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

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts as he celebrates after forcing a turnover on downs against the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022, in Inglewood, California. The Rams won 23-20. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

No. 3: DT Aaron Donald

The moment Aaron Donald threw down Joe Burrow at the end of Super Bowl LVI, the journey was officially complete. From an undersized defensive tackle out of Pittsburgh to an NFL wrecking machine to a Super Bowl champion.

The heart of No. 99 can never be questioned. Not to mention his presence alone made the Rams watchable before the great fortunes they have endured.

It’s possible that Donald will hang up his cleats soon; he’s already accomplished so much in his career to be listed among the greats that preceded him. But his love of the game has yet to dwindle, and it’s safe to say he’s not done. While the Rams are back to being a middle-of-the-pack team within the NFC West, they are always a force as long as No. 99 has something to say about it.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 12: Patrick Mahomes, #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs, runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

No. 2: QB Patrick Mahomes

No. 2? Well, the thing is, Mahomes has only played for a short period of time, so while his resume is worthy enough to get a gold jacket on the first ballot, he needs just a few more years to take the top spot on this list. That and he’s not retiring anytime soon, so why end the run so quickly? Enjoy the ride for a while; after all, it’s been a great story in the Kingdom ever since this Red Raider took control.

Five straight home conference championship games, three Super Bowl appearances, and two Super Bowl MVPs. Not to mention several dazzling plays that routinely make Sportscenter even when it’s incomplete. At this rate, No. 15 might be No. 1 when all is said and done, but he needs at least two more years like he’s been playing for him to get to No.1 on this list. Please don’t feel bad, KC; he’s still a first-ballot HOF.

SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

No. 1: DE/OLB Von Miller

The last defensive player to be named Super Bowl MVP, Von Miller’s performance in Super Bowl 50 against fellow draftee Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers will long live in NFL lore if for no other reason than sending Peyton Manning off into the sunset with a ring. Not only that, the damage done to offensive tackle Mike Remmers provided a blueprint for success for one of Miller’s proteges years later with Shaq Barrett in Super Bowl LV.

Miller also won a ring with the Rams and now resides in Buffalo, hoping to bring them their first-ever Super Bowl title. If Miller pulls that off, he will officially be in a class of his own. In all likelihood, Josh Allen will win the Super Bowl MVP if the Bills win the big game, but imagine if Miller takes that award instead. He would need his own parade float down Orchard Park.

Next. By signing Dalvin Cook, New York Jets confirm they’re all-in. dark

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