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There are many amazing performers waiting to be enshrined in Canton, Ohio.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2021 is set. Contributor Bill Nunn, Senior Committee nominee and wide receiver Drew Pearson and coach Tom Flores certainly waited their turn.
In terms of the modern-era players, first-time eligibles such as quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receiver Calvin Johnson and defensive back Charles Woodson are joined by long-time standouts such as guard Alan Faneca and safety John Lynch.
Many of the following 30 players were semifinalists and for some, finalists for the Class of 2021. And there’s also some names that have waited an awfully long time to get the call. And there will be a smattering of other mentions as well.
30. T Tony Boselli
He was the first player selected by a franchise in its first season in the league. Imposing Southern Cal tackle Tony Boselli was the second-overall pick in the1995 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. His tenure in the league did not last as long as some would prefer as injuries took its toll.
But for the brief time Boselli suited up for Tom Coughlin’s club, he was one the more dominant players at his position during his stay in the NFL. The five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro’s resume isn’t long but is certainly distinguished. Consider he was the primary starting left tackle for the team for just six seasons.
29. LB Bill Bergey
Rangy Bill Bergey began his career with the Bengals and would finish it with the Eagles. A second-round pick in 1969 from Arkansas State, he picked off nine passes and recovered six fumbles in five seasons with the club and earned a Pro Bowl berth as a rookie. In seven years with the Birds, there were 33 takeaways – including 18 interceptions.
In a dozen seasons, Bergey was named to five Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors in 1974 and ’75. Bergey also took the field for six playoff games – three of those coming in 1980 when head coach Dick Vermeil guided Philadelphia to a date with the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XV.