10 current players bound for the Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 19: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs passes as he warms up prior to an NFL preseason football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 03: J.J. Watt, #99 of the Houston Texans, looks on during an NFL game against the Tennessee Titans on January 03, 2021, in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

No. 9: DE JJ Watt

Like Tom Brady, JJ Watt recently hung up his cleats for good, and don’t worry; he is the last of the recently retired players on this list. When you look at his career and the stats that Watt registered, along with bringing the Houston Texans their first-ever playoff victory, you can’t begin to explain Watt’s impact on the game.

In a four-year span, 2012-2015, Watt was as dominant as you could possibly be. 69 sacks, 190 QB hits, 15 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, and three, yes three, Defensive Player of the Year awards. That’s unbelievable over four years. 20. 5 sacks in 2012 and 2014, and 17.5 in 2015. Start carving out his bust already, will you please?

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JUNE 13: Travis Kelce, #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs, speaks to the press during Chiefs Mini Camp on June 13, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images) /

No. 8: TE Travis Kelce

All right now. Before we get called a “Jabroni,” we need to first send love to Jason Kelce, who will go into the Hall of Fame, as well as his younger brother. Now, back to business. Patrick Mahomes’ best weapon undoubtedly deserves to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With two Super Bowl rings and even in a loss to Tampa Bay, Travis Kelce is a wrecking machine on the biggest stage in football.

Not only does this SNL guest host rock a mic, but how he’s developed his game and further expanded the role of the receiving tight end brings excellence that hasn’t been seen since Gronk ran the show with TB12 in New England. Start fitting a gold jacket for Kelce, and his brother, right now. It will be a big party in Canton when No. 87 comes to town.

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