# What current NFL players are destined for the Hall of Fame? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [September 11, 2017, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076 "2017-09-11T19:05:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/21 "2017-09-12T16:55:52Z")
I’m guessing Adam Vinatieri gets in. I had to google to see if he was still active. And since we are veering away from actual football players (:D), we can add Bill Belichek to the list of active “NFLers” who are going into the Hall (I wouldn’t be surprised if he skipped the speech). Also, among those who are “on there way”, but need some more years, I would add Julio Jones and Antonio Brown. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/22 "2017-09-12T17:11:36Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > I’m guessing Adam Vinatieri gets in. I had to google to see if he was still active. Speaking as a one-time aspiring kicker, and a lifelong student of the kicking game… Until the past couple of years, Jan Stenerud had been the only pure specialist in the Hall. But, with Ray Guy (2014) and Morten Andersen (2017) now in, it’s clear that the Hall voters are more willing to consider specialists. Vinatieri’s been incredibly accurate throughout his very long career. But, what I think may help push him over the top is his reputation for coming through in the clutch, particularly in playoff games. I’d like to see him in the Hall. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/23 "2017-09-12T17:53:35Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > Also, among those who are “on there way”, but need some more years, I would add Julio Jones and Antonio Brown. :smack: _their_ ---
**Author:** ![FlikTheBlue](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fliktheblue/32/10972_2.png) [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/24 "2017-09-12T18:37:36Z")
No crystal ball guesses for the younger players that are just starting their careers? As a Cowboys fan I predict that Ezekiel Elliott will make it, assuming he stays out of trouble. ---
**Author:** ![Stringer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Stringer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stringer)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/25 "2017-09-12T18:42:56Z")
To everyone saying Gronk isn’t in yet…you’re wrong. He has the most receiving TDs since 2010 and widely considered an excellent blocker. He’s already the best TE of all time guys. ---
**Author:** ![ReticulatingSplines](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e274bd/32.png) [@ReticulatingSplines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReticulatingSplines)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/26 "2017-09-12T20:49:18Z")
Obviously it’s an uphill battle for punters, but I really think someday, Shane Lechler makes it. > [@FlikTheBlue](#): > > No crystal ball guesses for the younger players that are just starting their careers? As a Cowboys fan I predict that Ezekiel Elliott will make it, assuming he stays out of trouble. I would go with a different player on your own team: Zack Martin, who impresses me every time I watch him. ---
**Author:** ![Clawdio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d07c76/32.png) [@Clawdio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clawdio)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/27 "2017-09-12T21:35:33Z")
Regarding Roethlisberger, I would point out that he’s currently 6th all time in QB wins (counting playoffs) behind only Brady, P. Manning, Favre, Elway, and Marino. A pretty short list ahead of him in terms of winning % as well. [Wikipedia: All Time QB Wins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Football_League_career_quarterback_wins_leaders) ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/28 "2017-09-12T23:39:39Z")
> [@FlikTheBlue](#): > > No crystal ball guesses for the younger players that are just starting their careers? As a Cowboys fan I predict that Ezekiel Elliott will make it, assuming he stays out of trouble. Well, the title of the thread is “\*\*destined \*\*for the Hall of Fame,” after all. Much harder to predict for a player with only a season or two under his belt. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/29 "2017-09-13T01:38:33Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > Funny enough, I found myself thinking about Eli the same thing you said about Gronk…I’m not sure if the 2 rings are enough, given that he’s had some mediocre seasons. Eli was borderline coming into the season and he could blow it if he flames out this year. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/30 "2017-09-13T02:38:49Z")
If Eli gets into the hall because of the rings then literally everyone that has a ring should be in the hall. Put in the guy that washes the towels. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2017, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/31 "2017-09-13T13:07:29Z")
Yeah, I think Kurt Warner was borderline but I had no problem with his getting inducted because of the great story. He was somewhat unique in that regard. I would rather Jim Plunkett get into the Hall before Eli. ---
