Which of the Indianapolis Colts Will be Named to the NFL Hall of Fame First?
The NFL Hall of Fame voting is not always fair. Some players (Cris Carter, Art Monk) have to wait in line for a while before even sniffing the chance at being honored in Canton, Ohio. Some players (Emmit Smith) have an unmistakable legacy, that lands them in the Hall as soon as they are possible. There are several former Indianapolis Colts who are now (or very soon will be) available for induction, and should very well be considered.
The most obvious former Colt to have a shot at the Hall of Fame also finds himself on a list of position players that have often been held back and overlooked, when it comes to enshrinement. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison will be officially available for Hall of Fame consideration next year. During his 12-year career, Harrison was an eight-time Pro Bowler. Harrison was named as Receiver of the Year in 2002, and was also named to the 200s All-Decade team. Harrison holds almost every receiving record in the history of the Indianapolis Colts, but may find himself held back for a few years, due to his position. Receiver Lynn Swan, a four-time Super Bowl Champion, waited on the list for 14 years, before getting inducted.
Speaking of the “Triplets” from the Indianapolis Colts team of the early 200s, running back Edgerrin James could also find himself in the NFL Hall of Fame one day, beside Harrison and Peyton Manning. James was the only player in NFL history to lead the league in rushing during his first two seasons. James is also a member of the All-Decade team for the 200os. James leads the Colts in all-time rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, and is currently 11th on the list for All-time leading rushers in the NFL.
One of the least-talked about, but most deserving Indianapolis Colts to be considered for the Hall of Fame is former offensive tackle, Tarik Glenn. Glenn played only nine years in the NFL, but was a catalyst for the successes of Harrison, James, and Manning. Had it not been for Glenn, Manning would have spent much more time on his back, rather than becoming one of the least-sacked quarterbacks in the league. Glenn, a three-time Pro Bowl player, was truly the unsung hero of the Indianapolis Colts, for the better part of a decade.
This honor is only selected for about five players a year. As the times draws near for several of the Indianapolis Colts of the late 90s and early 2000s to be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame, it should definitely be appreciated that this team was one of the best in the league for a long time. Sooner than later, we may (and should) see a few more horseshoes in the Hall of Fame.