Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2020 enshrined

From bone-rattling tacklers Troy Polamalu, Steve Atwater and Cliff Harris to hard-charging runner Edgerrin James to the passcatching brilliance of Isaac Bruce and Harold Carmichael, the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2020 has something for everyone.

Add in blocking dynamos Steve Hutchinson and Jim Covert, Steel Curtain stalwart safety Donnie Shell and such as leaders as former NFL Commissioner

Paul Tagliabue and coaches Bill Cowher and Jimmy Johnson.

They all entered the hall Aug. 7, a year late due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet just as rewarding.

“If you told me after I graduated from the University of Michigan that I’d be excited standing in Ohio in the middle of August,” Hutchinson joked, “... to me, there’s no place better than Canton, Ohio.”

Certainly all 12 men enshrined on this night felt that way.

STEELERS’ WATT UPDATE >> Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler acknowledged that linebacker T.J. Watt isn’t practicing because he has yet to sign a long-term contract. Watt has been on the field doing individual work, but he hasn’t practiced with his teammates during training camp workouts at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Butler was asked after practice whether or not there was a timeline for Watt to get involved in team drills.

“That’s none of my business,” Butler said. “I hope he signs a contract. When he gets it done, then we’ll talk about that.”

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said that he wouldn’t speculate on Watt’s return to team participation. “I’m just focused on today and who’s working and getting better that way,” Tomlin said. “I’m sure that’s going to naturally run its course.”

BRONCOS FIGHT >> There was finally some excitement at the Broncos’ training camp — and it had nothing to do with the drudging quarterback clash between Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock. Pass rusher Bradley Chubb and left tackle Garett Bolles got into a fight during a team drill midway through practice Saturday and kept chirping at each other afterward.

DOLPHIN ON VACCINE >> Dolphins tight end Adam Shaheen says contact tracing landed him on the COVID-19 reserve list, and he has no intention to get vaccinated. “For me, it’s a personal choice, and it’s bigger than just COVID,” Shaheen said Saturday. “The NFL is trying to push it. ... I’m going to continue to go through the protocols of the unvaccinated that they make me do. I’m not going to get fined.”

The Associated Press