NFL’s top 20 players not in the Hall of Fame: Andre Johnson, Dwight Freeney headline all-time list

Patience would be an appropriate word to describe the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class. Joe Klecko and Ken Riley played in their final games 35 and 40 years ago, respectively. Don Coryell coached in his final game in 1986. Zach Thomas, the Dolphins’ former standout linebacker, will receive a gold jacket and bronze bust on Saturday 10 years after he was initially eligible for induction. 

There are still a slew of eligible former players who are still waiting for their call to Canton, Ohio. Many deserving players have been passed over because they played for a small market team; other players were overshadowed by more celebrated teammates. For whatever the reason, there are numerous deserving players who are still hoping to earn a spot in football immortality. 

With that in mind, we decided to put together a list of the 20 best NFL players who are not in the Hall of Fame. Don’t be surprised if several of these players receive a bronze bust in Canton sometime in the near future. 

20. WR Steve Tasker

Teams: Oilers (1985-86); Bills (1986-97)

One of the greatest special teams players in NFL history, Tasker earned seven Pro Bowl nods from 1987-95. During that span, Tasker helped the Bills become the first franchise to appear in four consecutive Super Bowls. Tasker’s brilliance was on display during the opening minutes of Super Bowl XXVII. With the Cowboys punting from their own 16-yard line, Tasker was lined up against linebacker Robert Jones, a rookie who filled in for an injured starter. Jones didn’t have a chance against Tasker, who beat Jones on an inside move before blocking Mike Saxon’s punt. Tasker’s play set up the game’s first touchdown. 

19. WR Otis Taylor 

Team: Chiefs (1965-75) 

A player who was truly ahead of his time, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Taylor was one of the first receivers to fully use his physicality to his advantage. In 1965, Taylor spurned the NFL…

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