Joe Jacoby, a name that resonates with the glorious history of the Washington Redskins, has been a subject of intense conversation among Pro Football Hall of Fame enthusiasts for several years. A legendary offensive tackle, Jacoby’s journey from an undrafted free agent to a three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler is a testament to his remarkable skills and tenacity.
Jacoby’s career began in 1981 when he signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent from the University of Louisville. He quickly rose to prominence as a founding member of the Redskins’ renowned “Hogs” offensive line, a group that also included Jeff Bostic, Mark May, George Starke, and Russ Grimm. “The Hogs,” considered one of the best offensive lines in NFL history, were instrumental in the Redskins success during the 1980s and early 1990s.
“The Hogs” dominance on the field was evident in their ability to create running lanes for players like John Riggins and protect Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks such as Joe Theismann, Doug Williams, and Mark Rypien. Jacoby, in particular, played a key role in opening holes for John Riggins’ famous 43-yard touchdown run in Super Bowl XVII. The Redskins set a Super Bowl record for rushing yards in that game, a testament to the overall greatness of “The Hogs.”
Despite his impressive career and contributions to the game, Jacoby’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame has hit a wall in the last decade. His eligibility process moved to the Senior Committee in 2019 (after being snubbed numerous times in the regular process), and he was just recently named one of 25 Senior Committee semi-finalists this year. The Senior Committee holds a separate nomination vote from the regular modern-era candidates, and history suggests that the three selected by the Senior Committee are likely to be inducted.
The case for Jacoby’s candidacy is secure; if you think otherwise, you should seriously question your football IQ. He was named to four Pro Bowls, three All-Pro teams, and the 1980s All-Decade team. There is no debate; he played a pivotal role in revolutionizing offensive line play as an agile left tackle with size. His contributions are integral to any complete summary of the game of professional football. In short, you cannot have a complete discussion about the history of football (especially the 1980s) and not talk about Joe Jacoby, Russ Grimm, and “The Hogs.”
Yet, the uncomfortable situation that has become an annual disgrace of an NFL legend continues. Fans and “experts” have expressed frustration at Jacoby’s repeated Hall of Fame snubs. The question remains: What more does Joe Jacoby need to do to earn his place in the Hall of Fame? As we await the decision for the class of 2024, one can only hope that this absurd chapter in the history of the Pro Football Hall of Fame will soon come to a close, and Jacoby will finally receive the honors he so richly deserves.
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