Kurt Warner, Isaac Bruce Named Pro Football Hall-of-Fame Finalists for 2017

The finalists for the 2017 Hall of Fame class were announced on Tuesday, and there are plenty of notable names among the remaining 15. Two Rams, former QB Kurt Warner and WR Isaac Bruce, from the “Greatest Show on Turf” era, are amongst them.

Warner lead the Rams to a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV, where he was also named the game’s MVP. He lead them back to the big game two years later, but fell just short to the Patriots (damn you, Adam Vinatieri).

After leaving the Rams, in which he played from 1998-2003, Warner played one season for the New York Giants. Following that, he finished out his career with a five-year stint in Arizona, where he also took the Cardinals to their first ever Super Bowl in 2008.

Warner ended his career having thrown for 32,344 yards, 208 touchdowns, and a 93.7 passer rating. He is a four-time pro bowler.

It will be Warner’s second crack at entering the Hall of Fame, as it was Brett Favre’s name they called in 2016. The good news, at least for this year, is that he’s the only quarterback amongst the finalists.

Getting in this year may be slightly easier for the Greatest Show on Turf’s QB than it will it’s wide receiver though. Unfortunately for Isaac Bruce, Terrell Owens unsurprisingly made the short list this year.

Bruce had a tremendous 16 year run in the NFL (14 with the Rams, 2 with 49ers), finishing his career with 1,024 catches, 15,208 yards, and 91 touchdowns. The yardage mark lands him in the No. 4 spot amongst the NFL’s all-time leading receivers. Like Warner, Bruce was also earned Pro Bowl honors four times in his career.

T.O. is the NFL’s No. 2 all-time leading receiver - behind only Jerry Rice - having finished his 15-year career with 1,078 catches, 15,934 yards, and 153 touchdowns.

If Bruce isn’t able to enter the Hall in 2017, things won’t get much easier, as Randy Moss (No. 3 on the list) will get his first nomination next year.

Cross your fingers for both of these greats. The committee votes on the finalists the day before the Super Bowl (Feb. 4) and the new class will be enshrined on August 4, 2017.

The complete list of 2017 finalists:

1. Brian Dawkins, safety (Philadelphia Eagles, 1996-2008; Denver Broncos, 2009-2011)

2. Jason Taylor, defensive end (Miami Dolphins, 1997-2007, '09, 2011; Washington Redskins, 2008; New York Jets, 2010)

3. LaDainian Tomlinson, running back (San Diego Chargers, 2001-09; New York Jets, 2010-11)

4. Morten Andersen, kicker (New Orleans Saints, 1982-1994; Atlanta Falcons, 1995-2000; 2006-07; New York Giants, 2001; Kansas City Chiefs, 2002-03; Minnesota Vikings, 2004)

5. Don Coryell, coach (St. Louis Cardinals, 1973-77; San Diego Chargers, 1978-1986)

6. Kurt Warner, quarterback (St. Louis Rams, 1998-2003; New York Giants, 2004; Arizona Cardinals, 2005-09)

7. Terrell Davis, running back (Denver Broncos, 1995-2001)

8. Isaac Bruce, wide receiver (Los Angeles Rams, 1994; St. Louis Rams, 1995-2007; San Francisco 49ers, 2008-09)

9. Terrell Owens, wide receiver (San Francisco 49ers, 1996-2003; Philadelphia Eagles, 2004-05; Dallas Cowboys, 2006-08; Buffalo Bills, 2009; Cincinnati Bengals, 2010)

10. Tony Boselli, offensive tackle (Jacksonville Jaguars, 1995-2001; Houston Texans, 2002)

11. Alan Faneca, guard (Pittsburgh Steelers, 1998-2007; New York Jets, 2008-09; Arizona Cardinals, 2010)

12. Joe Jacoby, offensive tackle (Washington Redskins, 1981-1993)

13. Ty Law, cornerback (New England Patriots, 1995-2004; New York Jets, 2005, '08; Kansas City Chiefs, 2006-07; Denver Broncos, 2009)

14. John Lynch, safety (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1993-2003; Denver Broncos, 2004-07)

15. Kevin Mawae, center (Seattle Seahawks, 1994-97; New York Jets, 1998-2005; Tennessee Titans, 2006-09)