MIAMI – Steve Hutchinson, a guard so historically fierce and fundamentally sound that the Vikings created a “poison pill” scheme to pilfer him from the Seahawks, reached the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his third year of eligibility on Saturday.
The four other modern-era players chosen by the 48-member selection committee are Broncos safety Steve Atwater, Rams receiver Isaac Bruce, Colts and Cardinals running back Edgerrin James and Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, elected in his first year of eligibility. Joining them will be 15 members of a Centennial Class chosen earlier by a special blue-ribbon committee that included Patriots coach Bill Belichick.