Obviously we’re several days behind on this, and the conversation has already started, but posting for posterity sake–last weekend the Pro Football Hall of Fame did announce their list of 15 modern-era finalists for the Class of 2025. Featured in the group are an interesting a mix of first-time nominees and returning candidates–with Rodney Harrison being a notable exclusion, after advancing to the final 15 last year for the first time.
The selection committee will convene before Super Bowl LIX to elect between three and five inductees from this group.
First-Year Eligible Finalists:
QB Eli Manning: A two-time Super Bowl MVP with the New York Giants, Manning ranks among the top 10 in NFL history for passing yards and touchdowns.
LB Luke Kuechly: A seven-time Pro Bowler and 2013 Defensive Player of the Year, Kuechly was renowned for his leadership with the Carolina Panthers.
LB/DE Terrell Suggs: Accumulating 139 sacks over his career, Suggs earned the 2011 Defensive Player of the Year award and was a pivotal part of the Baltimore Ravens’ defense.
K Adam Vinatieri: The NFL’s all-time leading scorer with 2,673 points, Vinatieri’s clutch kicking secured multiple Super Bowl victories for the New England Patriots.
G Marshal Yanda: An eight-time Pro Bowler with the Baltimore Ravens, Yanda was a cornerstone of their offensive line.
Returning Finalists:
TE Antonio Gates: Holding the record for most touchdown receptions by a tight end (116), Gates was a key offensive weapon for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers.
DE Jared Allen: With 136 career sacks, Allen was a dominant pass rusher for teams including the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings.
WR Torry Holt: A vital part of the St. Louis Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf,” Holt amassed over 13,000 receiving yards in his career.
WR Reggie Wayne: Ranking 10th all-time in receiving yards, Wayne was a consistent target for the Indianapolis Colts.
WR Steve Smith: A five-time Pro Bowler & two-time All-Pro who totaled 14,731 receiving yards and totaled 87 touchdowns in his career.
T Willie Anderson: A three-time Pro Bowler with the Cincinnati Bengals, Anderson was known for his pass protection skills.
G Jahri Evans: A six-time Pro Bowler with the New Orleans Saints, Evans was instrumental in their offensive success.
S Darren Woodson: A three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, Woodson was a defensive leader throughout his career.
DB Eric Allen: With 54 career interceptions, Allen was a standout for the Philadelphia Eagles and other teams.
RB Fred Taylor: Rushing for over 11,000 yards, Taylor was a key offensive player for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The final selections for the Hall of Fame will be announced during the “NFL Honors” show on February 6, 2025, in New Orleans, with enshrinement ceremonies scheduled for August in Canton, Ohio.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame unveiled their list of 25 modern era players that are finalists to be inducted into the class of 2025 this morning. On the list include:
Seven first time finalists made the cut, and Torry Holt is the most “veteran” of the group at 11 times as a semifinalist, a player that almost everyone seems to acknowledge belongs in the Hall, but continues to get caught up in a WR logjam.
Recently in the 2025 Hall of Fame post (and I think in the 2024 post before that) it was mentioned in the comments that we won’t see another first ballot Hall of Famer until Drew Brees & Larry Fitzgerald in 2026. Didn’t think much of it at first, but after thinking about it some more, I started to wonder–given the stingy nature of the Hall of Fame voters when it comes to first ballot wide receivers, will Fitzgerald make that cut?
When it comes to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the term “first-ballot” carries significant weight. It’s reserved for players whose careers were so impactful that their induction feels inevitable from the moment they retire (and in many cases before), not just become eligible. With Fitzgerald, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anyone doubt his eventual induction–but there have been some that do claim that he didn’t stand out enough to be first ballot (to be fair, most of that came on Reddit, and appears to have started before he retired).
To be fair, this is only really a question due to how many wide receivers have had to (and continue to) wait in line for their enshrinement…so to answer this, we must compare his career to the most recent wide receivers who were enshrined on their first try—Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, and Calvin Johnson—as well as some of those contemporaries who have had to wait, such as Cris Carter, Terrell Owens, Tim Brown, Marvin Harrison, Andre Johnson & Isaac Bruce–as well as a couple that are still waiting.
Larry Fitzgerald: A Case for First-Ballot Induction
First, let’s take a look at Fitzgerald’s career:
Career Stats: 1,432 receptions, 17,492 receiving yards, 121 touchdowns
Postseason Accolades: 1x First-Team All-Pro, 11x Pro Bowler, NFL 100 All-Time Team
Larry Fitzgerald’s numbers speak for themselves–there’s no doubt he is a Hall of Famer, and he will be inducted into Canton–again, the only question here is whether or not he will make it on the first ballot. He ranks second all-time in receptions and receiving yards, trailing only Jerry Rice, and his postseason performance is one of the most clutch in NFL history. His 2008 playoff run, where he set a record with 546 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in four games, almost single-handedly led the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl appearance.
Unlike some of the players who had to wait, Fitzgerald’s character and off-field contributions are exemplary. He’s widely regarded as one of the most respected players in the league, known for his sportsmanship, community service, and leadership.
As we look ahead to the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, the list of potential inductees includes an interesting mix of first-year eligible players and returning finalists who have come close in previous years. This class is poised to generate significant debate, as due to overall career length (Kuechly), hot and cold regular season performance vs postseason heroics (Manning) and position (Vinatieri), there are arguments for and against basically all the first year candidates. Add in a list of at least six candidates that have made the final five cut list in the last two years, with Jared Allen making it in 2023 but not 2024, and it shapes up to be an interesting class for sure.
