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NFL Hall of Fame: Ranking the players in the 2019 class of inductees

By Cody Williams

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Ravens won 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 03: Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Ravens won 34-31 against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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NFL Hall of Fame
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 02: NFLPA President Kevin Mawae speaks during a press conference held by the NFL Players Association at the Super Bowl XLVI Media Center in the J.W. Marriott Indianapolis on February 2, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) /

Seahawks, Jets, Titans. Kevin Mawae. 4. player. 30. . Center

  • Played for Seattle Seahawks (1994-97), New York Jets (1998-2005) and Tennessee Titans (2006-09)
  • 8X Pro Bowler, 7X First-Team All-Pro, 1X Second-Team All-Pro
  • Started 238 of his 241 games played in the NFL

While Kevin Mawae started his NFL career playing guard for the Seattle Seahawks, he moved to center full-time in his third season and dominated from the middle of the offensive line for the rest of his career. He was an iron man and stalwart at the position as well, starting 177 straight games on the line until 2005, which led to his departure from the Jets.

Even still, Mawae had a late-career surge with the Tennessee Titans, bolstering the rushing attack of Travis Henry and Vince Young. After also leading the way for the legendary Jets rushing attack with Curtis Martin in the backfield, it’s no wonder why Mawae — though considered a bit dirty by his peers — was a perennial Pro Bowler and one of the best interior offensive linemen of the last 25 years.

Tight End. Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons. Tony Gonzalez. 3. player. 124.

  • Played for Kansas City Cheifs (1997-2008) and Atlanta Falcons (2009-13)
  • 14X Pro Bowler, 6X First-Team All-Pro, 4X Second-Team All-Pro
  • 1,325 career recectpions for 15,127 yards and 111 touchdowns

You know it’s a strong NFL Hall of Fame class when Tony Gonzalez is coming in at third in the rankings.

Gonzalez is a true trend-setter in regards to what he did for the tight end position in pro football. The former basketball player laid down the prototype for what teams want in terms of a player with elite receiving ability and athleticism at the position to make for matchup nightmares with opposing defenses.

With him paving that path, it’s no surprise that he was nearly unstoppable and enjoyed an illustriously long career. Gonzalez ended his career with a wild 14 Pro Bowl selections but also as the leader in career receiving yards by a tight end. Furthermore, he only missed two games in his entire career, showcasing even more tremendous value.

And, in many cases, he’s be No. 1 in these type of rankings. But two defensive backs had something to say about that.

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