NFL writer makes bittersweet Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame prediction ahead of big year for the franchise
The Dallas Cowboys are known for their large presence in Canton, Ohio’s Pro Football Hall of Fame. But how things pan out in 2027 will be one of the most fascinating storylines, as Jason Witten and Darren Woodson are both worthy.
The Dallas Cowboys are known for being one of the NFL’s most iconic teams, which is largely reflected by their 32 enshrinees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But lately, Hall of Fame talk surrounding the team has slowly turned controversial.
And the latest prediction from national NFL writer Eric Edholm would only make it even more so.
NFL writer predicts next Cowboys Hall of Famer
In a recent article for NFL.com, Edholm predicted each NFL team’s next inductee. And while his Cowboys prediction is one old-school fans will love to hear, it could also become a bittersweet one.
“I am going to go out on a limb and say (safety Darren Woodson) makes it in,” Edholm wrote. “He’s been a finalist in each of the past four years but has missed the cut.”
Naturally, this would be cause for celebration. Woodson has waited his turn for a long time and frankly, he has the credentials to make it in having been a pivotal part of three Cowboys’ Super Bowls.
“I thought he belonged before Eric Allen (Class of 2025), and I believe the voters will remedy that,” Edholm added.
So why could it be bittersweet?
Woodson faces strong competition even within the Cowboys realm, and it’s Jason Witten. Not making it in as a first-ballot inductee already felt like a gut punch given Witten’s iconic NFL career—he is considered one of the greatest tight ends of all time.
If he has to wait another year, even if it’s partially in the name of letting Woodson in (voters have been known to be influenced by how long someone has waited), it will feel wrong.
“There will be strong competition in both the short term, with Jason Witten (a 2026 finalist in his first year of eligibility), and long term, with Zack Martin and Tyron Smith first eligible in 2030.” Edholm writes. “All three feel like strong candidates, but Woodson — the Cowboys’ all-time leading tackler and the backbone of a three-time Super Bowl-winning defense — is one, too.”
Edholm acknowledged the possibility of both making it on the same year, but it won’t be easy. Especially with TE Rob Gronkowski, QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Adrian Peterson, among others becoming eligible in 2027.