Jacksonville Jaguars legend Fred Taylor explains why he thinks the Hall of Fame is snubbing him.
By now, the Pro Football Hall of Fame list was released and former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor did not make the cut.
Many fans wonder why Taylor, who has rushed for over 11,000 yards and 66 touchdowns and has been a finalist for the honor seven times, hasn’t been called yet.
In his appearance on the Third and Long Podcast, Taylor explains why he thinks he hasn’t gotten in yet.
He does think a lot of factors have gone against him, including being in a small market like Jacksonville.
“I believe there are some components to it that will allow me to say yeah to some capacity," Taylor said. "I don’t have the keys to Canton. If it were up to me i would been in the Hall of Fame."
Taylor said had he had known he would be seriously considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he would done things a little bit differently.
“I didn’t play for that (the Hall of Fame). I would have played more snaps, Probably took care of myself more," Taylor said. "If I had played in a bigger market, New York, for example, or maybe even Dallas, Philly, it would increase those odds.”
In the end, Taylor knows his induction into the Hall of Fame is just not in the cards. Not yet, at least.
“It’s out of my control; whatever happens, it’ll happen.”
Both Hall of Famers Jim Brown and Marcus Allen have fought for Taylor to get in. Here is a list of the finalists.
- Drew Brees, quarterback (New Orleans Saints)
- Willie Anderson, offensive tackle (Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens)
- Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver (Arizona Cardinals)
- Frank Gore, running back (Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers)
- Jahri Evans, offensive guard (New Orleans)
- Luke Kuechly, linebacker (Carolina Panthers)
- Terrell Suggs, outside linebacker (Baltimore Ravens)
- Eli Manning, quarterback (New York Jets)
- Torry Holt, wide receiver (St. Louis Rams)
- Adam Vinatieri, kicker (Patriots, Colts)
- Marshal Yanda, guard (Ravens)
- Darren Woodson, safety (Dallas Cowboys)
- Kevin Williams, defensive tackle (Minnesota Vikings)
- Jason Witten, tight end (Cowboys)
- Reggie Wayne, wide receiver (Colts)
Now, imagine trying to pare this list down to five players. These are the guys that Taylor has to go up against to get into the Hall of Fame. But Taylor seems to be ok with his place in Jaguars history and says he doesn’t even think about joining the Hall of Fame unless he is asked about it.