The NFL announced the 2020 Modern Era Pro Football Hall of Fame class, and former Los Angeles and St. Louis Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce is one of the five electees along with Edgerrin James, Steve Atwater, Steve Hutchinson and Troy Polamalu. His former teammate, Torry Holt, fell short of being elected this year, unfortunately.
Bruce joins the three other members of the ‘Greatest Show on Turf’ that have rightfully joined this prestigious club in quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk and left tackle Orlando Pace. They have each since spent time endorsing the two wide receivers that helped make them both finalists, however, it ultimately was only Bruce that was able to make it this year.
Bruce had been with the Rams in Los Angeles prior to their relocation to St. Louis and served as one of the few bright spots on an otherwise lackluster team prior to the assembling of the GSOT.
He played 16 NFL seasons, 14 with the Rams, being named a Pro Bowler four times and ranking fourth in NFL history with 15,208 yards receiving.
Bruce’s status as the veteran leader of the receiving corps also paid huge dividends for Holt, who managed to quickly develop into one of the best wideouts in the NFL. He eventually earned seven trips to the Pro Bowl, two All-Pro selections, and was named to the 2000s All-Decade Team for his accomplishments.
This was both Bruce and Holt’s sixth time on the ballot, which lead to speculation that their efforts may have been downplayed by the fact that there was so much talent on one of the most high-powered offenses in NFL history. Regardless, this should only further solidify their status as Hall of Famers since they still managed to enjoy stellar production despite having to play alongside each other.
There is no question Holt is certainly more than deserving of getting into the Hall of Fame given his numbers compared to that of other receivers that have made it in. Unfortunately, it appears he will now have to wait yet another year and celebrate his former teammate as Bruce gets inducted in Canton this September.
