Reed, Gonzalez, Bailey headline 2019 Hall of Fame class
The 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was announced Saturday at the NFL Honors award show.
Ed Reed, Tony Gonzalez, and Champ Bailey will all be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer in their first year of eligibility. Ty Law, Kevin Mawae, Pat Bowlen, Gil Brandt, and Johnny Robinson round out the 2019 class.
Ed Reed
Safety, Baltimore Ravens-New York Jets-Houston Texans, 2002-13
Reed was one of the most dangerous defensive weapons in NFL history. As a deep-lying free safety, he collected 73 career interceptions (including the playoffs), leading a dominant Ravens defense during the 2000s. He led the league in interceptions on three occasions and was named the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Reed helped Baltimore capture its second Super Bowl during the 2012 season.
Tony Gonzalez
Tight end, Kansas City Chiefs-Atlanta Falcons, 1997-2013
The league's premier player at his position, Gonzalez leads all tight ends in career receptions (1,325) and receiving yards (15,127). He ranks second behind Jerry Rice in the former. Gonzalez was named to an astounding 14 Pro Bowls and six first-team All-Pro squads during his illustrious career.
Champ Bailey
Cornerback, Washington Redskins-Denver Broncos, 1999-2013
Bailey revolutionized his position as one of the first players to shadow his opponent's No. 1 receiver. He did it well, too, as the 2000s All-Decade Team member notched 54 career interceptions. His 12 Pro Bowls are the most among cornerbacks in league history.
Ty Law
Cornerback, New England Patriots-New York Jets-Kansas City Chiefs-Denver Broncos, 1995-2009
Law won three Super Bowls as a member of the Patriots dynasty in the 2000s, anchoring the team's secondary with incredible awareness and sticky coverage. He's the owner of 59 career interceptions, returning eight for touchdowns.
Kevin Mawae
Center, Seattle Seahawks-New York Jets-Tennessee Titans, 1994-2009
A seven-time first-team All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowler, Mawae was an elite blocker for the majority of his career. An excellent pass protector, Mawae also anchored a number of strong run-blocking lines, including the one that paved the way for Chris Johnson's 2,000-yard season in 2009.
Pat Bowlen
Owner, Denver Broncos, 1984-present
Bowlen purchased the Broncos in 1984 and served as the team's CEO until July 2014, when he stepped down due to his battle with Alzheimer's disease. The 74-year-old is the only owner in NFL history to see his team accumulate 300 wins during his first 30 seasons.
Gil Brandt
Executive, Los Angeles Rams-San Francisco 49ers-Dallas Cowboys, 1955-88
A pioneer of scouting, Brandt is best known for his time as vice president of player personnel with the Cowboys, helping form a dynasty in the 1970s. He helped create the NFL Scouting Combine as a centralization of the draft's evaluation process.
Johnny Robinson
Safety, Dallas Texans-Kansas City Chiefs, 1960-71
Robinson will be enshrined as a senior member. He's a member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame, and won Super Bowl IV with the club in 1970.