As part of Thursday night’s NFL Honors program, the 2023 Hall of Fame class has been revealed. Here is the full breakdown of this year’s honorees:
Ronde Barber, cornerback (1997-2012)
After a long wait, the Buccaneers’ all-time interceptions leader is headed to Canton. Barber played all 16 of his NFL seasons in Tampa Bay, helping the team win Super Bowl XXXVII. The former third-rounder is the only player in league history to record more than 45 interceptions and 25 sacks, figures which helped him earn five Pro Bowl and three First-Team All-Pro selections. A 2000s All-Decade member, Barber spent much of his career in a class of his own with respect to slot corners in particular and enjoyed historic longevity.
Darrelle Revis, cornerback (2007-2017)*
A first-round pick of the Jets, Revis Island was located in New York for six straight years. That stretch saw him record an all-time single-season record in pass deflections in 2009 (31). Revis earned five of his seven career Pro Bowl nods and three of his four First-Team All-Pro honors during his time with the Jets, which included a two-year return to the Empire State in 2015 and 2016. The Super Bowl XLIX winner also spent time with the Buccaneers, Patriots and Chiefs, totaling 29 interceptions and being named a 2010s All-Decade member.
Joe Thomas, left tackle (2007-2017)*
Not much went right for the Browns during Thomas’ career, but the former No. 3 pick was a sterling model of consistent and elite offensive line play. Thomas was an immediate starter as a rookie and did not miss a snap until suffering an injury in the final campaign of his career. The Wisconsin alum maintained his status as arguably the NFL’s premier pass protector throughout his tenure and will go down as one of the top blindside blockers not only of his generation (as evidenced by his inclusion on the 2010s All-Decade team) but all time.
Zach Thomas, linebacker (1996-2008)
Another defender who endured a lengthy stay as a HOF finalist, Thomas spent all but his final season in Miami. The former fifth-rounder became entrenched as the leader of the Dolphins’ defense during his hugely productive tenure with the team. A five-time First-Team All-Pro, Thomas racked up seven Pro Bowls while collecting 1,734 tackles (the fifth-highest mark in league history). He was thus an easy selection for the 2000s All-Decade team.
DeMarcus Ware, linebacker (2005-2016)
A first-round pick of the Cowboys, Ware quickly established himself as a dominant pass-rusher. He led the NFL in sacks twice during his time in Dallas. A nine-time Pro Bowler, four-time First-Team All-Pro and 2000s All-Decade member, Ware spent the final three years of his NFL tenure in Denver. It was with the Broncos that he won Super Bowl L, capping off a pro career that saw him record 138.5 sacks, a figure that ranks third among 21st century players and ninth all-time.
* – denotes first year of eligibility
As well as the above members, Canton will also be welcoming former Bears and Cowboys linebacker Chuck Howley, former Jets and Colts D-lineman Joe Klecko and former Bengals defensive back Ken Riley as senior finalists. The senior head-coaching finalist is Don Coryell, an alum of the Cardinals and Chargers.
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