Six Miami Hurricane Legends Nominated for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ballot

The Miami Hurricanes boast a storied tradition of producing NFL legends, with a total of nine former Hurricanes earning their place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jim Otto was enshrined in 1980, followed by Ted Hendricks in 1990, Jim Kelly in 2002, Michael Irvin in 2007, Cortez Kennedy in 2012, Warren Sapp in 2013, Ray Lewis in 2018, Ed Reed in 2019, and Edgerrin James in 2020.

Now, the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot continues to reflect this illustrious legacy. Six exceptional former Miami Hurricanes players—Jessie Armstead, Jeff Feagles, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, and Vince Wilfork—have received nominations for this prestigious honor. Let’s take a closer look at the incredible journeys of these football stars, from their high school days to their time at the University of Miami, and their illustrious NFL careers.

Jessie Armstead:

High School: Jessie Armstead attended David W. Carter High School in Dallas, Texas. He was part of a highly talented team that won the 1988 5A state championship, featuring four other future NFL players. Armstead was considered the top high school football talent in Texas and was selected as an All-American three years in high school.

University of Miami Career: Armstead joined the University of Miami in 1989. He had an immediate impact as a freshman, helping the Hurricanes win the National Championship in 1989. Despite a season-ending knee injury during his sophomore year, he bounced back as a junior in 1991, starting all 12 games at linebacker and finishing third on the team with 99 tackles. His strong defense contributed to Miami’s 12-0 season and their fourth National Championship.

NFL Career: Jessie Armstead’s pro prospects were initially diminished after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during his sophomore season. However, he was eventually drafted by the New York Giants in the eighth round of the 1993 NFL Draft. Armstead went on to become a five-time Pro Bowler despite the initial setback. He later played for the Washington Redskins and the Carolina Panthers before retiring.

NFL Career Statistics:

• Total Tackles: 752
• Sacks: 40
• Interceptions: 12

Jeff Feagles:

High School: Jeff Feagles attended Gerard High School in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and baseball.

University of Miami Career: Feagles was a valuable member of Miami’s Football Dynasty of the late 1980s. He was known for his impressive punting skills, and he still holds the school record for the highest punting average in a bowl game.

NFL Career: Jeff Feagles had an extraordinary 22-season career in the NFL, playing for five different teams: the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and the New York Giants. He was selected for the Pro Bowl twice in 1995 and 2008 and won a Super Bowl ring with the Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

NFL Career Statistics:

• Punts: 1,713
• Total Punting Yards: 71,211
• Average Punting Yards: 41.6
• Longest Punt: 74 yards

Devin Hester:

High School: Devin Hester’s journey to football greatness started at Suncoast High School in Riviera Beach, Florida. He was a triple threat on offense, defense, and special teams, showcasing his electrifying playmaking abilities.

University of Miami Career: Hester continued to dazzle at the University of Miami. He set school records with four return touchdowns in 2004, including a 100-yard kickoff return and a 92-yard punt return.

NFL Career: Devin Hester was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He became the greatest return specialist in NFL history, amassing 14 punt return touchdowns, 5 kickoff return touchdowns, and 1 missed field goal return touchdown during his illustrious NFL career. Hester was a four-time Pro Bowler and was named to the NFL’s 100-Year All-Time Team in 2019.

NFL Career Statistics:

• Punt Return Yards: 3,695
• Punt Return Touchdowns: 14
• Kickoff Return Yards: 11,028
• Kickoff Return Touchdowns: 5

Andre Johnson:

High School: Andre Johnson’s football journey began at Miami Senior High, where he showcased his ability to make game-changing plays. He scored 15 touchdowns on just 31 receptions during his senior year.

University of Miami Career: Upon joining the University of Miami, Johnson’s prowess as a receiver became increasingly evident. In 2001, he notched 44 receptions for 881 yards and 10 touchdowns. In the 2002 Rose Bowl National Championship game, he shared co-MVP honors with Ken Dorsey, securing seven passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns.

Johnson concluded his Miami career with 92 receptions for 1,831 yards and 20 touchdowns, cementing his status as one of the program’s all-time greats.

NFL Career: Andre Johnson went on to have a remarkable 14-year NFL career, playing for the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans. He recorded 1,062 receptions, 14,185 receiving yards, and 70 receiving touchdowns during his time in the NFL. Johnson was a seven-time Pro Bowler.

NFL Career Statistics:

• Receptions: 1,062
• Receiving Yards: 14,185
• Receiving Touchdowns: 70

Reggie Wayne:

High School: Reggie Wayne’s path to football prominence began at John Ehret High School in New Orleans, where he garnered All-State honors.

University of Miami Career: During his college career at the University of Miami, Wayne recorded 173 career receptions for 2,510 yards and 20 touchdowns. He held the school record for consecutive games with a reception, with a streak of 36 straight games.

NFL Career: Reggie Wayne had a remarkable NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, where he spent all 14 seasons. He recorded 1,070 receptions, 14,345 receiving yards, and 82 touchdown receptions. Wayne was a six-time Pro Bowler and played an integral role in the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI victory.

NFL Career Statistics:

• Receptions: 1,070
• Receiving Yards: 14,345
• Receiving Touchdowns: 82

Vince Wilfork:

High School: Vince Wilfork’s journey to football greatness began at Santaluces Community High School in Palm Beach County, Florida. He excelled in football, wrestling, and track and field.

University of Miami Career: Upon joining the University of Miami, Wilfork showcased his talents as a disruptive defensive tackle. In his freshman season, despite not starting, he played in every game, finishing with 41 tackles, a sack, and three forced fumbles. His sophomore season followed a similar pattern with no starts but recorded 43 tackles and seven sacks.

Before the 2003 season, Wilfork was touted as the second-best defensive tackle in the country by The Sporting News. That season, he started all 13 games for Miami, finishing with a career-high 64 tackles and leading the team with 20 quarterback hurries. Wilfork’s outstanding performance earned him a place on the All-Big East Conference first team.

NFL Career: In the NFL, Wilfork was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He had a successful 13-year career, including five Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl victories. Wilfork also played for the Houston Texans.

NFL Career Statistics:

• Total Tackles: 559
• Sacks: 16
• Interceptions: 3

These six former Miami Hurricanes players have left an indelible mark on the world of football, from their high school glory days to their college careers, and their remarkable journeys in the NFL. Their nominations for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot serve as a testament to their football legacies, the University of Miami football program, and the enduring impact they have had on the sport.