There are two former Seattle Seahawks among the 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame: guard Steve Hutchinson and running back Edgerrin James.
Both James and Hutchinson hope to be among the five candidates chosen for the Hall of Fame class of 2020, but a very competitive group of first time candidates and a solid group of returners will make it challenging to break through this year.
Led by Troy Polamalu, this year’s Hall of Fame finalists also include receivers Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Reggie Wayne, safeties Leroy Butler, John Lynch and Steve Atwater, linebacker Zach Thomas and tackle Tony Boselli, among others.
Hutchinson is Seattle’s best chance at gaining an inductee this year, and really the only one who would count as James only played seven games with the Seahawks in the 2009 season.
Hutchinson was a seven-time Pro Bowler and was named an All-Pro five times in his illustrious career – which spanned 11 seasons and three different teams.
Hutch as part of the elite offensive line that also featured Walter Jones to his left, a group that allowed Shaun Alexander to win MVP in 2005.
Although Hutchinson’s departure from Seattle rubbed many the wrong way, his legacy is among the greatest linemen in franchise history, and he deserves a spot in Canton.
The ballot is crowded again this year, but Hutchinson has been a finalist before and it might finally be the year he breaks through the top five and finds himself in the Hall of Fame.
What do you think?
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