FORMER TEXAN REED HEADS 2019 HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
Tony Gonzalez, the most accomplished tight end in NFL history, Ed Reed, Champ Bailey and London Fletcher are first-year eligible players among the 102 modern-era nominees for the class of 2019 for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Gonzalez retired in 2013 after 17 pro seasons in which he had 1,325 receptions, second to Jerry Rice on the career list. A college basketball and football star at California, he was drafted 13th overall by the Chiefs in 1997 and played a dozen seasons in Kansas City. Gonzalez spent his final five seasons with Atlanta, finishing with 111 touchdown catches and 15,127 yards receiving. He made six All-Pro teams and was a member of the all-decade team for 2000-10.
Reed and Bailey were standout defensive backs for stout units. The 24th overall draft selection in 2002, Reed played 11 seasons in Baltimore, three times leading the league in interceptions. Among his 64 career picks were TD returns of 106 and 107 yards. He was a five-time All-Pro, the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year, and joined Gonzalez on the all-decade team. Reed won a Super Bowl in the 2012 season.
Bailey began his career with Washington in 1999 as the seventh overall draft choice. He moved to Denver in 2004, and led the NFL in interceptions with 10 in 2006. Bailey, who also dabbled on offense, had 52 career picks, made three All-Pro teams and, yes, also was on the all-decade team of 2000-2010.
Fletcher became a starting linebacker in St. Louis in 1999 and won a Super Bowl. A rare undrafted player to be nominated for the Hall of Fame, he missed only one start from 1999-2013 with the Rams, Bills and Redskins. Fletcher made four Pro Bowls and finished his career with 1,380 tackles, 23 interceptions and 39 sacks.
The modern-era nominees will be reduced to 25 semifinalists in November and, from there, to 15 finalists in January.
Steelers: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed practice again Thursday due to an issue with his right elbow. Second-year quarterback Josh Dobbs took all the snaps with the starters.
Jaguars: Leonard Fournette is running again and feeling “better and better” about his strained right hamstring. The running back said he’s hopeful he will be able to play against the Patriots on Sunday, but “it’ll be a game-time decision.”
Falcons: Running back Devonta Freeman (knee) was held out of practice again, leaving his status uncertain for Sunday’s game against Carolina. Tevin Coleman would start for Freeman.
Chargers: Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa will remain out for Sunday’s game at Buffalo because of a bone bruise to his left foot, coach Anthony Lynn said.
Rams: All-Pro kick returner Pharoh Cooper will be placed on injured reserve after severely spraining his ankle in the opener at Oakland. Cooper will need surgery, coach Sean McVay said.
Raiders: Brought back wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who was acquired in a trade from Pittsburgh but got released on the final day of roster cutdowns.