In their first year on the ballot, defensive back Darrelle Revis and offensive tackle Joe Thomas were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The full class of 2023 is shown here:

defensive back DeMarcus Ware
Zach, a linebacker Ronde Barber, cornerback for Thomas
linebacker on defense The cornerback Joe Klecko Chuck Howley, linebacker Ken Riley
Coach Coryell, Don

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On November 27, 2016, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas #73 kneels during a timeout in the second quarter of a game against the New York Giants. New York triumphed 27–13.
On November 27, 2016, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas #73 kneels during a timeout in the second quarter of a game against the New York Giants. New York triumphed 27–13. Diamond Images/Getty Images/Nick Cammett

It’s hardly surprising that Thomas was elected because he was the overwhelming choice to do so after winning 10 Pro Bowls with the Cleveland Browns during his career. He is one of the most accomplished players among the finalists and has been named to the first team of the All-Pro six times.

Thomas spent his entire 11-year career with the Browns, although many consider him to be a legendary player who was never able to reach the postseason. Only once during his tenure there did Cleveland have a winning record, in the 2007 campaign, when they went 10-6.

For the New York Jets, Revis had an immediate impact because of his legendary and historically significant coverage abilities.

With his 11-year career, which started in New York, Revis was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times and was named to the first team four times. Revis was selected by the Jets with the 14th overall pick out of Pitt, and he immediately infected the secondary with his “Revis Island” spirit.

After leaving the Jets, Revis played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for one season before joining the New England Patriots in 2014 to win a Super Bowl. Revis would spend two more seasons with the Jets in 2015 and 2016 before concluding his career in 2017 with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Together with Calvin Johnson, Thomas and Revis are Canton members who were selected in the top 14 of their respective classes.

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The remaining members of the Class of 2023 are more than deserving of receiving busts in Canton:

DeMarcus Ware (94), a Dallas Cowboys defensive end, competes against the Green Bay Packers on December 15, 2013 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the United States. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports, Matthew Emmons
DeMarcus Ware (94), a Dallas Cowboys defensive end, competes against the Green Bay Packers on December 15, 2013 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the United States. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports, Matthew Emmons. Declan Ware Over the course of his illustrious Dallas Cowboys career, the defensive end registered 138.5 sacks, with 117 of those coming in “Jerry’s World.” Nine Pro Bowls were attended by Ware, who played for the Cowboys for seven consecutive seasons and the Denver Broncos for two more during his final three seasons.

– Ken Riley: Riley played cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals for 15 seasons, recording 65 interceptions, five of which were returned for scores. Riley picked nine times in 14 games in 1976. Riley certainly gave it everything on the field during his final season in 1983, recording eight interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, earning him his first-ever first-team All-Pro accolades.

– Chuck Howley: Howley began his career with the Chicago Bears but established himself as a Cowboy. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro. He was among the top linebackers in the league from 1966 to 1971, winning Super Bowl MVP in 1970.

On October 12, 2003, in Landover, Maryland, Ronde Barber #20 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watches a football game versus the Washington Redskins.
On October 12, 2003, in Landover, Maryland, Ronde Barber #20 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watches a football game versus the Washington Redskins. (By Mitchell Layton for Getty Images) )

– Ronde Barber: The former running back Tiki’s twin brother played for the Buccaneers for the duration of his 16-year career. He made five All-Pro teams over the course of his career, was chosen for the All-2000s Team, and led the NFL in interceptions in 2001. With 215, he owns the NFL record for the most consecutive defensive back starts. He also won Super Bowl XXXVII.

– Joe Klecko: The legendary New York Jets player played three different positions in the Pro Bowl, and many believe his entry into the Canton Hall of Fame is long overdue. He played for the New York Sack Exchange and was a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler. In 1981, the same year he earned Defensive Player of the Year, he led the NFL in sacks.

On December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts, Jordan Jenkins #48 and Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets react prior to a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
On December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts, Jordan Jenkins #48 and Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets react prior to a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. (Getty Images/Billie Weiss) )

In his 13 NFL seasons, Zach Thomas was named to the First Team All-Pro five times. He wreaked havoc with Jason Taylor for 11 years, twice finishing first in the NFL in tackles, and he was selected for seven Pro Bowls. The Hall of Fame is now getting a bust of a former fifth-round choice.

– Don Coryell: With his offensive strategy, Coryell changed the game and helped the San Diego Chargers win three straight division championships. The now Hall of Fame coach, who had previously made the final six times, was credited by Dan Fouts with giving him his career. The football player Air Coryell is still well-known despite his lack of postseason success.