A.G. Gancarski
In a moment long anticipated by fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the franchise’s first draft pick was finally selected to the National Football League Hall of Fame (HOF) Thursday.
Tony Boselli, one of the top left tackles of his era and a key piece of the team’s early success on the field, got his deserved recognition after a long wait.
Boselli, a three-time All Pro who played his last game in 2001, was eligible for 16 years, and a finalist for six years. His career was shortened by injury, which likely delayed his entry into the HOF. Another contributing factor was playing for a small-market team that never made the Super Bowl.
Boselli talked to Jacksonville media Friday afternoon, lauding them for covering his career and expressing gratitude for “support in the Hall of Fame process.”
While Boselli may be best known nationally for his prowess on the gridiron, he also has been in the mix in Florida politics as well, with a longtime connection to Ballard Partners.
Boselli and Susie Wiles were charged in 2011 with helming the Ponte Vedra office of Ballard Partners, as the Jax Daily Record reported at the time.
Boselli continues to work as a radio analyst for the Jacksonville Jaguars, as well as for the Westwood One radio network during the NFL season.
Jacksonville was able to celebrate another local tie to the Hall of Fame Thursday as well. Green Bay Packers defender LeRoy Butler was also picked. Butler attended what was then called Lee High School, but has since been renamed Riverside High School.
Butler credited his early years and formative influences with keeping him on track.
“I was the kid that got bullied, that didn’t get the sleepovers but my teachers kept me focused,” Butler said. “If it wasn’t for my teachers, I wouldn’t be on this stage today.”
We are so proud of our Team Ballard alum @TonyBoselli, big congrats! Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 revealed at 'NFL Honors' https://t.co/fR2eT9YOuo #Sayfie #FlaPol
— Ballard Partners (@BallardFirm) February 11, 2022
