Columbia native named Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist

Richard Seymour moved one step closer to reaching the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday.

The Columbia native and former Lower Richland standout was named as one of the 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The finalists will be announced Feb. 2 the day before Super Bowl LIII.

It is Seymour’s second year of eligibility. He was a semifinalist last year. Other finalists are Tony Gonzalez, Isaac Bruce, Edgerrin James, Ed Reed, Steve Atwater, Champ Bailey, Ty Law, John Lynch, Tony Boselli, Kevin Mawae, Alan Faneca, Steve Hutchinson and coaches Don Coryell and Tom Flores.

Seymour was a first-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2001. He played for the Patriots (2001-08) and Oakland Raiders (2019-2012) and was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection.

Seymour was a member of the Patriots’ first Super Bowl championship team and won three Super Bowl rings with New England. He made the 2000s all-decade team and finished his career with 496 tackles and 57 ½ sacks.

This story was originally published January 3, 2019 at 7:11 PM.