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The Hall of Fame Class of 2016 has been decided after a nine-hour meeting today as the selection committee gathered to discuss each of the finalists. The official announcement is coming at 9 p.m. ET tonight, but if the early reports are to be believed, it sounds like former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison will be among the class announced.
This according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Vic Tafur:
The leaks are starting. Sounds like Marvin Harrison is popping champagne @ProFootballHOF
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) February 6, 2016
It was expected that the third time would be the charm for Harrison, who has been a finalist in each of the past three seasons. It shouldn't be a surprise that he gets in, then, but it's still a chance for Colts fans to breathe a sigh of relief after seeing Harrison get snubbed in each of the past two years.
One of the best receivers in NFL history, as he ranks in the top seven in league history in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He caught 1,102 passes for 14,580 yards and 128 touchdowns in his career, and for an eight-year stretch (1999-2006) he posted at least 1,000 yards and at least 10 touchdowns in each season. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler, a three-time first-team All-Pro, and a member of the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s. He's absolutely deserving of a spot in Canton.
It's important to note that nothing is official yet, as the official announcement will come later tonight at 9 p.m. ET as a part of the NFL Honors show. But the votes are in, and the early reports are starting to leak out - and if those reports are accurate, it sounds like Marvin Harrison is finally heading to the Hall of Fame.