On Tuesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame released their list of 129 Modern-Era nominees.
From there, the list will be cut down to 25 semifinalists in November and then to 15 finalists come January.
The Miami Dolphins had seven former players nominated for the class of 2023. Some donned the aqua and orange for longer than others, but all seven of them had some great careers.
These are the Dolphins’ Modern-Era nominees for next year’s class:
LB Zach Thomas
Dolphins stats (1996-07): 1,640 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 17 interceptions, 16 forced fumbles
Career stats (1996-08): 1,734 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 17 interceptions, 16 forced fumbles
Accolades: 5 First-team All-Pros, 2 Second-team All-Pros, 7 Pro Bowls, NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
WR Irving Fryar
Dolphins stats (1993-95): 199 receptions, 3,190 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns
Career stats (1984-2000): 851 receptions, 12,785 receiving yards, 84 touchdowns
Accolades: 2 Second-team All-Pros, 5 Pro Bowls
WR Wes Welker
Dolphins stats (2004-06): 96 receptions, 1,121 receiving yards, one touchdown
Career stats (2004-15): 903 receptions, 9,924 receiving yards, 50 touchdowns
Accolades: 2 First-team All-Pros, 2 Second-team All-Pros, 5 Pro Bowls
WR Chad Johnson (a.k.a. Ochocinco)
Johnson signed with Miami in June 2012, but he was released following an off-field incident before the season started.
Career stats (2001-11): 766 receptions, 11,059 receiving yards, 67 touchdowns
Accolades: 3 First-Team All-Pros, 1 Second-Team All-Pro, 6 Pro Bowls
OL Richmond Webb
Dolphins stats (1990-2000): 163 starts
Career stats (1990-02): 183 starts
Accolades: 2 First-team All-Pros, 2 Second-team All-Pros, 7 Pro Bowls
DB Troy Vincent
Dolphins stats (1992-95):
Career stats (1992-06):
Accolades: 1 First-team All-Pro, 1 Second-team All-Pro, 5 Pro Bowls
P Matt Turk
Dolphins stats (2000-01, 2003-04): 41 yards per punt
Career stats (1995-2011): 42.4 yards per punt
Accolades: 1 First-team All-Pro, 3 Pro Bowls
