Buffalo Bills: Steve Tasker, Cornelius Bennett named HOF semifinalists

The Buffalo Bills had two former players named as semifinalists for the Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

On Tuesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the Modern-Era Player Semifinalists and of the 25 players, two are former players on the Buffalo Bills. This is actually the eighth time that Steve Tasker has made it to being a semifinalist while this is linebacker Cornelius Bennett’s first time being named as a semifinalist.

While both players, the fact that Steve Tasker is not in the Hall of Fame yet is a disappointment. He is arguably one of the best special teams players to ever play in the NFL. He entered the league with the Houston Oilers as a ninth round pick in 1985.

He was waived midway through the 1986 season and the Buffalo Bills claimed him. He would end up playing with the Bills until he retired after the 1997 season. During that stretch with the Bills, he would be named to the Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro seven times, once in 1987 and then every season from 1990 to 1995 for his play on special teams.

Tasker also would be the only player on special teams in NFL history to win Pro Bowl MVP, which he won in 1993. He won the award for making four tackles, forcing a fumble, and also blocking a field goal attempt.

As for Cornelius Bennett, this is his first time making it as a semifinalist. He joined the Bills in 1987 after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. However, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a contract and he was traded to the Bills. He would play nine seasons with the Bills, make the Pro Bowl five times, named First-team All-Pro three times but also win Defensive Player of the Year twice, once in 1988 and then again in 1991.

This group of 25 players will be trimmed down to 15 Modern-Era Finalists and then the players who make the Hall of Fame as part of the 2021 Class will be announced the week prior to the Super Bowl.