The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced finalists for its 2022 induction class Thursday with Bears return specialist Devin Hester, Texans legend Andre Johnson and Cowboys sack machine DeMarcus Ware among the 15 nominees still standing. Surprisingly, Steve Smith, who ranks eighth all-time with 14,731 career receiving yards, was denied entry, joining Vince Wilfork, Hines Ward, Darren Woodson and Eddie George among 11 semifinalists failing to make the cut.
This was only Smith’s first year of eligibility, leaving the five-time Pro Bowler plenty more opportunities to eventually crack Canton. Still, the 42-year-old’s snub left many on social media flabbergasted, confused and outraged by the disrespect shown to one of the greatest receivers, not just of his generation, but of all-time.
The former Panther was, in many respects, a pioneer, excelling in spite of his diminutive 5’9” frame. A feared deep threat with game-breaking speed, Smith eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving eight times, including his magnum opus 2005 season when he led the NFL in catches (103), yards (1,563) and touchdowns (12). Smith was also a standout on special teams, emerging as one of the league’s top return men with six combined kickoff and punt return touchdowns over his 16-year career.
Twitter seemed particularly bothered that Johnson and Hester made it through to the final 15 while Smith will have to wait at least another year. Hester played primarily on special teams and though Johnson’s numbers are at least comparable to Smith’s (1,062 career catches for 14,185 yards and 70 touchdowns), his Texans teams were never relevant, reaching the playoffs only twice while never advancing past the Divisional Round. Meanwhile, Smith’s 1,001 postseason receiving yards are the 15th-most in NFL history, ahead of names like Larry Fitzgerald, Marvin Harrison, Cris Carter and Randy Moss.
Smith will likely be enshrined at some point, though the cold shoulder he got from voters is hard to fathom.
Related
LISTEN NOW on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram