Hall of Fame snub: Richmond Webb reacts with class to Class of 2025 finalist list

The Pro Football Hall of Fame released their list of 15 finalists for the induction class of 2025 – and Richmond Webb was not included

There is a lot on the line on Saturday for the Miami Dolphins. Their playoff chances will either be bolstered, damaged, or even destroyed by what happens on the field with the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos today. While those games will be the primary focus this afternoon, the news that came out on Saturday morning was not good for the team either.

Legendary left tackle Richmond Webb was not included in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 finalist list. The seven-time Pro Bowl selection, two time First-Team All-Pro, two-time Second-Team All-Pro, and member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1990s was snubbed from the 15 players who will be eligible for selection just prior to the Super Bowl.

Included in the finalists list are cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, tackle Willie Anderson, guard Jahri Evans, tight end Antonio Gates, wide receiver Torry Holt, linebacker Luke Kuechly, quarterback Eli Manning, wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr., defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs, running back Fred Taylor, kicker Adam Vinatieri, wide receiver Reggie Wayne, safety Darren Woodson, and guard/tackle Marshal Yanda. Up to five players from the list can be elected into the Hall of Fame. A player selected must receive at least 80 percent of the votes.

Kuechly, Manning, Suggs, Vinatieri, and Yanda are all in their first year of eligibility, having last played five years ago. This is the first time Smith has been named a finalist.

Not to belittle the play of any players on the list, but Webb’s performance matches or surpasses several of the finalists. Anderson played 13 years, the same as Webb, with four Pro Bowl selections, three First-Team All-Pro selections, and one Second-Team All-Pro selection. He was not included in any All-Decade Team.

Evans played 12 seasons and was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, a four time First-Team All-Pro, a one-time Second-Team All-Pro, and was a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team. He was also a member of the New Orleans Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV championship team.

Yanda played 13 years. He was a two-time First-Team All-Pro selection and a five-time Second-Team All-Pro. He was selected to eight Pro Bowls, was a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team, and was a member of the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII championship team.

The last offensive lineman selected to the Hall of Fame was in 2023, when Joe Thomas was inducted. He played 11 seasons, with 10 Pro Bowl selections, six First-Team All-Pro selections, and two Second-Team All-Pro selections. He was a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team.

Webb has a case to make as a worthy Hall of Fame selection. He has the All-Decade selection by the NFL and he has the longevity and honors needed to justify his selection. He went toe-to-toe with Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith twice a year every year in the Dolphins and Buffalo Bills rivalry – making an edge rusher versus a left tackle a must watch matchup. Smith’s 0.61 sacks per game average against the Dolphins – and Webb – was the lowest of his career against any team he saw twice a season.

This was Webb’s first year advancing to the semifinal round of the voting and is hopeful a sign that he is headed toward Canton soon.

And, because he is always a class act, Webb posted a series of responses on X following the news of his not advancing to the final round of selection this year:

The last Miami Dolphins player selected to the Hall of Fame was linebacker Zach Thomas, who was selected as a member of the Class of 2023.