Broken Clouds
3 FLORIDIANS ENSHRINED IN CENTENNIAL 2020 NFL HALL OF FAME CLASS
PUBLISHED
Sat, Aug 7, 2021 12:00 PM
CANTON, OHIO -- Three Floridians will be enshrined into the coveted Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday evening. These Florida Boys will receive their gold jackets in Canton, Ohio and be forever immortalized in football history with their bronze busts.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
ISAAC BRUCE, Wide Receiver
Ft. Lauderdale Dillard Panthers (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
University of Memphis
Semifinalist 4 times: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Drafted: 2nd Round, 33rd overall by St. Louis Rams (then Los Angeles Rams)
SUPER BOWL CHAMPION XXXIV ("Greatest Show On Turf")
Hall of Fame Presenter: Sam Bruce (brother) and Jim Wylie (friend)
Isaac Bruce was destined to become a star. And the stars aligned, as they will, when a player has a dream and puts in the necessary hard work to seek that ultimate path. Sometimes the path isn't a straight line, but as the dots connect, they will eventually have you end where you ultimately should be. For Bruce, it was the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Bruce starred at Ft. Lauderdale's Dillard High School, under legendary head coach Otis Gray, Jr. Otis Gray won his 1st state championship and Dillard's 1st state championship in 1986, putting the South Florida high school on the map. Bruce helped lead Gray back to the promise land just 3 years later, when the Panthers won their second state championship in 1989, in the process becoming an all-county selection averaging over 25 yards a catch on a run heavy offense. The Dillard Panthers would be crowned 1989 Class 4A State Champs with a blistering 40-14 win over the Merritt Island Mustangs in Daytona Beach, in which Bruce would catch a TD in the 2nd Qtr. By the way, that Dillard 1989 State Championship team was a powerhouse with Otis Mounds averaging over 140 yards on the ground, future Auburn WR great Frank Sanders who at TE caught a TD in the state championship game, Broward County Defensive Player of the Year LB Richard Strayhorn, future Auburn great Brian Robinson spearheading the DBs at S, and defensive end Steve Perkins. (FUN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FACT: Who remembers the fumblerooski Merritt Island used to get half of those 14 points?)
Bruce ultimately decided to sign with Purdue, but didn't academically qualify. He then decided to go the junior college route attending West Los Angeles College in Los Angeles. His second year, Bruce transferred to Santa Monica College (SMC). Bruce balled at SMC, and colleges were on notice. Bruce chose to transfer to Memphis State in Tennessee as his Division I career would begin.
During his time at Memphis State, Bruce set the single season receiving yards record with 1,054 yards, becoming the Tigers' first receiver to eclipse 1000 yards. Bruce is the first and only player from the University of Memphis to be inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame.
To play in the NFL aka "Not For Long" for 16 years is a testament in itself. During his time, Bruce shined. In his second season, Bruce took flight, amassing a whopping 1,781 yards and 13 TDs on a career high 119 receptions. In his third year, with a target on his back after his second yard campaign, Bruce led the NFL with 1,338 yards. In his 1999 campaign, Bruce as part of the "The Greatest Show on Turf" got the spotlight on the games biggest stage and Bruce basked, as he finished the game with a game-high 6 receptions and a whopping 162 yards. and a most memorable 73 yard touchdown from Kurt Warner with under two minutes, with the St. Louis Rams winning Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta 23-16 over Steve McNair's Tennessee Titans.
Bruce finished his stellar NFL career with 15,208 yards, 91 Touchdowns, on 1024 receptions. When Bruce announced his retirement, Bruce was only second to Jerry Rice in career receiving yards. Bruce's 15,208 career receiving yards now ranks 5th all-time in NFL history.
Steve Hutchinson, Offensive Lineman
Coral Springs HS Colts (Coral Springs, FLorida)
Michigan Wolverines
Draft: 1st Round, Pick 17 (Seattle Seahawks)
Hall of Fame Presenter: Teammate Robbie Tobek
Steve Hutchinson will go down as one of the best left offensive guards in NFL History.
Coming out of Coral Springs, Hutchinson chose Michigan to go play in Ann Arbor. One of the nation's top 3 prep linemen, Hutchinson proved his worth from start to finish, starting as a freshman, and ultimately receiving All-Big 10 recognition each year playing for the Wolverines. Huthchinson was named team co-captain (alongside NFL GOAT Tom Brady) and All-American during his 1999 and 2000 seasons. Huthchinson was also the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the year and a finalist for the coveted Outland Trophy during his season campaign. The FHSAA has name Hutchinson to the list of the 33 greatest high school players in the state of Florida's long rich storied history. (That itself is some honor!)
