5 Controversial NFL Defensive Player HOF Cases I Think Get In
- James Harrison - 2x SB champ, DPOY, 4x AP (2x 1st team), and maybe the best INT in SB history, if not NFL history. His story is also super unique: undrafted, to NFL Europe, to NFL practice squads then stardom. You can't tell the story of the NFL without James Harrison.
- Cam Heyward - WPMOTY, 3x 1st team AP, and arguably the best DT of the 2010s not named Aaron Donald. His longevity has also led to impressive counting stats for his position. Not a 1st ballot guy, but a borderline player that deserves to be in.
- Luke Kuechly - He only played 8 seasons, but was a DPOY, 5x 1st team AP, and one of the best MLBs to ever play. The HOF seems to value longevity which may hurt his case, but anyone who watched knows he was great.
- Richard Sherman - Corner is a notoriously tough position when it comes to making the HOF. His personality will make him a controversial case, but he definitely fits the "fame" part of HOF. His play wasn't anything to scoff at either: 3x 1st team AP, 2010s All Decade Team, and a SB champ. The leader of the Legion of Boom is in.
- Patrick Peterson - His career started out strong: 3x First team AP, 8x PB, 2010s All Decade Team, but he has kind of faded away after 2019. Still, he was the arguably the best corner of his era (with Richard Sherman) and a unique dual threat with his return abilities.
Honorable Mention: Jared Allen - He's been eligible for several years now, but when he played, he was maybe the best DE in the NFL. A 4x 1st Team AP, 2x sack leader, and a snub from the 2000s All Decade Team. He's also the record holder for most safeties in a season and career. He was one of the best to do it and deserves a spot in Canton.