INDIANAPOLIS – Reggie Wayne’s wait continues.
The Indianapolis Colts’ icon fell short for a fifth consecutive year to earn a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Wayne has been one of 15 modern-era finalists in each of his five years of eligibility but has fallen short.
That’s the case again as the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 was announced Thursday night.
The Selection Committee – I am one of 50 selectors – settled on former Colts’ defensive end Dwight Freeney, defensive end Julius Peppers, wide receiver Andre Johnson, return specialist Devin Hester and linebacker Patrick Willis.
Selectors met last month via Zoom to debate the latest group of finalists, and details of the various discussions are private.
However, the logjam at receiver was extensive and spirited.
Wayne was vying for a spot in Canton, Ohio along with Johnson and Torry Holt. Each clearly possesses Hall of Fame-worthy credentials but the committee opted for Johnson.
The selection procedure consists of paring down the 15 finalists to 10, and then to a final five. The final five must receive 80 percent approval to be inducted.
Johnson and Holt survived the cut to 10. Wayne reached the final 10 last year, but didn’t receive enough support in January.
Johnson was in his third year of eligibility while Holt was a finalist for a fifth time and has been eligible for 10 years.
Wayne admitted the entire process was testing his patience when the subject was broached late in the Colts’ 2023 season.
“It is what it is,’’ he said. “There’s a lot of stuff that I’ve waited on in my lifetime. I’ve waited on becoming the No. 1 receiver for the Colts for six, seven years . . . I didn’t always get that BMX bike when I was a kid. . . . I didn’t always get that Nintendo right when it came out. You’ve got to wait until your number is called (and) when it does, you just got to answer the bell.’’
Waiting has been part of the process for several individuals.
Safety John Lynch was included in the Class of 2021 after being an eight-time finalist. Wideouts Andre Reed (Class of 2014) and Art Monk (2008) also were eight-time finalists when they finally received the necessary support.
Offensive tackle Tony Boselli (2022), guard Alan Faneca (2021), wideout Tim Brown (2015) and wideout Cris Carter endured six years as a finalist before being inducted.
Colts’ standout running back Edgerrin James is a member of the Class of 2020. He was enshrined after reaching the Final 15 four times and in his sixth year of eligibility.
Looking ahead
Most of the 10 modern-era candidates who were not inducted should once again repeat as a finalist for the Class of 2025. The 10 who fell short consisted of Wayne, Holt, defensive end Jared Allen, tight end Antonio Gates, running back Fred Taylor, offensive tackle Willie Anderson, safeties Rodney Harrison and Darren Woodson, cornerback Eric Allen and guard Jahri Evans.
At least three first-time eligible players should demand serious attention: former Colts and New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri, quarterback Eli Manning and linebacker Luke Kuechly.
You can follow MikeChappellon Twitter at @mchappell51.