A first round draft pick (17th overall) out of Michigan, Hutchinson got started on his Pro Football Hall of Fame journey with the Seattle Seahawks. Hutchinson spent 5 years with Seattle, going to 3 Pro Bowls.
As a Seattle Seahawk, alongside his fellow Hall of Famer and neighbor LT Walter Jones, Steve Hutchinson paved holes for Shaun Alexander to amass multiple 1,100+ yard rushing campaigns. His last year with the Seahawks would yield the most success with star running Shaun Alexander winning the 2005 MVP and his Seahawks reaching Super Bowl XL. Alexander led the league in both rushing yards and touchdowns with 1,880 yards and 27 TDS respectively.
In 2006, Hutchinson signed a 7 year, 49 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, becoming the highest paid guard in the NFL. Hutchinson would be greeted with a new draft pick to his Vikings, RB Adrian Peterson, who would go to become of the best running backs in the NFL running behind the driveways Hutchinson carved as running holes. Peterson would run for over 4 1,200 yard rushing campaigns during the 2007-2010 seasons.
Edgerrin James, Running Back
Immokalee High School Indians (Immokalee, FLorida)
University of Miami Hurricanes
Hall of Fame Presenter: Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay
Who remembers that game versus #3 UCLA in which Edgerrin James eclipsed 300 rushing yards and scored the winning TD? Many in the state of Florida knew what many had just began to realize: that we were all watching a legendary back in the making.
James played 11 seasons in the NFL, rushing for 12,246 yards, 80 TDs. EJ was selected to 4 Pro Bowls. His 12,246 career rushing yards ranks 13rd all-time.
In 7 of the 11 seasons played, Edge rushed for over 1,100 yards.
James played alongside fellow Hall of Famer Peyton Manning during his 7 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, often times protecting Peyton's back so that he could take care of his business in being recognized as one of the NFL great QBs.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
ISAAC BRUCE, Wide Receiver
Ft. Lauderdale Dillard Panthers (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
University of Memphis
Semifinalist 4 times: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Drafted: 2nd Round, 33rd overall by St. Louis Rams (then Los Angeles Rams)
SUPER BOWL CHAMPION XXXIV ("Greatest Show On Turf")
Hall of Fame Presenter: Sam Bruce (brother) and Jim Wylie (friend)
.@IsaacBruce80 receives his Gold Jacket from his presenter and brother, Sam Bruce.#PFHOF20 | @RamsNFL pic.twitter.com/4SWjez9XUv
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 7, 2021
"How you like me now?" #PFHOF20 | @IsaacBruce80 pic.twitter.com/ws5JBHwa0i
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 8, 2021
First Look: The Bronzed Bust of @IsaacBruce80!#PFHOF20 | @RamsNFL pic.twitter.com/qUiU6nsHeq
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 8, 2021
Isaac Bruce was destined to become a star. And the stars aligned, as they will, when a player has a dream and puts in the necessary hard work to seek that ultimate path. Sometimes the path isn't a straight line, but as the dots connect, they will eventually have you end where you ultimately should be. For Bruce, it was the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Bruce starred at Ft. Lauderdale's Dillard High School, under legendary head coach Otis Gray, Jr. Otis Gray won his 1st state championship and Dillard's 1st state championship in 1986, putting the South Florida high school on the map. Bruce helped lead Gray back to the promise land just 3 years later, when the Panthers won their second state championship in 1989, in the process becoming an all-county selection averaging over 25 yards a catch on a run heavy offense. The Dillard Panthers would be crowned 1989 Class 4A State Champs with a blistering 40-14 win over the Merritt Island Mustangs in Daytona Beach, in which Bruce would catch a TD in the 2nd Qtr. By the way, that Dillard 1989 State Championship team was a powerhouse with Otis Mounds averaging over 140 yards on the ground, future Auburn WR great Frank Sanders who at TE caught a TD in the state championship game, Broward County Defensive Player of the Year LB Richard Strayhorn, future Auburn great Brian Robinson spearheading the DBs at S, and defensive end Steve Perkins. (FUN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FACT: Who remembers the fumblerooski Merritt Island used to get half of those 14 points?)
Bruce ultimately decided to sign with Purdue, but didn't academically qualify. He then decided to go the junior college route attending West Los Angeles College in Los Angeles. His second year, Bruce transferred to Santa Monica College (SMC). Bruce balled at SMC, and colleges were on notice. Bruce chose to transfer to Memphis State in Tennessee as his Division I career would begin.
During his time at Memphis State, Bruce set the single season receiving yards record with 1,054 yards, becoming the Tigers' first receiver to eclipse 1000 yards. Bruce is the first and only player from the University of Memphis to be inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame.
