Back when the Los Angeles Rams were still balling in St. Louis, there was a single name that terrorized and stretched the defenses every time he took the field. But it’s been more than a decade since Torry Holt hung up his cleats, and it’s been 11 years since he’s been eligible for a Hall of Fame spot. Every year, it feels like this is the year, but it slips through the wideout’s fingers, unlike every catch he’s ever made. But he’s upbeat in conversation with Kay Adams and looking forward to what his latest nomination brings.

“I’m excited,” Holt smiles and notes. “I come in every year with a new level of excitement. And I’ve left six straight years with disappointment. But I get right back up, and I’m excited again for the next wave. My work is done. Folks out there that follow the National Football League have seen or have heard my body of work… I think it speaks for itself. – hopefully this year, the year that I hear my name being called.”

Torry Holt’s “body of work” is nothing short of legendary. 173 games, 920 catches for a mind-blowing 13,382 yards, with 74 touchdowns to boot. But is Canton listening? Holt’s name is always up here in the HOFer conversation. For six years, he’s been the finalist, and for six years, he’s walked out without being inducted. His energy and enthusiasm remain as intact as ever. But has he heard from Canton why his name hasn’t yet been immortalized?

“No, not any really concrete feedback… I don’t try to fish around and trying to find out what’s this or what’s that. I listen to those that are part of it. And I’m just waiting… patiently waiting my turn.”

For Holt, it will be another year of watching the names shuffle and the debates rage on. But as he waits for that gold jacket and the bust, let’s also look at his career beyond just the regular stats, and what’s driving him on this long wait to football immortality.

Torry Holt’s legendary career and mindset

Now, the word legendary might not do Torry Holt justice. Beyond the usual stat lines, his accolades are enough to make any active player dream. Super Bowl champ, two-time All-Pro, 7x Pro Bowler, 2x NFL receiving yards leader and a former NFL receptions leader. But there’s even more. He’s the only player in history to have 6 consecutive 1,300+ yards, and 6 consecutive 90+ reception seasons. The HOF candidacy writes itself. But the snubs continue.

And yet, he’s the only remaining name from the league’s 2000’s All-Decade team still waiting his due. But he’s not worried. Six years of disappointment hasn’t robbed him of his charisma and charm. And there’s a bigger thing driving this energy. As he noted on the Rich Eisen Show recently:

“The Hall would be obviously icing on the cake and great validation for my Pro Football career. But the respect that I get from the guys that I played against and played with, that means all the world to me.”

Torry Holt has the numbers, the accolades, and the personality to go with it all. The question isn’t if he deserves to be a Hall of Famer, it’s why he isn’t already.  Maybe this year, at last, he will get that call from Canton.