JACKSONVILLE – A Jaguars legend moved a step closer to immortality Tuesday.
Former Jaguars running back Fred Taylor, the leading rusher in franchise history, on Tuesday was named a modern-era semifinalist for the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. It's Taylor's fourth consecutive year as a semifinalist.
Taylor was among 28 semifinalists announced Tuesday afternoon.
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.
Five first-year eligible players were among the 28 semifinalists named Tuesday:
- Offensive lineman Jahri Evans
- Offensive lineman Joe Thomas
- Defensive lineman Dwight Freeney
- Linebacker James Harrison
- Cornerback Darrelle Revis
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.
No more than five modern-era candidates make the hall each year.
The semifinalists next will be trimmed to 15 modern-era finalists. The Class of 2023 will be announced during the week leading to Super Bowl LVI in Phoenix, Ariz
