25 Young Players That Have The Best Chances of Reaching The Hall of Fame
By Daniel
Oct 26, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) signals to fans as he exits the field after the Houston Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 30-16 at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
5. Von Miller, DE – Denver:
Miller has already amassed 44 sacks in the equivalent of three seasons in the NFL. He’s also forced 11 fumbles and has one interception and eight passes defended. Miller is only 25 years old. He’s on pace for 190 sacks by his 35th birthday, good for third-most in NFL history. Like Kuechly, if he stays healthy, the Hall of Fame is in his future. Of course a lot has to go right first, but he is certainly building a good foundation.
4. Russell Wilson, QB – Seattle:
The Seahawks’ quarterback is only 25 years old, but has a Super Bowl championship under his belt. As well as 63 touchdowns passes and eight rushing touchdowns. He’s won a lot of games in his two and a half years at the helm in Seattle and has shown great ability and poise (100.1 career rating). He’s laid the foundation for a Hall of Fame career, but will need to elevate his game in the coming years to realize it. If he does and wins another ring then he will certainly be considered for Canton.
Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
3. Andrew Luck, QB – Indianapolis:
Luck, like Wilson, is only 25 years old. He doesn’t have a ring, yet, but does have two solid seasons on his resume. But his third season, which is only half over, is going to be Luck’s finest year to date. He’s already thrown for 22 touchdowns in only eight games (on pace for 44 this year). If he produces like this for the next decade and brings the Colts a championship he’ll almost certainly be a Hall of Fame inductee. He’s a rare talent and he’s ran for 11 career touchdowns, too.
2. Rob Gronkowski, TE – New England:
The Patriots’ tight end is only 25 years old and played an equivalent of less than four NFL seasons. Yet he’s still scored a ridiculous 50 total touchdowns. He’s already one of the best tight ends of all-time at age 25 and has a lot more football to be played. He has battled some injuries, but if he stays healthy he will be remembered as one of the all-time greats by the time his 30th birthday hits. He’s on pace to have caught the sixth-most touchdowns in NFL history at the age of 30, as a tight end. At the age of 30, yes you read that right.
1. J.J. Watt, DE – Houston:
The No. 1 possible Hall of Fame inductee under the age of 28 in the NFL today absolutely has to be J.J. Watt. He is only 25 years old despite the fact that he’s been dominating the league for three years. From he defensive end position he’s recorded 43.5 sacks and is on pace for around 115 by the time he is 30 years old. But he’s not just great because of his sacks. He’s defended an astonishing 34 passes and forced nine fumbles in his career.
In 2014 alone he’s already scored three touchdowns (one on offense) and he’s racked up 249 career tackles, too. He’s the most versatile player in the league and he dominates his position unlike anyone else. His motor never stops running and he is what all young football players should strive to be — hard working and humble. At this point he looks like a lock for the Hall of Fame, but nothing is guaranteed. At least we, the fans, get to sit back and enjoy watching Watt and these other young players dominate their positions for at least the next decade. Some of these players will be the ones you’ll tell your grandchildren you watched ‘way back when.’
What other young players would you add to the potential Hall of Fame discussion?