Tony Boselli and Fred Taylor Deserve Consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a couple of players in Tony Boselli and Fred Taylor who belong in the Hall of Fame.

Visit Ohio and drop by the Pro Football League Hall of Fame (HOF) in Canton. You will enjoy team exhibits and busts of the individual players who are proud members of the HOF.

Just don’t spend your time looking for Jacksonville Jaguars players because they are simply not there. It is past time to consider two Jaguars for the HOF. They are Tony Boselli and Fred Taylor.

THE GOLDEN ERA

The Jaguars came into the NFL as a team to be reckoned with, going on a magical run to the AFC Championship game in just their second season of existence in 1996. Their first overall draft choice was Tony Boselli. Three years later they chose Fred Taylor. They had a respected coach and many talented players. The team was in the playoffs and all was good. Boselli and Taylor were Pro Bowlers and highly thought of around the league. Let’s take a look at them in retrospect.

TONY BOSELLI

Boselli was in the NFL for seven years. A devastating injury shortened his stellar career. He had many accolades during his career. His five Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro selections are a great indication of how well regarded he was as an offensive lineman.

In addition, Boselli was offensive lineman of the year in 1998 and was voted to the 1990s All Decade Team. Ross Tucker stated that for five years Boselli was the best left tackle in the NFL. Mike Tanner went on to say he was the best offensive lineman in the NFL during his era. He is in the Jaguars Ring of Honor, the Pride of the Jaguars. Boselli receives high praise across the NFL.

FRED TAYLOR

Taylor was in the NFL for ten years. He was voted to the Pro Bowl and was second team All-Pro in 2007. He had 11,695 career rushing yards. This puts him at number 17 for all time NFL rushing yards leaders. Of the sixteen players with more rushing yards, thirteen are in the HOF, two are still active players, and one has not been voted into the HOF. Taylor is in the Jaguars Ring of Honor.

DISCUSSION

It is obvious when reviewing the statistics that Boselli and Taylor had careers that should put them into consideration for the HOF. The Jaguars are a small market team and don’t have a national fan base but that should not in any way influence voters. They were both good guys and good team mates as well. There is really no good reason not to consider them.

CONCLUSION

Boselli and Taylor are strong contenders for the NFL Hall of Fame. The voters should consider their ability, statistics, and contributions to their team. If they do, I am confident that at least one if not both will be inducted in the near future.