Fred Taylor is retiring with more rushing yards than Hall of Famers John Riggins, O.J. Simpson and Earl Campbell. The former Jaguars and Patriots rusher was a well-liked teammate who amassed 11,695 yards and 66 touchdowns on the ground, while adding 2,384 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches.
But he doesn’t belong in the Hall of Fame.
Taylor was plagued with injuries — playing in all 16 games only twice in his career. And his lone Pro Bowl selection was as an alternate after the 2007 season.
The 13-year veteran was a solid pro and a model of consistency, but he could never put together that memorable season that made him stand out among the rest of his fellow backs.
He had several impressive playoff performances early in his career — rushing for 100 yards three times in his first two seasons in the league — but he failed to reach 50 yards in four playoff appearances since 2000.
Taylor put together a great, long career, just not one worthy of enshrinement in Canton.
– Jeffrey Tomik
