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2018 Could Finally Be The Year Joe Jacoby Gets His Hall Of Fame Recognition

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Another Hog could finally find himself wearing a golden jacket in 2018.

Joe Jacoby, one of the top offensive linemen in Washington Redskins history, has spent the last 19 years not hearing his name being called for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Since becoming eligible in 1998, Jacoby has been selected as a finalist only once, but lost out to other notable NFL names like Jerry Jones, Kurt Warner and LaDainian Tomlinson in 2017.

Now, Jacoby has been nominated again for his contributions on the Redskins' offensive line during his tenure from 1981-1993.

Jacoby and current Hall of Famer Russ Grimm anchored a line that paved the way for running back John Riggins to truck through defenses while providing protection for Washington's quarterback including Joe Theismann, Doug Williams and Mark Rypien. The Redskins' offense gained 69,031 yards while Jacoby was on the team, the fourth most by any team during that time.

Jacoby, a four-time Pro Bowler, helped secure three Super Bowl rings and four appearances during his time with Washington. He also holds the franchise record for most postseason appearances with 21. Twice he was named for the first-team All Pro in 1983 and 1987.

Jacoby entered his NFL career as an underdog, going undrafted out of Louisville. That didn't stop him from working his way up through head coach Joe Gibbs' roster. Gibbs remains a strong advocate for Jacoby' induction into the Hall of Fame, and praises not only his old lineman's physical toughness, but his deep understanding of the game.

In a single season, Jacoby became a full-time starter on the line, contributing at every position except center. His home, however, was at right tackle, and he ended his decorated career with 170 regular season games under his belt.

Washington Redskins great Joe Jacoby was selected as a 2014 semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame! Here's a look back at his illustrious career in Washington.

One of his most notable plays came during Super Bowl XVII, when on 4th-and-1, Riggins slipped past Jacoby' right hip and chugged his way 42 yards to the end zone. Washington ended up winning the game against the Miami Dolphins 27-17, the team's first of three Super Bowl victories.

Since retiring in 1993, Jacoby chose the quiet life, working at a local car dealership and eventually becoming the offensive line coach at Concordia University in Chicago.

Even though Jacoby seems like an obvious choice for the Cass of 2018, he will face stiff competition. Former Chicago Bear linebacker Brian Urlacher was nominated in his first year of eligibility.

Terrell Owens, another former nominee, was also named after reaching the finals in 2017. Two other notable former Washington Redskins were also nominated for this year's class. Kick returner and running back Brian Mitchell and defensive coordinator and head coach Richie Petitbon will also wait to see if their names are called to forever be enshrined in Canton, Ohio.

If Jacoby is not selected in 2018, he will be moved out of the Modern-Era category and into the senior group, since he will have been out of the game for 25 years.

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