Tony Boselli has been elected into the 2022 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is the first player in Jacksonville Jaguars franchise history to reach Canton. Boselli had a relatively short career, playing in just seven seasons. However, he was a dominant left tackle for much of his career. Boselli was a Hall of Fame finalist for multiple years and now finally joins the ranks of an elite class of players.
Tony Boselli Makes the Hall of Fame
Boselli was the first player drafted by the Jaguars in their inaugural season of 1995. He was the second overall pick out of the University of Southern California. Boselli was an imposing figure at 6’7” and 324 lbs. He played in 91 games over seven seasons.
Boselli made the Pro Bowl in five straight seasons from 1996-2000. He was also a three-time AP All-Pro in consecutive years from 1997-to 1999. Though his career was short, Boselli dominated at left tackle in the 1990s. Perhaps a perfect example of his dominance is his performance in the 1996 AFC Wild Card match-up against Bruce Smith. Boselli nullified a future Hall of Famer in Smith to help lead the Jaguars past the Buffalo Bills in that game. He played with an edge. A mean streak that not all linemen can boast of possessing. Boselli had a combination of physical gifts and aggression that perfectly suited his position.
This year was the sixth straight year that Boselli was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Unfortunately for Boselli, there was a log-jam of offensive lineman in past years. In 2018 Jerry Kramer made Canton. In 2019 Kevin Mawae made Canton. 2020 saw Steve Hutchinson reach Canton. Alan Faneca reached the hall in 2021. This year was finally Boselli’s turn. His short career made the wait longer, but Boselli deserved a gold jacket. He will receive his gold jacket at the Hall of Fame Game later this year. He will make his family, alma mater, and the city of Jacksonville proud when he accepts this honor.
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