Former Bulldog Henry Ellard named Hall of Fame semifinalist
The 28 semifinalists will be reduced again to 15 finalists before the final voting process for the Class of 2023 in January.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Former Bulldog wide receiver and Fresno native Henry Ellard may be knocking on Canton's Door.
The 17-year NFL veteran has been named a 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist for the first time ever.
Ellard joins 27 other modern-era players announced Tuesday -- cut from an initial list of 129 nominees.
The 28 semifinalists will be reduced again to 15 finalists before the final voting process for the Class of 2023 in January.
At the time of his retirement from the league in 1998, Ellard was third all-time in receiving yards, only behind hall-of-famers Jerry Rice and James Lofton.
During his time at Fresno State (1979-82), Ellard set an NCAA record with 1,510 receiving yards in his final season.
He would take his talents to the next level, selected in the second round (32nd overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft by the LA Rams.
The wideout was named a 2x First Team All-Pro and 3x Pro-Bowl selection. He currently sits at 15th all-time in NFL receiving yards (13,777).
Before his time as a Bulldog, Ellard would shine as a multiple sport athlete at Hoover High School, winning the 1979 CIF State Championship in triple jump.
Ellard is just one of two former wide receivers to have his jersey (No. 83) retired by the Fresno State football program. Current Raider WR Davante Adams joined Ellard back in October.