**Author:** ![Death\_of\_Rats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a6a055/32.png) [@Death\_of\_Rats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Death_of_Rats)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2017, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/32 "2017-09-14T20:35:52Z")
> [@FlikTheBlue](#): > > No crystal ball guesses for the younger players that are just starting their careers? As a Cowboys fan I predict that Ezekiel Elliott will make it, assuming he stays out of trouble. I will pull out my crystal ball and throw out Aaron Donald a young player with a good chance at a HoF career. He is already one of the top Defensive players in the league and if he can hold up for a 10+ year career at that level he will be a shoo-in. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2017, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/33 "2017-09-14T21:13:56Z")
Joe Thomas is going to play his 10,000th straight snap this weekend. He’d have been a lock for the hall even if he retired 2 years ago. By far the best of his generation. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2017, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/34 "2017-09-15T00:23:38Z")
Eli is going to end his career probably 6th on the all time touchdown pass leader list and probably 6th in all time passing yardage. Along with 2 Super Bowl MVPs. I hate to break it to you, he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2017, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/35 "2017-09-15T01:18:14Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Eli is going to end his career probably 6th on the all time touchdown pass leader list and probably 6th in all time passing yardage. Along with 2 Super Bowl MVPs. I hate to break it to you, he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame. That wouldn’t surprise me in the least. Hell, Joe Namath, another unbelievably overrated QB who played in New York, is in, so I wouldn’t be shocked at all if Eli makes it. But the more interesting question is whether he actually deserves it. To me, he deserves it as much as a guy like Vinny Testaverde (11th in career passing yards) or Kerry Collins (16th). Being slightly above average for a long, long time certainly lets you add up those yards. He can go into the Hall of Good for a Long Time with Frank Gore. ---
**Author:** ![UCBearcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/77aa72/32.png) [@UCBearcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UCBearcats)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2017, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/36 "2017-09-15T02:52:46Z")
Geno Atkins is a 5x pro bowler, 3x 1st team all pro and 1x 2nd teamer. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2017, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/37 "2017-09-15T12:23:16Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Eli is going to end his career probably 6th on the all time touchdown pass leader list and probably 6th in all time passing yardage. Along with 2 Super Bowl MVPs. I hate to break it to you, he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame. Making the HOF and deserving the HOF are completely different things. Eli probably averaged in the middle third of QBs his career. That he’s rated so highly is a complete indictment of football’s fanbase. “Two rings” drowns anything. Of the current starting QBs in the league, Eli is 25th in career passer rating. The best year Eli ever had, he was the 7th best QB in the league. The Giants throw the ball a lot under him, poorly, then the defense wins him games. I can name at least 15 QBs that played substantially during the same period as him that are easily better QBs. If HOF means you’re barely good enough to not get fired for each of 15 seasons, then yeah, he should be in. Otherwise, no way. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2017, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/38 "2017-09-15T15:42:09Z")
> [@Hamlet](#): > > Hell, Joe Namath, another unbelievably overrated QB who played in New York, is in, so I wouldn’t be shocked at all if Eli makes it. I’ve always believed that Namath is in the Hall for two reasons: - Predicting a win in Super Bowl III, and then delivering on it - His general celebrity (he was among the most popular and well-known players in the NFL during his career) I absolutely agree that his overall career performance didn’t warrant enshrinement in Canton. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2017, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/39 "2017-09-15T16:26:07Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > I’ve always believed that Namath is in the Hall for two reasons: > > - Predicting a win in Super Bowl III, and then delivering on it > - His general celebrity (he was among the most popular and well-known players in the NFL during his career) Maybe they could put the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in there too. They’re pretty important in the things that Namath excelled at: growing the awareness of the NFL, looking good, and being known for … assets … outside of the actual game of football. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2017, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076/40 "2017-09-15T20:40:47Z")
Big Ben is a HOF lock. Eli is borderline, will probably eventually get it. Rivers is a bit of a long shot, but not out of the question. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-current-nfl-players-are-destined-for-the-hall-of-fame/796076.md?page=3)