The Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed 28 modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2023 class, and two former Washington stars made the cut.
Linebacker London Fletcher and wide receiver Henry Ellard were among the 28 players, which was trimmed down from 129 players on Tuesday.
Fletcher signed with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent from John Carroll University in 1998. Fletcher spent four seasons with the Rams before signing with Buffalo, where he spent the next five years of his career. Fletcher signed with Washington as a free agent in 2007 and played seven seasons in the burgundy and gold.
In 16 NFL seasons, Fletcher played in 256 games and recorded 2,039 tackles, 39 sacks, 109 tackles for loss, 19 forced fumbles, 23 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries and three touchdowns. He appeared in four Pro Bowls [all with Washington], was a two-time second-team All-Pro, is in Washington’s Ring of Fame, and is also one of the franchise’s 90 greatest players. Fletcher is currently a radio analyst for the Washington Commanders.
Fletcher’s numbers rival Ray Lewis, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018 — his first year of eligibility.
Fletcher was a quiet leader during his career, while Lewis was more demonstrative. Fletcher belongs in the Hall of Fame.
Ellard enjoyed a 16-year NFL career, the first 11 of which were spent with the Los Angeles Rams. Ellard signed with Washington in 1994 and enjoyed three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Overall, he spent five seasons in Washington, finishing his career with the New England Patriots in 1998.
Ellard caught 814 passes for 13,777 yards, with 65 touchdowns. In five seasons with Washington, Ellard had 216 receptions for 3,930 yards and 17 touchdowns. Ellard had a terrific career and put up outstanding numbers despite playing with a myriad of quarterbacks.
Here is the complete list of semifinalists.
🚨NEWS🚨
We are excited to reveal our 28 Modern-Era Semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023.
The list includes five first-year eligible candidates.
Full List Of Semifinalists: https://t.co/yC5UKWUE7r pic.twitter.com/xGyuX5emrB
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 22, 2022
