5 most surprising 2022 NFL Hall of Fame snubs 

NFL Hall of Fame finalists for the class of 2022 have finally been revealed. Though there are plenty of deserving players listed as finalists, and rightfully so, there are those who have also been snubbed, once again, from becoming finalists.

The full list of finalists is as follows:

Zach Thomas, Demarcus Ware, Patrick Willis, Richard Seymour, Devin Hester, LeRoy Butler, Ronde Barber, Tony Boseli, Bryant Young, Jared Allen, Torry Holt, Andre Johnson, Willie Anderson, Reggie Wayne, and Sam Mills.

All the players listed are very deserving of their status as Hall of Fame finalists, but some big names are missing from this list. Here are five of the most surprising Hall of Fame snubs for the class of 2022.

Which Hall of Fame snub is the most surprising?

#5 - Eric Allen

Eric Allen was a fearsome cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played for the team from 1988-1994. The remainder of his career was with the New Orleans Saints from 1995-1997 and the Oakland Raiders from 1998-2001.

During his time with the Eagles, Allen racked up an astounding 34 INTs and 4 defensive TDs, and he only missed one game. He was selected to the Pro Bowl six times, a first-team All-Pro and a second-team All-Pro twice. He belongs to the Eagles Hall of Fame. Although he made the semifinals in November, he hasn't moved on as a finalist.

#4 - Fred Taylor

Fred Taylor was a legendary running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 1998-2008. He also spent a final season with the New England Patriots in 2009. Taylor garnered high praise during his time as a Jaguar and was inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars ring of honor. He is one of five players who has this designation.

Taylor still sits at #17 on the all-time rushing yards list with 11,695 rushing yards. Taylor received a Pro Bowl nod in 2007, and he received a second-team All-Pro nod in the same year.

3 other surprising NFL Hall of Fame snubs from the 2022 class

Which Hall of Fame snub is most shocking?

#3 - Vince Wilfork

For some very odd reason, Vince Wilfork has not made it this year as a Hall of Fame finalist. That is surprising news considering he is, arguably, one of the best nose tackles the game has ever seen. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, first-team All Pro (2012), 3 x second-team All Pro (2007, 2010, 2011), and 5 x Pro Bowl recipient (2007, 2009-2012).

Wilfork held down the offensive line for the New England Patriots for years on end before he was traded to the Houston Texans. Wilfork was a force to be reckoned with and a stalwart lineman practically his entire career. Wilfork is Hall of Fame material.

#2 - Steve Smith

If Andre Johnson is a Hall of Fame finalist this year, then Steve Smith should be on that list, too. Steve Smith spent 16 seasons in the NFL , mostly with the Carolina Panthers and, in that time, racked up a Comeback Player of the Year award (2005), 2 x First-team All Pro (2001, 2005), second-team All Pro (2008), 5 x Pro Bowl player (2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011).

He, also, led the league in receptions in 2005 and receiving yards leader in 2006. Steve Smith still remains #8 on the all-time receiving yards list with 14,731 yards. Steve Smith belongs in the Hall of Fame.

#1 - Hines Ward

Hines Ward is one of the most legendary Pittsburgh Steelers players to ever play the game of football. During his time with the Steelers during the 1998-2011 seasons, Ward racked up two Super Bowl championships, a Super Bowl MVP nod, 3 x Second-team All Pro nod, and 4 x Pro Bowl nod, and he was inducted into the Pittsburgh Steelers ring of honor.

Ward is 27th all-time in receiving yards with 12,083 yards, and he is an all-time Steelers great and one of the best wide receivers to play the game. He certainly belongs in the Hall of Fame. His accolades speak for themselves.