Walter Jones among semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Aug 11, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; The new against the Seattle Seahawks helmet during the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Tennessee Titans at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Tennessee 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Walter Jones, who spent 13 seasons as a member of the Seahawks, is among 25 semifinalists who will be considered for the NFL’s Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, according to Tony Drovetto at Seahawks.com.
Jones was a first round pick (No. 6 overall) by the Seahawks in the 1997 NFL Draft. He played for the Seahawks until 2008, earning nine trips to the Pro Bowl and seven All-Pro Honors.
The offensive tackle was also a member of the NFL All-Decade team for the 2000s and his No. 71 was officially retired by the Seahawks in December 2010.
Jones is one of just two tackles that are candidates for the 2014 Hall Of Fame class. The other is Joe Jacoby, who played from 1981-1993 for the Washington Redskins.
Jones is also one of four first-year eligible candidates being considered. The others are linebacker Derrick Brooks, coach Tony Dungy, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison.
Jones’ career was a dominant one. Mike Sando at ESPN.com said that “Seattle coaches counted 23 career sacks allowed.”
He was a big reason for the Seahawks success in 2005, the only time in franchise history that the team made it to the Super Bowl. Jones’ 6-foot-5, 320-pound frame paved the way for Shaun Alexander to have a record-breaking year where he rushed for 28 touchdowns.
His humbleness was one of the reasons he was loved — not just by the football world, but the state of Washington.
After he retired, Washington governor Christine Gregoire declared April 30 Walter Jones Day.
The next time that day rolls around, Jones could be the most recent Seahawk inducted into the Hall of Fame because we will know officially if Jones made it into the Hall on Feb. 1, the night before the Super Bowl.
It is good to know that one of the best tackles to play the game is getting the respect he deserves.