Top 10 NFL players that didn’t make it into the Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame celebrates the best players in NFL history, but some remarkable individuals haven’t received this prestigious honor yet. These players made a significant impact on the sport with their talent, leadership, and achievements. From outstanding quarterbacks to defensive stars and record-setting receivers, this list highlights the top 10 NFL players who haven’t been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Their contributions to the game have left fans and experts questioning why they haven’t been recognized with this esteemed accolade.

Top 10 NFL players that didn’t make it into the Hall of Fame

Ken Anderson

Ken Anderson had an impressive career as an NFL quarterback, even though he was overshadowed by other greats like Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana. Despite playing in a time when passing wasn’t as common, he managed to rack up 32,838 passing yards and 160 touchdowns. Bill Walsh, who later became famous for the West Coast offense, actually developed the system while coaching Anderson in Cincinnati. Anderson led the league in completion percentage and passing yards multiple times and was named NFL MVP in 1981 when he led the Bengals to the Super Bowl, where they faced Joe Montana’s dominant 49 years.

Ottis Anderson

In 1990, Ottis Anderson became the eighth player to reach 10,000 rushing yards, and all seven players ahead of him were already in the Hall of Fame. As a rookie in 1979, he ran for an impressive 1,605 yards and surpassed 1,000 yards in five out of his first six seasons. Later, he had a resurgence with the New York Giants and was named MVP in Super Bowl XXV. By the end of his career, Anderson had accumulated 10,273 rushing yards and scored 81 touchdowns.

Fred Taylor

Fred Taylor didn’t receive the recognition he deserved due to the small market of Jacksonville. Despite not winning a Super Bowl, Taylor proved his worth on the field, rushing for over 1,000 yards in seven seasons and accumulating 11,695 career rushing yards in his 13-year career, with an impressive 4.6 yards per carry average. His total rushing yards rank 17th on the NFL all-time list, more than some Hall of Famers like Earl Campbell, Jim Taylor, Larry Csonka, and Terrell Davis. Taylor’s talent deserves Hall of Fame recognition.

Steve McNair

Steve McNair was a rare talent in NFL history, excelling both as a passer with over 31,000 career passing yards and as a runner with 3,590 yards rushing. He was even named co-MVP with Peyton Manning in 2003 and earned three Pro Bowl selections. In 1999, he came incredibly close to leading the Titans to a Super Bowl championship. Unfortunately, his career numbers could have been even more impressive if not for the injuries he suffered due to his aggressive and scrambling style of play on the field. Despite the challenges, McNair’s versatility and skills made him a formidable quarterback in the league.

Roger Craig

Roger Craig had a remarkable NFL career, shining both as a fullback and running back, securing three Super Bowl victories. Although his outstanding three-touchdown performance in Super Bowl XVIII was overshadowed by Joe Montana’s MVP display, the following year, he made history as the first back to achieve 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in a single season.

Later in his career, Craig switched to running back and achieved over 1,000 yards rushing in the 49ers’ Super Bowl championship seasons of 1988 and 1989. Known as one of the best pass-catching running backs, he led the league in receptions in 1985. In total, Craig amassed 566 receptions for 4,911 yards, solidifying his place in NFL history.

Mike Alstott

Mike Alstott was the prototypical short-yardage and run-blocking fullback that became a vital part of NFL teams in the 1990s and 2000s. A three-time first-team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler, he played a crucial role in leading Tampa Bay to its only Super Bowl victory in 2002, rushing for four touchdowns during the Bucs’ playoff run that season. As Tampa Bay’s passing attack was not as strong during his career, Alstott’s contribution to the running game became even more significant for the team’s success. He wrapped up his career with 5,088 rushing yards and an impressive 58 touchdowns.

Harold Jackson

If you were asked to guess the receiver who led the NFL in receptions during the 1970s, you might not think of Harold Jackson. But with 432 catches, he was the most productive receiver in the league during that decade before passing offenses flourished due to rule changes. Despite not being often considered a Hall of Fame candidate, Jackson’s career concluded with impressive numbers – 10,372 receiving yards, nearly twice as many as Steelers great Lynn Swann, and 76 touchdowns. At the time of his retirement in 1983, he ranked second all-time in receiving yards, seventh in receptions, and ninth in touchdown catches.

Cliff Branch

Cliff Branch was another receiver in the 1970s who might have been overshadowed by Lynn Swann’s Super Bowl heroics. As a key part of the Raiders’ deep passing game, Branch won three Super Bowl rings in his career. He earned three first-team All-Pro selections and ended his career with 8,685 receiving yards and 67 touchdown catches – more than Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, both Hall of Famers. Branch’s success came during a time when defenses had the upper hand over passing games due to the rules of that era.

Billy Howton

Billy Howton was one of the top receivers in the 1950s, especially during his impressive rookie season when he led the league with 1,232 receiving yards and caught 13 touchdown passes. Although he didn’t surpass those rookie numbers in subsequent years, Howton’s career ended with remarkable achievements. He retired in 1963 as the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions (503) and receiving yards (8,459), surpassing the great Don Hutson. His success was even more remarkable considering that passing yards were much harder to come by in that era.

Pete Retzlaff

Pete Retzlaff was a trailblazer, transitioning from receiver to become one of the early tight ends in the 1960s. He made history as the only tight end to win an NFL MVP award in 1965. Additionally, Retzlaff played a vital role in the Eagles’ 1960 NFL championship victory, leading the team in catches and receiving yards. Throughout his career, he achieved 50 or more receptions five times, showcasing his consistency and talent. The Eagles recognized his immense contributions by retiring his jersey, making him one of only nine players to receive this honor in the franchise’s history.

Though they may not have received the Hall of Fame nod, their legacy lives on in the hearts of fans, and their influence on the game will be remembered for generations to come. Sometimes, it’s not just about the accolades, but the lasting impact they left on the gridiron that truly defines their greatness. Like this post? Don’t forget to check out our other short stories in our Quick Read section