Rams fans won't like what Todd Gurley's Hall of Fame snub really means

Los Angeles Rams fans know the true value of former running back Todd Gurley.

While his NFL career only lasted six seasons, he was the type of player who played so furiously and proficiently that he left a lifelong mark on the NFL. He was a three-time All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler, and an offensive weapon who seemed to be able to do it all.

So, when the NFL screening committee's list of 129 eligible nominees to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 didn't include Gurley, the message was clear.

Despite the incredible performance over his six NFL seasons, the screening committee back-handedly said, "Thanks, but no thanks."

While vetting only the best players to enter the Hall of Fame is prudent, there is a distinction to be made here. Is the Hall of Fame only due to players who boast long careers? Or is this an accolade that looks beyond the players who endure for a dozen or more seasons and celebrates the phenomena of shooting-star elite players as well?

Should the Hall of Fame snub short-careered players?

The Hall of Fame's nomination process is subjective, but the selection process seems to have a perceivable bias towards players who enjoy long NFL careers. The list of running backs who have been nominated for this year's voting includes:

RUNNING BACKS (21): Shaun Alexander, Mike Alstott (FB), Tiki Barber, Larry Centers (FB), Jamaal Charles, Corey Dillon, Warrick Dunn, Arian Foster, Eddie George, Frank Gore, Priest Holmes, Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson, Thomas Jones, Jamal Lewis, Marshawn Lynch, LeSean McCoy, Eric Metcalf (also WR/PR/KR), Lorenzo Neal (FB), *-Fred Taylor, Ricky Watters.

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster played eight seasons, rushed for 6,527 yards, and scored 54 touchdowns. Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes played 10 seasons, rushed for 8,172 yards, and scored 86 touchdowns. Todd Gurley's 6,082 rushing yards and 67 touchdowns certainly compare favorably to some players who were successfully nominated.

It's not about changing the nomination rules. But it is necessary to clarify what the criteria for nomination must include. If there are minimal thresholds to be successfully nominated, spell it out. No less than eight NFL seasons? Fair enough. No fewer than two All-Pro awards? Again, fair enough.

Gurley enjoyed a sensational NFL career, short as it was. Over six 17-game seasons, he averaged 282 rushes, 1,175 rushing yards, and 13 rushing touchdowns per season. Few, if any, current nominees played that well.

He may have been snubbed by the NFL HOF nomination committee, but he will remain loved by LA fans for years to come.

As always, thanks for reading.

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