Finally, Tony Boselli’s time has come to get a gold jacket!
During the 11th annual NFL Honors award, it was announced that Boselli was selected into the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame class of 2022, ending what has been a long wait after making it to the finalists round the last six seasons. Back in December, it was announced that Boselli would once again be one of 15 finalists, and after trimming down the group of stars by 10 to come up with the latest class, Boselli got the nod with five others.
Congratulations to @TonyBoselli, named a member of the @ProFootballHOF Class of 2022!#TimeForTony pic.twitter.com/RE5WFYjIfA
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 11, 2022
The following names will join Boselli in the 2022 class:
• DT/DE Richard Seymour
• DT/DE Bryant Young
•LB Sam Mills
• Safety Leroy Butler
• Art McNally (contributor selection)
• Cliff Branch (senior selection)
• Dick Vermeil (coach selection)
Jags owner Shad Khan shared his thoughts on the Jaguars’ official site on Thursday and congratulated Boselli on behalf of the Jags organization.
“Tony’s well-deserved selection for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is long overdue and one of the greatest moments in the history of our franchise,” Khan said. “Tony embraced being a Jaguar from the moment he was drafted and from there fought for Jacksonville as one of the greatest offensive linemen to ever play the game.
“Tony has also represented the Jaguars with class since the day he arrived. Beyond his exceptional on-field performance, since retirement he has been an integral member of the Jaguars family while calling Jacksonville home for more than 25 years. No one understands, defends, supports or loves the Jaguars and Duval like Tony Boselli. I think I speak for everyone when I say congratulations, Tony. Gold looks good on you.”
Boselli was the Jags’ first-ever draft selection as the team drafted him second overall in the 1995 NFL Draft out of the University of Southern California. He remained with the team until 2001 and was selected by the Houston Texans in the 2002 expansion draft, but he never played a down with the organization due to shoulder injuries causing him to retire.
With Boselli’s career only lasting seven seasons, longevity has long been the issue that held him back. However, he was a quality left tackle when he was on the field, earning three All-Pro selections (1997-99) and five Pro Bowl (1996-2000) selections.
Boselli, who currently is a radio analyst for the Jags, played in 90 games and started in 91 for the Jags. And while he’s just now getting into the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame, he’s been in the Jags’ Hall-of-Fame entitled the “Pride of the Jaguars” since 2006 and the College Football Hall-of-Fame since 2014.