When football fans think of elite college football programs, they usually don't think of Minnesota, Syracuse, Illinois or Oregon. But all of them outpace Georgia football when it comes to NFL Hall of Fame inductees. So does LSU, Penn State, and UCLA. The Bulldogs somehow only have five inductees which is only one more than lowly University of Tulsa.
Charley Trippi led the way in 1968, followed by Fran Tarkenton, Terrell Davis, Richard Seymour, and Champ Bailey. These five inductees come from the 381 Georgia players who have been drafted into the NFL.
What about Georgia legends like Hines Ward, Geno Atkins, Todd Gurley, Knowshon Moreno, or the Stinchomb brothers? None of them have been under strong consideration, except Hines Ward, who's been a semifinalist for nine consecutive years.
Stellar careers at the university level for many Bulldogs has unfortunately hasn't translated to elite success in the NFL.
Herschel Walker hasn't even come close to the Hall of Fame.
Despite a couple of Pro Bowl appearances and a good career with the Dallas Cowboys, Herschel Walker has never been under serious consideration for induction into the Hall of Fame. Recent NFL standouts like A. J. Green and Thomas Davis may be considered five years after they retire, so perhaps another Bulldog will wear the golden jacket soon.
After those two, Georgia fans will have to wait for quarterback Matthew Stafford to retire. He's a certain lock for induction, given his elite stats and winning Super Bowl LVI in 2022. Quarterbacks who have a Super Bowl win are practically guaranteed to get the votes for the Hall of Fame.
Georgia players in the NFL will want to strive for elite excellence not only for their personal pride, but also to lift UGA up with the other elite programs with several Hall of Famers: Notre Dame (14), USC (14), Michigan (11), Ohio State (10), Pitt (10), Miami, FL (9), and Alabama (8) all have more inductees than Georgia, and the Bulldogs view themselves on the same level of these programs.
So hopefully Georgia's current NFL players can continue their impressive careers so more Bulldogs will be inducted in the next few decades.