The NFL is mourning the loss of Dan Reeves, who passed away on New Year's Day at the age of 77. Reeves was a former player and coach, making an impact in the league for 38 years. In light of his passing, many are wondering why the NFL legend was never inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He accomplished so much during all aspects of his career in the NFL, on the field and the sidelines. That being said, here are three (of many) reasons why Dan Reeves should be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

3. The wins he earned as a head coach

When Reeves began his head coaching career with the Denver Broncos in 1981, he became the youngest head coach in the league. After 12 seasons with Denver, Reeves was hired by the New York Giants, coaching there from 1993 to 1996. In 1997, Reeves moved on to the Atlanta Falcons until ending his NFL coaching career in 2003.

Throughout all 23 years and three different teams, Reeves recorded 190 wins with a winning percentage of 0.535. He also led all three of his teams to the playoffs.

Reeves is currently ranked ninth on the list of the most wins for an NFL coach of all time. Hall of Fame members also on the list include Don Shula (ranked 1st), Bill Parcells (ranked 12th), and Tony Dungy (ranked 26th), two having fewer wins than Reeves. His amount of wins as an NFL coach makes him more than worthy of joining the same elite company in the Hall of Fame.

2. Reeves' adaptability and drive to succeed

Reeves joined the Cowboys in 1965 as an undrafted free agent and was originally a member of the defense. However, injuries to the offense granted him an opportunity at running back, and Reeves took it in full stride. He played the role of Cowboys' star running back and even won a Super Bowl with the Boys. His active career lasted up until 1968, when he suffered torn ligaments in his knee.

For the average NFL player, this would have been it for their career in professional football. One thing people admire about Reeves is his motivation and drive to succeed, no matter what role he was thrown into.

Instead of throwing in the towel because of the injury, Reeves began his coaching career, determined to win in any way possible. He was a player-coach until 1972 and won his second Super Bowl as a full-time assistant coach. Reeves began his head coaching career in 1981.

1. The legacy and impact he leaves behind

Most importantly, Reeves left his mark on the National Football League, as well as the teams he was a part of. When the news broke that Reeves passed, people all over the NFL community took to social media to share memories of, mourn, and admire the late coach.

This includes Broncos' President of Football Operations John Elway. The former quarterback attributed a lot of his success to Reeves, who coached him from 1983 to 1992. Elway released a statement, which wrapped up with condolences to his family, as well as his own reasoning for Reeves' Hall of Fame induction.

“When you look at all Dan did in this league with all the successes, all the Super Bowls and all the wins, I don't think there is any question he belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.” Elway also mentioned his widespread impact on the league as both a player and a coach.

Dan Reeves, known to many as an admirable, driven man, as well as a “heckuva coach,” has earned his spot amongst the greats in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It's time to give this man his golden jacket.