Joe Jacoby Belongs in the Hall of Fame — And Here’s Why

It’s long past time for the Pro Football Hall of Fame to correct one of its biggest oversights: Joe Jacoby deserves a gold jacket.

A cornerstone of Washington’s legendary offensive line, Jacoby was more than just a big body — he was the heart and soul of “The Hogs,” the unit that defined smash mouth football in the 1980s and early 1990s. The Hogs weren’t just dominant; they were iconic. And Jacoby was their anchor at left tackle, protecting quarterbacks and paving the way for three Super Bowl wins.

A Dominant Force in the Trenches

Jacoby went undrafted out of Louisville in 1981, but quickly earned a starting job and never looked back. Standing at 6’7” and weighing over 300 pounds, he brought rare size and athleticism to the tackle position during a time when that combination was uncommon. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time First-Team All-Pro, matched up week in and week out against the best edge rushers of the era — and winning those battles.

In Super Bowl XVII, it was Jacoby’s block that sprung John Riggins for his iconic 43-yard touchdown run. Plays like that didn’t just define games — they defined a dynasty.

Championship Pedigree

Jacoby played in four Super Bowls, winning three (XVII, XXII, XXVI). While quarterbacks and skill players got the headlines, it was the Hogs — and Jacoby in particular — who did the dirty work that made Washington’s offense go. Few linemen can match his resume when it comes to postseason success and consistency over more than a decade.

Peer Respect and Enduring Legacy

Hall of Famers like Anthony Muñoz have openly stated that Jacoby deserves to be enshrined in Canton. Coaches, teammates, and opponents alike recognize his impact. He was part of a cultural shift in offensive line play, setting a standard for left tackles that helped shape modern NFL offenses.

His influence is still seen today in how teams build around the left tackle position — and in how they value undrafted players who refuse to be overlooked.

What’s the Hold-Up?

If the Hall of Fame is meant to honor not just stats, but dominance, impact, and championships — Joe Jacoby checks every box. He played with toughness, leadership, and excellence during one of the most successful stretches in Washington franchise history.

Leaving Jacoby out while others with lesser accolades get in does a disservice to the game’s history and to the men who made the grind in the trenches matter.

---

It’s time.

Joe Jacoby shouldn’t just be in the conversation — he should be in the Hall of Fame. He has been a mentor to me for years, and his resume demands it. His peers support it. And football fans everywhere deserve to see one of the game’s true warriors take his rightful place in Canton.