71. Henry Ellard

The first few years of Henry Ellard’s career was fairly nondescript, but he would then see his number called more often and he responded with seven seasons of 1,000 yards or more. He became the Rams go-to receiver and would perform the same duty as a Washington Redskin. He excelled as a brilliant route runner, but his talents often went unnoticed in the era of Jerry Rice.

What also hurts his Hall of Fame candidacy is that for all the yards he tabulated through passes, his touchdown tally is relatively low. Without that sexy statistic and with only three Pro Bowl berths, this could explain why someone who accumulated so many yards has not been given serious consideration for enshrinement.

Should Henry Ellard be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 68.8%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 24.6%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3.6%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 2.9%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Fresno, California, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Thursday, 01 January 2004
Position: Wide Receiver
Games Played: 228
Notable Statistics: 814 Receptions
13,777 Receiving Yards
65 Receiving Touchdowns
19 Rushing Attempts
50 Rushing Yards
135 Punt Returns
1,527 Punt Return Yards
19 Kick Returns
364 Kick Return Yards
134 Approximate Value

10 Playoff Games
28 Receptions
419 Receiving Yards
1 Receiving Touchdown
1 Rushing Attempt
2 Rushing Yards
11 Punt Returns
94 Punt Return Yards
9 Kick Returns
157 Kick Return Yards
Played For: Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Washington Redskins
College: Fresno StateVanderbilt
Drafted: 2nd Round, 32nd Overall in 1983
Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (None)
First Team All-Pro Selection (2) (1984 & 1988)
Pro Bowl Selections (3) (1984, 1988 & 1989)
Most Receiving Yards (1) (1988)
Most Yards per Reception (1) (1996)
Most Receiving Yards per Game (2) (1988 & 1989)
Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (2) (1988 & 1990)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards (4) (1988, 1989, 1990 & 1994)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (1) (1988)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Reception (6) (1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995 & 1996)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards per Game (5) (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 & 1994)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards from Scrimmage (3) (1988, 1990 & 1994)
Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (1) (1988)
Top Ten Finishes: Punt Returns (1) (1985)
Top Ten Finishes: Punt Return Yards (2) (1984 & 1985)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Punt Return (2) (1984 & 1985)
Notable All Time Rankings: 14. Yards per Punt Return: 11.3
15. Receiving Yards: 13,777
25. All-Purpose Yards: 15,718
34. Receptions: 814
38. Yards From Scrimmage: 13,827
58. Yards per Reception: 16.9
63. Receiving Touchdowns: 65
74. Punt Return Yards: 1,527
78. Receiving Yards per Game: 60.4
Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: 2023