Will Shields Falls Short of Hall of Fame

Feb 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Will Shields talks during the NFL Alumni Player Networking Event at the Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Will Shields is going to have to wait at least one more year before he is enshrined into the Hall of Fame.

There is something of a silver-lining here. Covitz reports Shields made the cut from 15 to 10, but fell just short of making the seven-man class. Being one of the last three out stinks, but it would seem to indicate his time is coming soon. Shields failed to make the cut to 10 last year.

Shields was drafted 74th overall by the Chiefs in the 1993 draft. After serving as a reserve in his first game as a professional, he earned the starting gig in week two and never looked back. From ’93 to 2006 he started 223-straight games, went to 12 Pro Bowls, and was named All-Pro twice.

Shields was given the Walter Peyton Man of the Year award in 2003 and the Ed Block Courage Award in 2005 because, in part, of his Will To Succeed foundation.

There is little doubt he will be enshrined in Canton, it is just a matter of when.