Jason Witten’s path to the Hall of Fame immediately gets tougher after first-year snub
The Dallas Cowboys icon has to wait. Unfortunately, it may be for more than just a year.
Despite an iconic career that made him a Dallas Cowboys icon even in the Super Bowl drought of the franchise, Jason Witten failed to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first year on the ballot.
The news, which came Thursday night with the announcement of this year’s enshrinees at the NFL Honors, is a surprise to many Cowboys fans who saw Witten work his way into the second-place all-time in receptions and receiving yards among tight ends. The bad news? It wouldn’t be a shocker if the wait is extended beyond 2026.
Witten’s competition to get tougher in 2027
Part of the reason why Witten didn’t make the cut this year is the fact that voters elected two first-ballot players in Larry Fitzgerald and Drew Brees. Voters already make a big deal about electing players (or coaches, as Bill Belichick can attest) on their first year of eligibility and despite Witten’s greatness, it’s tough to argue for him against either of those two.
Fitzgerald is second in all-time receiving yards and he authored an epic postseason in 2008. Brees is one of the all-time great quarterbacks and a Super Bowl champion.
Well, next year’s first-ballot candidates are looking like that kind of competition, as well. Among the players eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time in 2027 are:
- TE Rob Gronkowski
- QB Ben Roethlisberger
- RB Adrian Peterson
- CB Richard Sherman
- QB Cam Newton
There are others, but the names above are the most likely to command serious first-ballot consideration. Newton may be a long shot because his good years lasted very little but that 2015 MVP season remains one of the best ever by a quarterback.
Gronkowski’s availability will harm him but despite the limited time he’s got Witten beat in first-team All-Pros and is a postseason legend, with four Super Bowls to his name.
As for Peterson and Sherman, both have historic careers at their positions. Peterson is a former MVP and a seven-time All-Pro. Sherman is not only a Super Bowl winner but he was one of the most important players in Seattle’s Legion of Boom.
What I’m trying to say is, as surprised as it was Witten didn’t make it to Canton this year, the road won’t get any easier in 2027.
Dallas Cowboys News
My Dallas Cowboys mock trade offer for Raiders’ Maxx Crosby was accepted, here’s what I learned
Maxx Crosby could be traded by the Raiders this offseason. This offer could secure him for the Cowboys.
