Former Seahawks guard Steve Hutchinson makes Pro Football Hall of Fame

The 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees have been leaked, and one of the greatest offensive linemen in Seattle Seahawks history is getting that sought after call-up to Canton.

Left guard Steve Hutchinson, who was aligned next to current Hall of Famer Walter Jones, is headed for the Hall of Fame. This was his third year of eligibility, and as it turns out the third time really was the charm.

Hutchinson was drafted by the Seahawks in 2001 as the 17th overall pick. Between Big Walt, Hutch, and fullback Mack Strong, they paved the way for Shaun Alexander’s peak years as one of the NFL’s best running backs, and indeed the league MVP in 2005. Unfortunately, Hutchinson left the Seahawks in 2006 for the Minnesota Vikings, and I am sure you have no interest in rehashing the “poison pill” clause and the mess that effectively started former GM Tim Ruskell’s downfall. Seattle’s loss was Adrian Peterson’s gain.

As far as overall accomplishments, Hutchinson was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, with five first-team All-Pro appearances, two second-team All-Pro nods, and he was named to the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team. Hutchinson ended his career with the Tennessee Titans after the 2012 season.

It’s a well-deserved honor for a truly dominant player. The Seahawks have, quite arguably, not come remotely close to effectively replacing him at left guard in going on 15 years.

The other HOFers announced on Saturday were Rams WR Isaac Bruce, Pittsburgh Steelers S Troy Polamalu, longtime Indianapolis Colts RB (and short-time Seahawk) Edgerrin James. and Denver Broncos S Steve Atwater.