Polamalu, Bruce highlight 2020 Hall of Fame class
Troy Polamalu, Isaac Bruce, Edgerrin James, Steve Atwater, and Steve Hutchinson comprise the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame modern-era class.
Polamalu is the only member of the group to obtain induction on the first ballot. The five appointees will join the 15-member centennial class, which features 10 players, two coaches, and three contributors for enshrinement in Canton, Ohio, in August.
Troy Polamalu
Safety, Pittsburgh Steelers, 2003-14
Easy to identify because of his luscious hair, it didn't take long for Polamalu to become a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. He was one of the most electric and versatile defenders of his era, flying around the field in a way few others would dream of. He was famous for timing snap counts and jumping over or through the line of scrimmage, yet he also possessed the skills and range of a ball-hawk. Polamalu won two Super Bowls, made eight Pro Bowls, and was the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year.
Isaac Bruce
Wide receiver, Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams-San Francisco 49ers, 1994-2009
Bruce was an integral part of a sport-altering offense with the Rams that was coined the Greatest Show on Turf. It featured Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Torry Holt, and pass-happy coach Mike Martz in the second half of the 1990s. Bruce eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards eight times. He posted a career-high 1,781 yards through the air in 1995 before leading the league the next year with 1,338 yards. He ranks fifth on the NFL's all-time receiving list (15,208 yards) and 12th in touchdown receptions (91).
Edgerrin James
Running back, Indianapolis Colts-Arizona Cardinals-Seattle Seahawks, 1999-2009
Drafted fourth overall out of Miami in 1999, James exploded onto the scene with a pair of rushing titles to open his career. For years, he and Peyton Manning gave the Colts the most feared backfield in the NFL, and he remains Indy's franchise leader in rushing yards. "Edge" made four Pro Bowls and was also a factor as a receiver throughout his career.
Steve Atwater
Safety, Denver Broncos-New York Jets, 1989-99
Atwater will be inducted 20 years after he retired. He made eight Pro Bowls, including seven consecutive, and he teamed with Dennis Smith to give the Broncos a legendary safety tandem in the early '90s. His most memorable highlight came on Monday Night Football in 1990 when he laid out Chiefs running back Christian "Nigerian Nightmare" Okoye, but his best overall performance took place at Super Bowl XXXII, where he won his first of two championships.
Steve Hutchinson
Guard, Seattle Seahawks-Minnesota Vikings-Tennessee Titans, 2001-12
The gold standard at left guard throughout his career, Hutchinson was selected to seven straight Pro Bowls beginning in 2003. He helped open holes for 2005 MVP Shaun Alexander with the Seahawks, then took his talents to the Vikings where he paved pathways for a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Chester Taylor and rookie sensation Adrian Peterson. Hutchinson started all 169 games that he appeared in.