The NFL announced their 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame class on Saturday with one former Arizona Cardinals player just missing out
Former Arizona Cardinals running back Edgerrin James just missed out on making the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday as this year’s class was announced. James was a finalist.
James, who played 11 seasons in the NFL, played three of them with the Cardinals from 2006-2008. He was a marquee free agent signed away from the Indianapolis Colts in 2006.
James was a finalist for the third time in his four years of eligibility. Mostly known for his time with Peyton Manning and the Colts, he had three notable seasons in the desert before finishing off his career with one season with the Seattle Seahawks.
He had back to back 1,000-yard seasons in 2006 and 2007 with the Cardinals. He rushed for 1,159-yards in 2006 and 1,222-yards in 2007. He rushed for just 514-yards in 2008 during the Cardinals Super Bowl season.
He had 16 rushing touchdowns in his three Cardinals seasons. Overall for his career he rushed for 12,246-yards and 80 touchdowns.
James was the only finalist this year with any ties to the Cardinals. Two years ago former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, a teammate of James in Arizona, got in.
Those inducted included Champ Bailey, Ty Law, Ed Reed, Kevin Mawae, Pat Bowlen, Gil Brandt, Johnny Robinson, and Tony Gonzalez. Bailey, Reed, and Gonzalez were all first time ballots.
Gonzalez is currently the man Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald is trying to catch in the record books. Fitz should no doubt be a first time ballot inductee once he is eligible.
As for James, he will get another crack at it next year. Having just missed now three times, he is likely to crack the seal as an inductee sooner rather than later.
Despite only playing three years in Arizona, he made great contributions during his time with the Cardinals. It is time the voters give back and vote him in.