Written by Will Brinson at CBSSports.com
The 2017 Hall of Fame class is official, headlined by a pair of running backs who epitomized the importance of the running game during the stretch of time they spent in the NFL. The juxtaposition of Terrell Davis and LaDainian Tomlinson is fascinating too, from a Hall of Fame perspective.
Tomlinson played for a relatively long time (11 years) and was essentially dominant the entire time, coming out of the gates hot and only really struggling during his final year with the Jets. Davis was the opposite, playing only seven seasons and only really dominating for four of those years.
But when Davis played well, he was incredible. He played in eight playoff games and his numbers are staggering: Davis carried the ball 204 times in the postseason, rushing for 1,140 yards and 5.6 yards per carry, while scoring 12 touchdowns in those games.
They are the headliners of an impressive class that includes defensive end Jason Taylor, quarterback Kurt Warner, kicker Morten Anderson, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Seahawks safety Kenny Easley were also inducted. Quite notably, the class does not include Terrell Owens, the mercurial wide receiver who wasn’t thrilled about being snubbed for the second straight year.
2017 Hall of Fame Class
LaDainian Tomlinson: The long-time Chargers running back had a nose for the end zone like few guys to carry the ball. He was a modern back before modern backs were big, dominating as both a power runner and as a passer. Tomlinson was the 2006 NFL MVP and made three All-Pro teams. It should have probably been more — he was one of the all-time greats to ever suit up, but never found the postseason success that would have really cemented his legacy. Tomlinson led the league in rushing yards twice (2006, 2007) and rushing touchdowns three times (2004, 2006, 2007).
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