After doing the dirty work throughout his career while other around him got the glory, longtime Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams is finally a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
This is the first time Williams has been named a finalist since he became eligible. He was the lone connection to the Vikings among those currently being considered for the Class of 2026.
The list of 15 finalists is headlined by former Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and former Giants quarterback Eli Manning.
The rest of the group includes former Bengals right tackle Willie Anderson, former Saints right guard Jahri Evans, former 49ers running back Frank Gore, former Rams receiver Torry Holt, former Panthers linebacker Luke Luke Kuechly, former Ravens edge rusher Terrell Suggs, former Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri, former Colts receiver Reggie Wayne, former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, former Cowboys safety Darren Woodson, and former Ravens right guard Marshal Yanda.
The inclusion of Williams is very much deserved given how good he was during his career. After being selected by the Vikings in the first round oft he 2003 NFL Draft, Williams quickly became an integral piece on defense, recording 10 1/2 sacks as a rookie to go along with 15 tackles for a loss.
Eventually, Williams got to pair with fellow defensive tackle Pat Williams, forming a dominant duo on the interior that struck fear into the heart of opponents. They became affectionately known as the “Williams Wall” for how they would stuff offenses that dared to run up the middle.
After starring for the Vikings in the trenches for more than a decade, Williams spend some time with the Seahawks and the Saints before opting for retirement. He finished his career with 528 tackles, 63 sacks, and 113 tackles for a loss. He was also named a first team All Pro five times and selected to the Pro Bowl six times.
The fact that Williams is finally a finalist this year is fitting considering that former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen was elected to the Hall of Fame last year. They both helped each other achieve greatness during their time with the Vikings.
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