By: Jake Rajala

The football gods granted the Indianapolis Colts the gifted pass rusher Dwight Freeney 11th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. Freeney proved his worth on the Peyton Manning-led Colts in his rookie season, as he unveiled 13 sacks, 20 TFLs (career-high), and 9 forced fumbles (career-high). It was clear that Freeney was a special player after his rookie season.

Freeney would enjoy a very successful career with the Colts by making seven Pro Bowls, earning three All-Pro nods, and most importantly: being a Super Bowl XLI champion. After his Colts tenure, he played two seasons in San Diego, one season in Arizona, a season in Atlanta, and his last NFL season in a Detroit/Seattle sandwich.

Freeney’s last breath in the NFL was his 2017-2018 season, so his eligibility for Canton is 2023. With that said, the ultimate question is: should Freeney be inducted into the HOF in his first year of eligibility? Freeney was a perennial force in his NFL career, but how does he compare to mythical edge players that were first-ballot HOFers?

I believe that the first ballot HOFer Jason Taylor is a fascinating, logical comparison for Freeney. The two pass-rushing legends have the same number of All-Pro teams (3), while Freeney has one more Pro Bowl nod than Taylor. The former Dolphins sack artist did win DPOY, while Freeney failed to obtain a DPOY trophy. Yet, Taylor has never won his ever-elusive Super Bowl (while Freeney has one SB ring). It should also be noted that Taylor has the most touchdowns for a DL (8) in NFL history.

It’s clear that both defenders were unique, unstoppable, and consistent in their football battles. Although, I believe Taylor’s similar career production should provide optimism for Freeney in 2023. I fully expect the well-rounded, swim-move machine to give his HOF speech in his first year of eligibility.

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