Fred Taylor, a former NFL running back, submitted a strong case for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, he has been snubbed by the voters multiple times. But even then, he argues that his statistics are better than those of many other running backs who are already in the Hall of Fame. And, his statistics are supporting him, but the question remains: Are the fans supporting this NFL devotee?
Fred spent most of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, from 1998 to 2008, before joining the New England Patriots for his final two seasons. In a unique way to honor his legacy, Fred Taylor has decided to sign a one-day contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars and end his career where it began.
Fans On: Rooting for Fred’s HOF induction!
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Per Fred, his career as a running back was remarkable, and he outperformed many other players in his position and earned his place among the best in NFL history.
“My numbers were better than [the] majority of the backs that had ever played this game,” Taylor conveyed his thoughts to ESPN, as reported by ProFootballTalk. “But guys have made arguments for me, players that are in [the Hall of Fame],” he stated. However, fans reacted to his arguments via Twitter and showed their support for him.
Someone being hilarious, “Fragile” nickname hampers his chances- “When your nickname was “Fragile ” Fred, you’re not getting in.”
When your nickname was "Fragile " Fred, you're not getting in.
— JB (@jbjammin34) June 27, 2023
Per one fan, Championships matter; “Does he have any championships? Was he a reason his team won a championship?”
Does he have any championships? Was he a reason his team won a championship?
— Special Sauce (@TinyAbomb83) June 27, 2023
Another fan reflects on the lack of All-Pro and Pro Bowl recognition.
This is not a good argument to get into the hall. No all pro meaning he was never considered a top 2 or 3 rb in any year! 1 pro bowl means he wasn't top 5 or 6 only once. Am I missing something?
— Greg King (@gregorykingjr) June 26, 2023
One fans suggested HOF requires top 10 or Super Bowl wins.
The NFL is different from other sports in that it’s really hard to get in the HOF. If you aren’t top 10 or if you haven’t won multiple Super Bowls, your chances are slim.
— Dennis Romback (@DennisRomback) June 26, 2023
A fan compared others like Andre Johnson, and Reggie Wayne.
Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Devin Hester, Vince Wolfork, and Jeff Feagles are all more deserving than this guy.
— Steve (@UngarCanes) June 27, 2023
Fred Taylor: Numbers speak for themselves
Fred Taylor signed a one-day contract with the Jaguars on September 1, 2011, so that he could retire as a member of the team that he spent 11 seasons with. It was a symbolic gesture to honor his legacy and his connection with the franchise and the fans.
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After a long time with retirement, Fred hopes that these numbers will convince the voters to induct him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl (the all-star game for NFL players) once. |
He rushed for a total of 11,695 yards in his career, which currently ranks 17th among all players in NFL history. |
He scored 66 rushing touchdowns, which currently ranks 66th among all players in NFL history. |
His average rushing yards per game (abbreviated as RYPG) is 76.4, which currently ranks 26th among all players in NFL history. |
His yards per attempt (abbreviated as YPA) is 4.6, which is tied for 32nd among all players in NFL history. |
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Fred Taylor hung up his cleats after the 2010 season, leaving behind a legacy of productivity and durability, despite facing several injuries in his career.
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