NFL Draft and impressed the whole league by dropping 174 combined tackles in his first season. In his eight-year career, which was quite short for a star player, Willis got 950 combined tackles, 20.5 sacks, forced 16 fumbles, defended 53 passes with eight interceptions.
Unfortunately, Willis had to retire at the age of 29 years old because of injuries. However, being named seven-time Pro Bowl and five-time First-team All-Pro and winning told how great his career was.
Tony Gonzalez, Ed Reed and Champ Bailey were inducted into Class of 2019 right after they were nominated. Will Polamalu, Wayne and Willis share their luck? Let's wait and find out.
In January, 2020, 10 will be removed from the list before the five lucky ones are decided in February. The induction ceremony will be held in August. Meanwhile, there will be another 10 senior inductees, three contributors, and two coaches being inducted too as part of the 100-season anniversary celebration of the NFL.
The list goes as follows::
Bryant Young, defensive tackle (San Francisco 49ers, 1994-2007),
Carl Banks, linebacker (New York Giants, 1984-1992; Washington Redskins, 1993; Cleveland Browns, 1994-95),
Simeon Rice, defensive end (Arizona Cardinals, 1996-2000; Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2001-06; Denver Broncos, 2007; Indianapolis Colts, 2007)
Hines Ward, wide receiver (Pittsburgh Steelers, 1998-2011)
Isaac Bruce, wide receiver (Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 1994-2007; San Francisco 49ers, 2008-09)
Fred Taylor, running back (Jacksonville Jaguars, 1998-2008; New England Patriots 2009-2010)
Tony Boselli, offensive tackle (Jacksonville Jaguars, 1995-2001; Houston Texans injured reserve, 2002)
Clay Matthews, linebacker (Cleveland Browns, 1978-1993; Atlanta Falcons, 1994-96)
Ricky Watters, running back (San Francisco 49ers, 1991-94; Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97; Seattle Seahawks, 1998-2001)
LeRoy Butler, safety (Green Bay Packers, 1990-2001)
Ronde Barber, cornerback (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1997-2012)
John Lynch, safety (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1993-2003; Denver Broncos, 2004-07)
Darren Woodson, safety (Dallas Cowboys, 1992-2004)
Torry Holt, wide receiver (St. Louis Rams, 1999-2008; Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009)
Richard Seymour, defensive lineman (New England Patriots, 2001-08; Oakland Raiders, 2009-2012)
Reggie Wayne, wide receiver (Indianapolis Colts, 2001-2014)
Sam Mills, linebacker (New Orleans Saints, 1986-1994; Carolina Panthers, 1995-97)
Alan Faneca, offensive guard (Pittsburgh Steelers, 1998-2007; New York Jets, 2008-09; Arizona Cardinals, 2010)
Steve Hutchinson, offensive guard (Seattle Seahawks, 2001-05; Minnesota Vikings, 2006-2011; Tennessee Titans, 2012)
Edgerrin James, running back (Indianapolis Colts, 1999-2005; Arizona Cardinals, 2006-08; Seattle Seahawks, 2009)
Steve Tasker, special teams (Houston Oilers, 1985-86; Buffalo Bills, 1986-1997)
Zach Thomas, linebacker (Miami Dolphins, 1996-2007; Dallas Cowboys, 2008)
Patrick Willis, linebacker (San Francisco 49ers, 2007-2014)
Steve Atwater, safety (Denver Broncos, 1989-1998; New York Jets, 1999)
Troy Polamalu, safety (Pittsburgh Steelers, 2003-2014)