The Green Bay Packers are well-represented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Earlier this year, it was announced that former Packers defensive lineman (and long-time Chicago Bear) Steve McMichael was being inducted into Canton by the veterans committee.
Now that this year’s class has been determined, the Hall of Fame has set its sights on the Class of 2024. Today, September 19, they released their full list of 173 modern-era nominees. Among those who were honored with a nomination in their first year of eligibility were former Packers Jordy Nelson, Josh Sitton, TJ Lang, and Julius Peppers.
Jordy Nelson Is One of Many Green Bay Packers Who Have Been Nominated
Just a few days ago, Nelson and Sitton were inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. They join an exclusive group of legends that have made profound impacts on the franchise, but also a group of players that have been awaiting their own call to Canton. Other former Packers players who have been nominated are:
- Ahman Green
- Dorsey Levens
- John Kuhn
- Donald Driver
- Antonio Freeman
- Andre Rison
- Jeff Saturday
- Nick Collins
- Eugene Robinson
- Allen Rossum
Of course, the veterans committee will also be considering the cases of former Packers greats Cecil Isbell and Sterling Sharpe, but they will be voted on apart from the modern-era nominees.
Which Green Bay Packers Player Has the Best Shot at Induction Into the Hall of Fame?
There are certainly a few worthy names on the list of former Packers players that are deserving on a bust in Canton. However, the reality of it is that not many of them will ever get there. That being said, there is one name that stands out above the rest as an almost sure-fire inductee: Julius Peppers.
Peppers finished his NFL career with 159.5 sacks, which officially ranks him fourth all-time. He played 10 of his 17 seasons with the Carolina Panthers, four with the Chicago Bears, and three with the Packers. Peppers was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time First Team All Pro, 2002 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and a member of the Hall of Fame’s All 2000’s Team.
In his three seasons with the Packers, Peppers 25.0 sacks and made his final Pro Bowl.
Andre Rison Should Be in the Hall of Fame
While off-the-field instances may ultimately keep him out of the Hall of Fame, many forget just how great of a player on the field wide receiver Andre Rison was. He currently ranks in the top 50 all time in receiving yards (10,205) and the top 20 in touchdown receptions (84) among wide receivers.
At the time of his retirement, he was closer to the top 10 in each.
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