Shaun Alexander put on one of the most incredible performances by a running back in NFL history, yet Hall of Fame voters continue to overlook him. In 2005, he dominated the league, broke records, and led the Seattle Seahawks to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. Despite scoring 112 career touchdowns and earning the MVP award, he remains left out of Canton. His exclusion raises serious questions about Hall of Fame standards.
A Historic 2005 Season That Still Stands Out
The Seattle Seahawks drafted Shaun Alexander in 2000 with the 19th overall pick. He wasted no time becoming one of the league’s elite running backs. Over eight seasons with the Seahawks, he set franchise records for rushing yards (9,429) and total touchdowns (112).
The peak of his career came in 2005. That season, Alexander led the NFL in rushing attempts (370), yards (1,880), and touchdowns (28). His 28 touchdowns set a new NFL record at the time. That same year, he won league MVP and Offensive Player of the Year while carrying the Seahawks to Super Bowl XL. His performance secured him a spot on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, a rare honor for players of his time.
Teammates In The Hall, But Shaun Alexander Is Left Out
Despite Alexander’s achievements, he has never even been a semifinalist for the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame has already enshrined his former teammates, offensive linemen Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson. Jones entered the Hall in 2014, and Hutchinson followed in 2020. Both were key pieces of Seattle’s offensive line during Alexander’s prime, but their presence does not diminish his impact. Running backs need strong blockers, but Alexander’s ability to find the end zone and consistently put up elite numbers was his own doing.
Alexander’s Touchdown Numbers Speak For Themselves
One common criticism of Shaun Alexander’s Hall of Fame case is his career rushing total of 9,453 yards, which falls short of the 10,000-yard benchmark. However, touchdowns define a running back’s effectiveness just as much as yardage. Alexander scored 100 rushing touchdowns, tying him for ninth all-time. In total, he found the end zone 112 times.
Of the 16 players who have scored more touchdowns than Alexander, only two- Adrian Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald– are not yet in the Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame voters are expected to induct both when they become eligible. However, they have completely left Alexander out of the conversation despite his high level of scoring production.
Should Shaun Alexander Be In The Hall Of Fame?
The Hall of Fame’s selection process is extremely competitive, but Shaun Alexander’s career speaks for itself. In his prime, he dominated, won an MVP, set records, and earned recognition as one of the era’s best players. His exclusion suggests that Hall of Fame voters must reevaluate their standards.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame should seriously consider Shaun Alexander’s name if it truly honors the best players in the game’s history. With 112 touchdowns, an MVP trophy, and one of the greatest single-season performances ever, his legacy deserves a place there.
