Recently, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its 15 finalists for the 2023 induction. In September last year, there were 129 names, and out of those, only 28 names became the semifinalists in November. The final 15 include the likes of defensive end Jared Allen, linebacker DeMarcus Ware, wide receiver Torry Holt, defensive end Dwight Freeney, and many others. Although this is a prestigious list, one name was surprisingly missing again from the list and i.e. Hines Ward.
We are excited to share with you our full list of Finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023!
More Info: https://t.co/a4rWvVoKWH pic.twitter.com/A3bBQTjpPr
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) January 5, 2023
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The former Steelers‘ wide receiver is one of the legends of the NFL and has plenty of accolades under his name. Certainly, many NFL fans saw the list and expressed their disappointment after Ward’s name was missing from it.
NFL fans blast the Pro Football Hall of Fame for not including Hines Ward in the final 15 list
After the NFL posted the names of the final 15 names for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, fans quickly noticed that Hines Ward was missing again. Hence, one fan took to Twitter and called it an absolute joke.
an abolute joke that Hines Ward and James Harrison arent on this finalist list https://t.co/Ty1yJTG7Fm
— Deke (@chillinwithdeke) January 5, 2023
One fan called it shameful.
Another snub for Hines Ward, shameful? https://t.co/XYWk2EcupI
— WaltNYC (@WaltNYC) January 5, 2023
One more fan expressed the same opinion.
They forgot Hines Ward again. https://t.co/Z9H4eFfKk1
— Angst Rebellious Sad Boi (@matthewschiemer) January 5, 2023
One fan felt happy that former Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney entered the final 15; however, the fan could not believe that Ward missed out once again.
I'm very happy for Dwight Freeney. He's from my town & has never forgotten the youngsters in our town.
But …
No Hines Ward? Again? HOF is trippin 🤬@TequilaBiggs https://t.co/vfgObxAlXY
— THEE #2022Midterms🌊 (@caryn_wallace) January 5, 2023
Meanwhile, one Twitter user posted some statistics and presented a solid argument for Ward.
Aaand Hines Ward continues to get snubbed. Exactly 1,000 catches, over 12,000 receiving yards, 85 tds, 2 SB rings, and one of the greatest blocking wide receivers of all time. And he's not even a finalist, for what 7 years in a row now?? Insane if you ask me https://t.co/jsb6sGvZDV
— 🇺🇦 Big Baller Beane and the Boiz (@Citizen_Kane4) January 5, 2023
Apart from Ward, many Steelers fans were fuming with the Pro Football Hall of Fame excluding former outside linebacker James Harrison as well.
@ProFootballHOF How do you snub Hines Ward and James Harrison? Both had rules made up to change the game
— Prayers For Hamlin #H2P (@Cmac412Cliff) January 5, 2023
One more fan echoed the same sentiment.
Hines Ward should be in the HOF. Nothing you can say would change my mind
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) January 5, 2023
Another user felt happy for Torry Holt but bashed the HOF for not including Ward’s name.
Torry Holt is a HoF finalist again this year, Hines Ward isn’t. I want to meet the person who would to Holt’s career over Hines’s. Holt also deserves to be in the HoF some day, but he did not have a better career than Hines. pic.twitter.com/bWvJ5ZpTjy
— Robert Voyten (@big_bob_savage) January 5, 2023
One fan straight-up said that Ward will never make it in the modern-era HOF list.
I know you guys hate to hear but I'll say it again.
The only way Hines Ward ever makes the Hall of Fame is through the veteran's committee. He's never getting in as a Modern Era finalist. Not happening. #Steelers
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) January 5, 2023
Notably, Ward has missed out on the finalists’ list for the last 7 years. He has won two Super Bowl titles with the Pittsburgh Steelers and he won the Super Bowl MVP in 2005 as well. In terms of statistics, he recorded 1000 receptions, 12083 receiving yards, and 85 career touchdowns.
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Many names appeared for the first time in this year’s HOF list
Many names including, Darrelle Revis, former Jets’ cornerback, Zach Thomas, former Dolphins’ linebacker, and Dwight Freeney of Colts are appearing on the final list for the first time this year.
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A few names including, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, and DeMarcus Ware appearing this year also made the list for the first time last year. The Pro Football HOF will announce the names of the inductees on February 9 at the NFL Honors show.
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