
There are currently zero Texas Tech alums in in the Pro Football Hall of fame but Zach Thomas, E.J. Holub and Wes Welker had careers deserving of a spot in Canton.
Today, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio will induct a new class. Each year, this ceremony is the unofficial kickoff event for the football season.
But despite the numerous former Texas Tech football players who have had stellar careers in the NFL, none have been enshrined in Canton. However, there are three former Red Raiders who most certainly deserve to be honored as Hall of Fame inductees.
Former center and middle linebacker E.J. Holub, former linebacker Zach Thomas and former slot receiver Wes Welker all had careers that are worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. But none appear to be receiving serious consideration from the selection committee (though Welker will not be eligible until 2020).
The process for selecting each Hall of Fame class resembles the Catholic Church’s conclave to elect a new Pope. 48 people, almost exclusively members of the media, comprise the selection committee with each franchise being represented by a member of the local media.
In November, 15 finalists are selected through mail-in balloting with up to three more candidates being nominated by the Seniors Committee (for players who played over 25 years ago) or as contributors in an off-the-field capacity (owners, commissioners, general managers etc.).
The committee then meets on the Saturday prior to the Super Bowl with a media member from the home market of each nominee presenting the candidate’s case. To be enshrined in Canton, nominees must receive 80% of the vote.
So today, as a new class enters the Hall, we will take on the task of presenting the case for three of the greatest Texas Tech Red Raiders to ever play the game. Here’s hoping all three eventually get their day in Canton.