The NFL announced its selection for the 2018 Hall of Fame class on Saturday (Feb. 3). Wide receiver Randy Moss, linebacker Brian Urlacher, wide receiver Terrell Owens, linebacker Ray Lewis were among those selected for this years class.
ESPN is reporting that this HOF class is one of the youngest in NFL history with Lewis, Urlacher and Moss all getting inducted in their first year of eligibility. Owens was a final nominee the last two years but he was not chosen, which raised criticism throughout the league.
Many fans felt as though Owens was snubbed because of the bad relationships accumulated during his 14 year career. The now-Hall of Fame Wide Receiver played six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before bouncing around the league,playing with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and finishing his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. Owens finished his career eighth all time in receptions (1,078), second in receiving yards (15,935) and third in receiving touchdowns (153).
Ray Lewis is the most noteworthy of the inductees. Lewis was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, got selected to 13 Pro-Bowls and won two Super Bowl titles-including one Super Bowl MVP in his 17 seasons After retirement, Lewis was hired and eventually let go by ESPN as an analyst and a year later joined Fox Sports One as a commentator.
Another notable player on the 2018 Hall of Fame induction list is former Philadelphia Eagles Strong Safety, Brian Dawkins. Dawkins achieved this feat in his second year of eligibility. The former Eagle turned Denver Bronco was known for being a big-hit safety who became the source of strength in the Eagles Super Bowl run in 2004. Dawkins retired in 2012 signing a one day contract with the Eagles to retire in the city of Brotherly Love where it all started.
