The Class of 2022 in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is uncharacteristic and unique.
Four of the five modern-era Enshrinees were on the defensive side of a ball, while four of them were eligible for at minimum 10 years. This is the first time that a finalist who was eligible for the first time in 2012 has not been selected for enshrinement.
The modern era enshirees are tackle Tony Boselli and safety LeRoy Butler. Linebacker Sam Mills, defensive end Richard Seymour, and Bryant Young, who are all tackles. Cliff Branch, wide receiver, was the seniors finalist. Former NFL director of officiating Art McNally, linebacker Sam Mills, defensive tackle Bryant Young, and Dick Vermeil (contributor finalist), were also selected for enshrinement.
In early August, the class will be honored in Canton Ohio.
DeMarcus Ware, wide receiver Andre Johnson, Devin Hester and punt/kick returninger Devin Hester are some examples of first-year eligible candidates who will need at least another year.
Boselli is only offensive player of the five selections from the modern era. Boselli (16th Year of Eligibility), Mills (20th Year of Eligibility), Butler (16th Year of Eligibility) and Young (10th Year of Eligibility) all waited more than ten years for the gold jacket.
Mills, a five time Pro Bowl selection in NFL with the New Orleans Saints Carolina PanthersHe was also one of the most prominent players of the USFL in its time. This was his last year as a modern-era candidate. Boselli was a five-time Pro Bowl selection for the Jacksonville JaguarsThe career of the late, inexplicably injured shoulder surgeon, was the end of hers. She had been a finalist six times.
The Hall’s board selected the class for this year during a virtual meeting on Jan. 18.
Butler was the sole defensive starter on the 1990s All-Decade team that had not been previously enshrined. Boselli was also named to the All-Decade Team of the 1990s.
Seymour was also a member New England PatriotsThe first three Super Bowl winners, and Ty Law (Class Of 2019) joins them as the first two defenders of those Patriots teams in Hall.
McNally is known as the father of modern officiating. McNally was the father of modern officiating. His use of video to grade, evaluate and teach officials was copied by all U.S. professional leagues. He was also a prominent advocate for replay to review calls during games.
Branch, who spent his entire career with the Raiders and was a Super Bowl winner, also played for them. He was one of the best players in the history the league and averaged over 17 yards per reception in six seasons. He also led the league in touchdown catch twice.