What Former ‘Noles Should Be In The Pro Football Hall of Fame?

We take a look at what former FSU football stars should someday be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Saturday night, eight more legends in professional football will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during a lavish ceremony in Canton, Ohio. Names like Tony Dungy, Brett Favre, Kevin Greene Marvin Harrison and more will join the greats who came before them and were voted to be the best of the best in the sport.

When these eight legends take their place in Northeast Ohio this weekend, they will also be joining four former FSU football stars who have already taken their place in the hall. It started in 1988 when Fred Biletnikoff became their first to get the honor – followed by Deion Sanders in 2011 and both Derrick Brooks and Walter Jones in 2014.

In the coming years, even more ‘Noles will be eligible for induction into the esteemed group of legends that came before them. The question remains: which former FSU stars should be in Canton in the next few classes? Here’s a list of some top candidates that should get consideration (excluding current players, since we all known Jameis is on the path to Canton at this rate).

Sure Fire Locks

There are a couple players that need to be in Canton as soon as possible. Two of them come on special teams, as both Sebastian Janikowski at kicker and Rohn Stark at punter were some of the best ever at their position and easily rank Hall of Fame worthy.

On offense, there is no other name that needs to be said than that of former running back Warrick Dunn. The speedy back, who won a title at Florida State as a freshman, wasn’t able to bring home a title in the pros – but was a man who was always one of the top backs when he played and was an even better man off the field.

Up For Debate

As evident lately, FSU is the real home of “DBU” and has quite the legacy of sending players from the secondary to the league to do great things. Two of those players are LeRoy Butler and Terrell Buckley. Both of them have championships on their resume and were some of the best players in the entire league during their time in the pros.

Another name that will get plenty of consideration is the recently retired Darnell Dockett. In 12 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers, Dockett was one of the most dominate lineman in the entire league and made his case for Canton consideration during a career that included a Super Bowl appearance during the 2008 season.

Current ‘Noles On The Path

Okay, I lied a little bit but there are so many ‘Noles in the current league that it would be criminal to not take a look deep into the future.

Obviously, the main name is going to be Jameis Winston. In just one season in the pros, he put up numbers that put him in the category with future Hall of Famers like Peyton Manning. If his receivers can actually catch the ball, Winston’s numbers and future playoff success will have him in Canton.

Another name to remember is the ageless wonder Anquan Boldin. After signing with the Detroit Lions days ago, Boldin will be sticking around for at least one more year and delaying his five year wait for induction. Over the past 13 seasons, he has a championship resume, numbers on the field and success off of it that will get him in the conversation for a bust of his head in the Hall.