On Feb. 6, everyone will find out who and how many people will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016.
Among the 15 finalists are Marvin Harrison, Tony Dungy and Edgerrin James, who were all formerly with the Indianapolis Colts. Over this past month, I made the argument that Harrison should be part of this year’s class while Dungy will not make the cut this year. James, a first-time Hall of Fame finalist, also has a legitimate case to make it in. However, his case is not as certain as Harrison’s argument and will most likely join Dungy as a finalist who will need to wait until 2017.
As a running back, James played for the Colts, Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks. Although he only played 10 years in the NFL, he is still one of the most productive running backs in league history. James amassed 12,246 rushing yards and 80 rushing touchdowns in his 10-year career. In addition to his outstanding rushing totals, he also caught 433 passes for 3,364 yards and 11 touchdowns. In summation, James had 15,610 yards from scrimmage and 91 offensive touchdowns.
James has certainly made his mark in the NFL record books. Currently, James is ranked 11th in rushing yards, 19th in rushing touchdowns and 13th in total yards from scrimmage. Honestly, the only thing missing from James’ resume is a Super Bowl ring. The Colts won the Super Bowl in the 2006 season, which was the franchise’s first season without James.
While James did play for the Cardinals and Seahawks, his career is mainly defined by the seven years he spent in Indianapolis. In his 1999 rookie season, James led all running backs in rushing yards with 1,553 and was named the offensive rookie of the year. He accumulated 9,226 rushing yards with the Colts, but he also took pride in catching the football out of the backfield and blocking rushers for his quarterback. His receiving yards helped him eclipse 1,000 yards from scrimmage six times and eclipse 2,000 yards from scrimmage three times. James currently holds almost all of the franchise’s rushing records.
James has the career statistics to ultimately make the Hall of Fame, and he should make it in some day. However, the odds are not in his favor this year. Although he has the body of work needed to gain entrance into the Hall of Fame, this year’s class is especially loaded. In addition to Harrison and Dungy, finalists like Brett Favre and Terrell Owens are also up for consideration this year, and only five modern-era guys can be inducted per year. As a result, James will probably get squeezed out of this year’s class.
If James misses out on the Hall of Fame Saturday, it does not mean he will never get into the Hall of Fame. This is the second year he is eligible, and this is the first year he was named a finalist. James will certainly have more chances at making it into the NFL’s most exclusive club. However, 2016 will not be his year.
