The idea behind the Centennial Class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, organized to celebrate the NFL’s 100th anniversary, was to induct five modern-era players, 10 Seniors (players who last played more than 25 years ago), three Contributors (an individual other than a player or coach) and two
coaches.
Seven modern-era players were finalists for induction for the first time in the 2020 class: Safety Troy Polamalu and receiver Reggie Wayne were first-year eligible candidates, while safety LeRoy Butler, wide receiver Torry Holt, linebackers Sam Mills and Zach Thomas, and defensive tackle Bryant Young were eligible before, but were finalists for the first time.
The final voting for modern players took place Saturday before the Super Bowl in Miami, and the five who made it in from the modern era were:
- Steve Atwater, Safety – 1989-1998 Denver Broncos, 1999 New York Jets
- Isaac Bruce, Wide Receiver – 1994-2007 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 2008-09 San Francisco 49ers
- Steve Hutchinson, Guard – 2001-05 Seattle Seahawks, 2006-2011 Minnesota Vikings, 2012 Tennessee Titans
- Edgerrin James, Running Back – 1999-2005 Indianapolis Colts, 2006-08 Arizona Cardinals, 2009 Seattle Seahawks
- Troy Polamalu, Safety – 2003-2014 Pittsburgh Steelers
Of course, this means that 10 modern-era finalists were left out of the process this time around. Some for the first time, and some who have waited too long. Here’s how we see the relative egregiousness of the 2020 Hall of Fame snubs.