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Joe Jacoby among 15 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists for 2018

By Jacob Camenker

1 Dec 1991: Offensive lineman Joe Jacoby of the Washington Redskins looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Redskins won the game, 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell /Allsport
1 Dec 1991: Offensive lineman Joe Jacoby of the Washington Redskins looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Redskins won the game, 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell /Allsport /
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It’s looking like 2018 could be Joe Jacoby’s year to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The former Redskins great is among the 15 finalists for this year.

Joe Jacoby is undoubtedly one of the greatest Washington Redskins of all-time. The leader of “The Hogs” played in 170 regular season games over his 13 year career, and he added 21 in the postseason. Jacoby helped lead the Redskins to three Super Bowls during the 1980s, and he provided stellar blindside protection for the team. He truly was an offensive leader and is one of the greatest tackles to ever play the game.

Over the course of the past couple of decades, Jacoby has been mentioned in conversations about the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The former undrafted player out of Louisville has been a semifinalist for the Hall on eight separate occasions. This year, he is a finalist for the third consecutive year.

Thus far, Jacoby obviously hasn’t made it into the Hall of Fame, but this year is his best, and last, chance to be voted in by the modern era committee. Jacoby’s career ended in 1993, which is now 25 years ago. By rule of the Hall of Fame selection committee, a modern era selection must have retired within 25 years to be selected. If Jacoby doesn’t make it in this year, then he will move to the pool of senior candidates that are selected each season.

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This actually could end up helping Jacoby. With his time to be voted in by this particular committee nearly up, the members may consider voting him in because he is deserving. Sometimes, it just takes time and a little bit of pressure to get a decision made. This pressure could cause the group to select him and push off other deserving candidates for a year, as they won’t get another chance to pick Jacoby. Essentially, they either choose Jacoby now, or never. The others have more of an opportunity to be selected.

The one problem for Jacoby is that there are four other offensive line finalists that could poach votes from him. The four are Tony Boselli, Kevin Mawae, Alan Faneca, and Steve Hutchinson. Logically, the committee should look at both the achievements of the players and the amount of times they can be considered for the hall again. Mawae, Hutchinson, and Faneca all have at least 15 years of eligibility remaining. Boselli, meanwhile, has nine.

So, it really looks like that all things considered, Jacoby should get the nod. Sure, some others may have been better players in their prime, but Jacoby was a three time title winner with a terrific skill set. The Hall needs to recognize this and make the right decision. Vote Jacoby in!

Next: What to watch for in Redskins offseason

We will find out whether or not Jacoby makes the Hall of Fame at the NFL Honors, which will take place during Super Bowl week in Minnesota.

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