One of the most decorated players in Kansas City Chiefs history is once again a Hall of Fame finalist.
Will Shields, who started a franchise-record 223 consecutive games for the Chiefs during his 14-year career (1993-2006), was named a finalist for the fourth consecutive season on Thursday night, the NFL announced.
The 223 consecutive starts for Shields ranks as fifth best in NFL history, while the 12 Pro Bowls he was named to during his time in Kansas City is tied for the most in NFL history.
Of the 11 modern-era guards in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, no one has played in more career games at the guard position than Shields.
Shields joined the Chiefs as the team's third-round pick (No. 74 overall) out of Nebraska in the 1993 NFL draft. As a senior, he was honored with the Outland Trophy, given to the nation's best interior offensive lineman, in 1992.
He was the 11th lineman chosen in the draft that year after being a three-time All-Big Eight selection.
The only thing that could rival what Shields was able to accomplish on the field is what he was able to do away from it.
Shields was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, the most prestigious accolade that could be bestowed upon an active player, back in 2003. It was the work done throughout the Kansas City metro area with his "Will to Succeed Foundation" that earned him this honor.
Photos from OL Will Shields' career with the Kansas City Chiefs
He was the fourth player in Chiefs history to win the prestigious award, joining Willie Lanier (1972), Len Dawson (1973) and Derrick Thomas (1993). With Brian Waters winning the award in 2009, the Chiefs' five recipients of the honor is the most for any franchise.
Shields will need 80 percent positive vote to be elected into the Hall of Fame.
The 2015 Hall of Fame class will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona on January 31, the night before the Super Bowl.
