JACKSONVILLE – Two Jaguars legends are a step closer to immortality. Again.
Fred Taylor and Tony Boselli, two of the best players in Jaguars history, on Tuesday were named modern-era semifinalists for the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. It's Taylor's second consecutive year as a semifinalist and Boselli's sixth consecutive year as a semifinalist.
The pair was among 25 semifinalists announced Tuesday afternoon on NFL Network.
Boselli, the No. 2 overall selection the 1995 NFL Draft – the Jaguars' first draft – made five Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro three times in seven seasons with the Jaguars. His career was cut short by shoulder injuries.
Boselli has been a Hall finalist the last four years.
Taylor, the No. 9 overall selection in the 1998 NFL Draft, rushed for 11,695 yards and 66 touchdowns in 13 NFL seasons. He rushed for 11,271 yards and 62 touchdowns with Jacksonville from 1998-2008.
Four first-year eligible players were among the 25 semifinalists named Tuesday: defensive end Jared Allen, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, quarterback Peyton Manning and cornerback Charles Woodson. To be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a nominated individual must not have participated as an active player for five consecutive seasons.
The list of semifinalists was reduced from an initial group of 130 nominees announced in September. No more than five modern-era candidates make the hall each year.
The semifinalists next will be trimmed to 15 modern-era finalists in January. The Class of 2021 will be determined and announced during the week leading up to Super Bowl LV in Tampa, Fla.
