Every NFL player knows what it takes to make it into professional football. When one of their peers is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the NFL world celebrates the incredible accomplishment.
We saw that again on Saturday when five new players were announced as the modern-era enshrinees into the Hall of Fame. Isaac Bruce, Edgerrin James, Steve Hutchinson, Troy Polamalu and Steve Atwater had plenty to celebrate on Saturday night.
As word broke of each player earning their spot into football immortality with a place in Canton, Ohio, former teammates, coaches and peers of the Hall of Fame enshrinees celebrated.
Edgerrin James became the latest Colts’ legend to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. A four-time Pro Bowl running back, he racked up 12,246 rushing yards, 3,365 receiving yards and 91 total touchdowns across 13 NFL seasons.
After waiting for his moment to come, former Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings offensive guard Steve Hutchinson got the unforgettable call. As soon as it became official, Hutchinson’s former team and a Hall of Fame teammate congratulated the five-time All-Pro.
Of course, the iconic halls in Canton wouldn’t be right without Pittsburgh Steelers legend Troy Polamalu. A two-time Super Bowl champion and eight-time Pro Bowl selection, Polamalu received plenty of love from former coaches and teammates.
Denver Broncos icon Steve Atwater waited for 16 years for this moment. After falling short as a finalist twice, the two-time Super Bowl Champion with 1,180 career tackles got the news on Saturday and received an outpouring of support from John Elway and former Broncos corner Bradley Roby.
Of course, former St. Louis Rams receiver Isaac Bruce became the newest member from the “Greatest Show on Turf” to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After retiring with 1,024 receptions, 15,208 receiving yards and a Super Bowl ring, Bruce received love from former teammates and those he competed against.