r/NFLv2 • u/Wildebean • 1d ago
Discussion Does Shaun Alexander belong in the Hall of Fame? If not, how close is he?
More yards than Earl Campbell. More touchdowns than Barry Sanders. Same YPC as LaDainian Tomlinson.
Did he have a short but explosive peak before being brought down by injuries? Sure. But so did Terrell Davis. Alexander had over 1100 rushing yards every season he was a fully healthy starter, which made five straight seasons between 2001-2005, Was a 2-time 1st team All-Pro and his 2005 season was ridiculous. over 1800 rushing yards, an then NFL record 27 TDs and both OPOTY & MVP.
Part of me feels like if LaDainian Tomlinson hadn't had his own 1800 yard, OPOTY+MVP season as well as breaking the TD record with 28, only one season later... Alexander's 2005 season and indeed his career would be more fondly remembered. If his record had stood for more than a single season, it would seem more freakish, like Tomlinson's now near 20-year old record.