Mike Martz told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he didn’t understand why Holt and Bruce were an afterthought, while Owens is a finalist in his first year of eligibility.

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“Surprised’ isn’t the word,” Martz told the newspaper. “You can’t print how I felt when T.O. leapfrogged those two. That’s just plain out-and-out ridiculous.”

Owens and former Colts star Marvin Harrison are two receivers on the final ballot for the Hall of Fame. Martz also took issue with Harrison being a finalist over Holt and Bruce.

“Had [Holt and Bruce] promoted themselves, which was contrary to everything we were about, they’d probably get in without an issue,” Martz said. “Had they pulled a T.O., they’re probably get in without an issue.

“That’s just not who we were. If they big-timed it and did all that dumb stuff, they’d probably get in earlier. I think they’ll eventually get in. I don’t think that’s an issue, but it’s tragic that people think of them like that. If Marvin Harrison gets in, how could they not get in?”

Holt was a seven-time Pro Bowler and still holds the NFL record for most consecutive seasons with 90 catches and 1,300 receiving yards, marks he hit six straight times in the early 2000s. He finished with career with 13,382 receiving yards. 

Bruce posted 1,024 receptions (eighth all time) for 15,208 yards (fourth) and 91 touchdowns (11th) on his way to four Pro Bowl appearances.

“You kinda start with that,” Martz said. “Look at their production. More importantly, look at their yards per catch. And then look at it consistently over a long period of time — it’ll compare to anybody. In some cases, nobody comes close. I mean nobody’s even come close to what Torry did.”

From a statistical prospective, Owens and Harrison do have stronger Hall of Fame cases. Owens had 15,934 career receiving yards and 153 TDs while Bruce had 91 and Holt had 74. Harrison recorded 14,580 yards and 128 TDs. 

The 2016 Hall of Fame class will be announced Saturday before the Super Bowl, and inductions are scheduled for August.