It’s no secret Temple’s football program is on the rise and if you asked someone to name their most iconic player, most of them would say Paul Palmer. Palmer was Temple’s star running back during the 1983-1986 seasons and he was a consensus All-American in 1986 and lost out on the Heisman Trophy the same year to Vinny Testaverde.
During his time at Temple, Palmer set 23 school records, including career rushing yards and was named ECAC Player of the year in 1986 after leading the nation in rushing yards (1,866), rushing yards per game (169.6), and all-purpose yards (2,633).
In the 1987 NFL Draft, Palmer was selected 19th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs and made the All-Pro team as rookie. After the Chiefs, Palmer bounced around a bit starting at tailback in Dallas, but then his NFL career came to halt.
Though Paul Palmer had a short NFL career, he is not forgotten among people in the college football world and he is now on the 2017 College Football Hall of Fame ballot. Palmer is one of 170 players on the ballot and there are also 35 coaches eligible for induction as well.
Some notable players and coaches on the ballot are Peyton Manning (Tennessee), Tony Gonzalez (California), Marshall Faulk (San Diego State), Steve Spurrier, Danny Ford (Clemson), and Darryl Rodgers. The announcement of the 2017 class will be made Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. because the city is serving as the host for the College Football Playoff National Championship.
It’s very difficult to get elected into the College Football Hall of Fame, but there is no doubt Paul Palmer deserves the honor after being one of the most iconic Temple football players ever and really being the first person to put the program on the map. No matter what happens, it doesn’t take away from what Paul Palmer was able to accomplish at Temple and the mark he left on college football.
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