Cowboys legend Drew Pearson finally inducted into Hall of Fame in 2021 class

Drew Pearson is finally a Hall of Famer.

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Drew Pearson went viral on social media last year for all the wrong reasons, as he was emotionally crushed after not making the cut for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s expanded 2020 class. Pearson finally got the recognition he deserved, as he will join the rest of the game’s best in Canton after being tabbed for induction in 2021.

Pearson was selected by the Hall of Fame’s senior committee as their player nominee for induction in 2021. Pearson will be joined by another egregious snub in former Raiders coach Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl champion who became the first Hispanic head coach to win a championship.

Drew Pearson was one of the best receivers of the 1970s.

Pearson’s career numbers of 7,822 yards and 48 touchdowns look pretty ordinary, but those numbers belie the fact that he was the best skill position player during Tom Landry’s best seasons as Cowboys head coach.

A former undrafted free agent from Tulsa, Pearson was an All-Pro four times in his 10-year career. He topped 1,000 yards twice and lead the league in receiving in 1977. Roger Staubach’s preferred downfield vertical target, Pearson picked up a championship as a part of Dallas’ legendary 1977 team. He missed the playoffs just once in his career.

Just before a career-ending injury suffered in a car accident, Pearson had passed “Bullet” Bob Hayes as the Cowboys’ all-time leader in receiving yards. Pearson should have been inducted long ago, but at least the Hall finally realized the error of its ways.

His numbers might not be as gaudy as some modern receivers, but Pearson was the preferred passing option on one of the greatest and most recognizable teams in NFL history. His decade of dominance has finally been rewarded with a spot in Canton, as it should have been long ago.