To play in the NFL aka "Not For Long" for 16 years is a testament in itself. During his time, Bruce shined. In his second season, Bruce took flight, amassing a whopping 1,781 yards and 13 TDs on a career high 119 receptions. In his third year, with a target on his back after his second yard campaign, Bruce led the NFL with 1,338 yards. In his 1999 campaign, Bruce as part of the "The Greatest Show on Turf" got the spotlight on the games biggest stage and Bruce basked, as he finished the game with a game-high 6 receptions and a whopping 162 yards. and a most memorable 73 yard touchdown from Kurt Warner with under two minutes, with the St. Louis Rams winning Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta 23-16 over Steve McNair's Tennessee Titans.
Bruce finished his stellar NFL career with 15,208 yards, 91 Touchdowns, on 1024 receptions. When Bruce announced his retirement, Bruce was only second to Jerry Rice in career receiving yards. Bruce's 15,208 career receiving yards now ranks 5th all-time in NFL history.
Steve Hutchinson, Offensive Lineman
Coral Springs HS Colts (Coral Springs, FLorida)
Michigan Wolverines
Draft: 1st Round, Pick 17 (Seattle Seahawks)
Hall of Fame Presenter: Teammate Robbie Tobek
.@HutchSevenSix receives his Gold Jacket from his presenter and former teammate, Robbie Tobek.#PFHOF20 | @Seahawks | @Vikings pic.twitter.com/l5R25n7fOQ
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 7, 2021
First Look: The Bronzed Bust of @HutchSevenSix!#PFHOF20 | @Seahawks | @Vikings pic.twitter.com/fFC07prHIi
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 8, 2021
Success isn't always comfortable or easy!#PFHOF20 | @HutchSevenSix pic.twitter.com/nV9QXztSZo
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 8, 2021
Steve Hutchinson will go down as one of the best left offensive guards in NFL History.
Coming out of Coral Springs, Hutchinson chose Michigan to go play in Ann Arbor. One of the nation's top 3 prep linemen, Hutchinson proved his worth from start to finish, starting as a freshman, and ultimately receiving All-Big 10 recognition each year playing for the Wolverines. Huthchinson was named team co-captain (alongside NFL GOAT Tom Brady) and All-American during his 1999 and 2000 seasons. Huthchinson was also the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the year and a finalist for the coveted Outland Trophy during his season campaign. The FHSAA has name Hutchinson to the list of the 33 greatest high school players in the state of Florida's long rich storied history. (That itself is some honor!)
A first round draft pick (17th overall) out of Michigan, Hutchinson got started on his Pro Football Hall of Fame journey with the Seattle Seahawks. Hutchinson spent 5 years with Seattle, going to 3 Pro Bowls.
As a Seattle Seahawk, alongside his fellow Hall of Famer and neighbor LT Walter Jones, Steve Hutchinson paved holes for Shaun Alexander to amass multiple 1,100+ yard rushing campaigns. His last year with the Seahawks would yield the most success with star running Shaun Alexander winning the 2005 MVP and his Seahawks reaching Super Bowl XL. Alexander led the league in both rushing yards and touchdowns with 1,880 yards and 27 TDS respectively.
In 2006, Hutchinson signed a 7 year, 49 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, becoming the highest paid guard in the NFL. Hutchinson would be greeted with a new draft pick to his Vikings, RB Adrian Peterson, who would go to become of the best running backs in the NFL running behind the driveways Hutchinson carved as running holes. Peterson would run for over 4 1,200 yard rushing campaigns during the 2007-2010 seasons.
Edgerrin James, Running Back
Immokalee High School Indians (Immokalee, FLorida)
University of Miami Hurricanes
Hall of Fame Presenter: Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay
.@EdgerrinJames32 receives his Gold Jacket from his presenter and Colts Owner, @JimIrsay.#PFHOF20 | @Colts pic.twitter.com/BPPu1tOaSM
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 7, 2021
First Look: The Bronzed Bust of @EdgerrinJames32!#PFHOF20 | @Colts | @AZCardinals pic.twitter.com/RMwisfsUK4
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 7, 2021
.@EdgerrinJames32 was just himself and ended up in the Hall of Fame!#PFHOF20 | @Colts pic.twitter.com/cmuP949bUI
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 7, 2021
Who remembers that game versus #3 UCLA in which Edgerrin James eclipsed 300 rushing yards and scored the winning TD? Many in the state of Florida knew what many had just began to realize: that we were all watching a legendary back in the making.
James played 11 seasons in the NFL, rushing for 12,246 yards, 80 TDs. EJ was selected to 4 Pro Bowls. His 12,246 career rushing yards ranks 13rd all-time.
In 7 of the 11 seasons played, Edge rushed for over 1,100 yards.
James played alongside fellow Hall of Famer Peyton Manning during his 7 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, often times protecting Peyton's back so that he could take care of his business in being recognized as one of the NFL great QBs.
