42. Ricky Watters

You never had to wonder what was on Ricky Watters's mind. He would tell you whether it was good or bad, and that brashness made him a very polarizing figure in the NFL. This may also be why the Hall of Fame has yet to seriously consider him.

Ricky Watters was one of the most consistent Running Backs in the National Football League. He gained 1,000 yards on the ground seven times while catching fifty passes five times. Watters was the player that teams went to when they wanted to move the chains. With that said, he was far from a darling of the press, and it has been speculated that this could be a factor that could keep him out of the Hall of Fame, despite being one of the most durable dual-threat backs in NFL history.

He posted sufficient career numbers (14,891 YFS & 91 TD) but never had that one season where he was the most dominant Running Back in the NFL. If he had, it would have been nearly impossible for Ricky Watters to be snubbed. Saying that, he had a similar career to Roger Craig, and now that Craig is in, Watters could get another look.

Should Ricky Watters be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 76.2%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 11.9%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 6.7%

No opinion. - 0.4%

No way! - 4.8%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Monday, 01 January 2007
Position: Running Back
Games Played: 144
Notable Statistics: 142 Games Started
2,622 Rushing Attempts
10,643 Rushing Yards
78 Rushing Touchdowns
467 Receptions
4,248 Receiving Yards
13 Receiving Touchdowns
1 Pass Completion
2 Pass Attempts
1 Passing Yard
1 Touchdown Pass
122 Approximate Value

11 Playoff Games
11 Playoff Games Started
175 Rushing Attempts
666 Rushing Yards
8 Rushing Touchdowns
41 Receptions
481 Receiving Yards
4 Receiving Touchdowns
Played For: Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks
College: Notre Dame
Drafted: 2nd Round, 45th Overall in 1991
Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (1) (San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl XXIX)
Second Team All-Pro Selection (3) (1994, 1995 & 1996)
Pro Bowl Selection (5) (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 & 1996)
Most Rushing Attempts (1) (1996)
Most Yards From Scrimmage (1) (1996)
Most Touches (1) (1996)
Other Points of Note: Top Ten Offensive Player of the Year Finishes:
6th in 1992

Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (1) (1994)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Attempts (5) (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards (5) (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Touchdowns (5) (1992, 1993, 1995, 1996 & 1998)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards per Attempt (3) (1992, 1993 & 2000)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards per Game (4) (1992, 1993, 1995 & 1996)
Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (4) (1992, 1993, 1994 & 1996)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards from Scrimmage (8) (1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 & 2000)
Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (1) (1996)
Top Ten Finishes: Touches (6) (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 & 2000)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Touch (1) (1992)
Notable All Time Rankings: 20. Touches: 3,089
22. Rushing Attempts: 21
24.   Rushing Touchdowns: 78
25.   Rushing Yards: 10,643
28. Yards from Scrimmage: 14,891
30.   Rushing Yards per Game: 73.9
37.   Touchdowns: 91
43.   All-Purpose Yards: 14,891
Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: Semi-Finalist: 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025