Retiring Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce is certain to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame someday, perhaps even as early as five years from now.
Over a 13-year career, who reportedly told his teammates Monday night he’s retiring, Jason Kelce put together an NFL resume worthy of even first-ballot consideration: six Pro Bowl invitations, a 6-time first-team All-Pro selection, and one Super Bowl ring. Plus, most would place Jason Kelce among the best to ever play the center position.
In today’s game, Jason Kelce isn’t the only player who’s a virtual lock for Canton. There are several players who could retire now, as Jason Kelce is reportedly doing, knowing they are destined to wear a Hall of Fame gold jacket.
Following are 10 present-day players who already have the credentials to be immortalized alongside Jason Kelce in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Related: 4 offseason moves the Philadelphia Eagles need to make, including Nick Sirianni and free agency
Aaron Donald, Rams DT
YEARS: 2014-present
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10 Pro Bowls, 7-time All-Pro, 3-time NFL Defensive POY, Defensive ROY, Super Bowl champion
If he isn’t already, Donald will go down as one of the NFL’s greatest defensive players ever. His three Defensive Player of the Year awards tie him for the most all-time with Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt. That list is about as elite as it gets, but Donald certainly belongs.
Tyreek Hill, Dolphins WR
YEARS: 2016-present
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8 Pro Bowls, 4-time All-Pro, Super Bowl champion
The “Cheetah” has exploded his way into the Hall of Fame conversation with more credentials than any other receiver in the NFL. Hill was within reach of the vaunted 2,000-yard receiving mark for much of the season and could get there in 2024, since he’s still at the peak of his powers.
Travis Kelce, Chiefs TE
YEARS: 2013-present
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9 Pro Bowls, 4-time All-Pro, 2-time Super Bowl champion
Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce will someday become the first brothers to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jason might get there first, but Travis will follow shortly. As he continues to produce each year, Travis could go down as the greatest tight end ever. Either that, or he’ll end up in the conversation along with Rob Gronkowski and Tony Gonzalez, among others.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs QB
YEARS: 2017-present
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 6 Pro Bowls, 2-time All-Pro, 2-time NFL MVP, 2-time Super Bowl champion, 2-time Super Bowl MVP, Offensive POY
Of all the players on this list, Mahomes has the least amount of NFL service time, but no one would argue against his Hall of Fame candidacy. He’s proven to be a generational talent who could end with more Super Bowl rings before he’s through.
Zack Martin, Cowboys OG
YEARS: 2014-present
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9 Pro Bowls, 6-time All-Pro
Martin has quietly and effectively produced a Hall of Fame-caliber career and might be the most unassuming player on this list, all due to the position he plays. But he’s revered among offensive linemen and still at the top of his game. Even though the Cowboys have disappointed, Martin certainly hasn’t.
Von Miller, Bills LB
YEARS: 2011-present
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8 Pro Bowls, 3-time All-Pro, 2-time Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, Defensive Rookie of the Year
Miller has had severe off-the-field troubles; he turned himself in on an arrest warrant related to a felony charge of assault. But on the field, he’s the active NFL leader in sacks and he’s built up plenty of accolades to merit entrance into the Hall of Fame.
Aaron Rodgers, Jets QB
YEARS: 2005-present
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10 Pro Bowls, 4-time NFL MVP, 4-time All-Pro, Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP
Rodgers sat behind another Hall of Fame quarterback, Brett Favre, for three seasons in Green Bay before taking over and producing a career is arguably better than Favre’s. His four MVP awards are second only to Peyton Manning and one ahead of Tom Brady. If that’s the case, start making Rodgers’ Hall of Fame bust now.
Justin Tucker, Ravens K
YEARS: 2012-present
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 7 Pro Bowls, 5-time All-Pro, Super Bowl champion
There are currently five placekickers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but someday Tucker will be the sixth. Tucker is the most accurate field-goal kicker in NFL history, making them at a 90.2 percent clip, and many already refer to him as the GOAT among kickers.
Bobby Wagner, Seahawks LB
YEARS: 2012-present
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9 Pro Bowls, 6-time All-Pro, Super Bowl champion
Wagner was among the stars on the Seahawks’ “Legion of Doom” defense that terrorized the NFL and led to one Super Bowl championship. In addition, he’s been either a first-team or second-team All-Pro for 10 consecutive seasons. That would earn anyone a permanent home in Canton.
Trent Williams, 49ers LT
YEARS: 2010-present
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 11 Pro Bowls, 3-time All-Pro
Among active players, no one has as many Pro Bowl invitations than Williams, for whom there are several highlight reels on YouTube showing his devastating blocks. He’s even been considered the best football player in the NFL, regardless of position. Williams has more work to do with the 49ers, but don’t be surprised if he’s someday revered as the game’s greatest left tackle.