As Twins legend Joe Mauer gets inducted into the hall, Minnesota sports enthusiasts are contemplating who might be the next local athletes to follow suit. Among those with promising prospects are:
1. Marc-André Fleury: The 39-year-old goaltender for the Minnesota Wild, currently second in career wins in the NHL. Fleury has an impressive record with three Stanley Cup victories and a Vezina Trophy win.
2. Larry Fitzgerald: The renowned NFL wide receiver, second only to Jerry Rice in career yards, with a history of 11 Pro Bowls and notable achievements in his career with the Arizona Cardinals.
3. Adrian Peterson: The dynamic running back, drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2007, accumulating the fifth-most rushing yards in NFL history. Peterson’s memorable 2012 season nearly broke the single-season rushing record.
4. Terrell Suggs: A prominent linebacker who was the tenth pick in the 2003 NFL draft, leading the Baltimore Ravens in sacks and holding the NFL record for tackles for loss. Suggs, originally from St. Paul, is a two-time Super Bowl champion.
5. Patrick Peterson: An accomplished cornerback, selected fifth overall in the 2011 NFL draft, with multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. Peterson’s contributions extend beyond the Arizona Cardinals, including a stint with the Minnesota Vikings in the 2022 season.
Likely Candidates:
1. Jared Allen: A finalist for the 2024 Hall of Fame class, Allen, a premier pass rusher, had a remarkable career with the Minnesota Vikings, earning numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
2. Harrison Smith: Nicknamed ‘Harry the Hitman,’ Smith, a safety for the Minnesota Vikings, boasts a career that includes six Pro Bowls, an All-Pro recognition, and significant contributions to the team’s defense.
3. Alex Rodriguez: While Rodriguez, part-owner of the Timberwolves, has an illustrious career in baseball, his Hall of Fame eligibility remains uncertain due to performance-enhancing drug use.
Bright Futures:
1. Justin Jefferson: The talented wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings has quickly risen to elite status, following in the footsteps of Vikings legends Randy Moss and Cris Carter.
2. Kirill Kaprizov: The Wild’s 26-year-old forward, known as “Kirill-the-Thrill,” has become a standout player, averaging over a point per game and considered the best player in Wild history.
3. Napheesa Collier: The 27-year-old star of the Minnesota Lynx, averaging almost 17 points per game, is on an upward trajectory, having already achieved significant milestones in her career.
4. Anthony Edwards: The Timberwolves’ 22-year-old shooting guard, a former first-overall pick, is making a significant impact, averaging 26 points per game and poised for a promising career in the NBA.
