Isaac Bruce Making Hall of Fame and Not Reggie Wayne Doesn't Add Up

Five modern era players made the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2020 on Sautrday, with Isaac Bruce being the lone receiver in the group. The former Los Rams and 49ers star deserved his spot, but there's another receiver out there who was equally deserving but found himself on the outside looking in -- Indianapolis Colts legend Reggie Wayne.

This was Wayne's first year on the ballot, while Bruce has been waiting a few years for enshrinement. That could have played a role in why Wayne was left off in 2020, but it still won't leave those who cheered on Wayne from the University of Miami to his record-setting days alongside Peyton Manning in Indy feeling the least bit satisfied.

Bruce finished with career with 15,208 receiving yards and 91 touchdowns. Wayne had 14,345 yards and 82 touchdowns in 12 fewer career games. Bruce made four Pro Bowls, while Wayne made six. They each have a Super Bowl ring In so many ways, their careers are basically identical. So, did Bruce really just get in because he's older? If that's the case, then the process by which we confer Hall of Fame status upon players suddenly loses credibility.

Luckily, there's a silver lining here for Colts fans: Peyton Manning is eligible starting next year.

This appears to be another case of a deserving player having to wait longer than necessary for enshrinement because others who have been in the same situation are finally getting in themselves at long last. Wayne shouldn't have to be punished on Bruce's account, but it's not like Bruce wasn't already deserving of enshrinement in years past. Such is the way of things with the politics of Canton.

Wayne is now set up to potentially get in alongside Peyton Manning in the 2021 class. Though he may be in Canton this summer anyway to watch former teammate Edgerrin James make his speech after he was chosen for the 2020 class, all's well that ends well.