2025 First-Year Hall of Fame Eligibles
Luke Kuechly: Kuechly, with his seven Pro Bowl selections, five First-Team All-Pro nods, and 2013 Defensive Player of the Year award, leads this year’s list of first-time eligible players. Though his career was cut short by injury, his impact on the field was undeniable, making him a strong contender for first-ballot induction–and the election of Patrick Willis signifies that career length isn’t as big of a deal as some might think.
Eli Manning: Manning’s Hall of Fame credentials are well-known, with two Super Bowl MVPs and top-10 rankings in passing yards and touchdowns. His postseason heroics, particularly in defeating the Patriots twice, could secure his place in the Hall on his first try.
Marshawn Lynch: Known for his punishing running style and “Beast Mode” persona, Lynch rushed for over 10,000 yards and 85 touchdowns in his career. His memorable playoff performances, including the iconic “Beast Quake” run, make him a compelling candidate.
Earl Thomas: A key member of the Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom,” Thomas was a seven-time Pro Bowler and a three-time First-Team All-Pro. His ball-hawking ability and leadership in the secondary played a critical role in Seattle’s Super Bowl XLVIII victory.
Adam Vinatieri: Vinatieri is arguably the most clutch kicker in NFL history, with four Super Bowl rings and multiple game-winning kicks in the biggest moments. As the NFL’s all-time leading scorer, his induction feels inevitable.
Terrell Suggs: Suggs, a dominant force on the Ravens’ defense, ranks eighth all-time in sacks with 139 and won Defensive Player of the Year in 2011. His physical style and leadership helped Baltimore secure two Super Bowl titles.
Travis Frederick: Frederick was a five-time Pro Bowler and a key piece of the Cowboys’ dominant offensive line. His sudden retirement due to illness cut short a promising career, but his impact during his time in the league was significant.
Darren Sproles: Sproles, one of the most versatile players in NFL history, was a dynamic return specialist, rusher, and receiver. His ability to make plays in multiple phases of the game earned him a spot in the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2010s.
Returning Finalists
Torry Holt: Holt, who was one of the final five candidates eliminated in 2024, remains a top contender for induction. As a key member of the “Greatest Show on Turf,” Holt’s career was defined by consistency and excellence, amassing over 13,000 receiving yards and 74 touchdowns.
Reggie Wayne: Like Holt, Wayne was also among the final five eliminated in 2024. His connection with Peyton Manning and his clutch performances in big games make him one of the top wide receivers not yet in the Hall.
Antonio Gates: Gates, the greatest tight end in NFL history in terms of touchdown receptions, was another final 10 finalist in 2024. His athleticism and ability to create mismatches made him a nightmare for defenses and a cornerstone of the Chargers’ offense for years.
Willie Anderson: Anderson, a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro, was also in the final 10 in 2024. As one of the most dominant right tackles of his era, Anderson’s candidacy continues to gain momentum.
Darren Woodson: Woodson, a key member of the Cowboys’ defense during their 1990s dynasty, also made it to the final five eliminated in 2024. His physicality and versatility at safety earned him three Super Bowl rings and five Pro Bowl selections.
Jared Allen: After being in the final 10 in 2023 but not in 2024, Allen remains a strong candidate. With 136 career sacks, Allen was one of the most feared pass rushers of his era, and his consistent production over 12 seasons makes him a likely Hall of Famer.
Jahri Evans: Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time First-Team All-Pro, was a dominant force on the Saints’ offensive line. His blocking helped New Orleans to multiple playoff appearances, including their Super Bowl XLIV win.
Rodney Harrison: Harrison, a hard-hitting safety known for his physical style, was a key part of the Patriots’ dynasty in the early 2000s. With two Super Bowl rings and four All-Pro selections, his candidacy continues to be debated.
Fred Taylor: Taylor’s career numbers, including nearly 12,000 rushing yards, have kept him in the conversation, though injuries during his career may have impacted his chances. His consistency and explosiveness at running back make him a strong candidate.
Eric Allen: Allen, with 54 career interceptions and six Pro Bowl selections, was one of the best cornerbacks of his era. His leadership in the secondary and ability to make big plays in critical moments keep him in the discussion for induction.
Semifinalists From 2024
The list of semifinalists cut before the final round of voting in 2024 includes several players who may continue to make a push for the Hall in 2025:
With another year of no sure thing first year candidates, and a considerable logjam still existing at WR, the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class debate will undoubtedly be as interesting as the debate for the 2024 class–and that’s just the modern day candidates, as obviously the senior & contributor candidates are also hotly debated.
Leave your comments below on where you think the class debate will head!
**EDIT: This article was originally posted on October 24, 2022. Given the news that Jason Kelce is retiring, we thought it relevant to push back to the top of the page.**
In the interest of keeping some Hall of Fame discussion ongoing and fresh, hopefully I’ll be a bit more proactive about posing these questions when I see/hear them out in the wild. I came across this one over the weekend when working on another football related project:
To be honest, another player I wouldn’t even have thought to ask the question about–obviously I know who he is, and I knew he was decent, but I was surprised when I looked up his profile on Pro-Football-Reference.com to see that he is a four-time First-Team AP All-Pro, and five-time Pro Bowler (interesting as well that two of his All-Pro seasons were not Pro Bowl seasons). He’s playing in his 12th season, and has started/played in every game in nine of those seasons, including the last seven seasons.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame released it’s list of Semifinalists Tuesday morning, knocking the list down to 25 names for consideration for the final 5 in the Class of 2024. The biggest surprise? Likely that it wasn’t turned into an hour long prime time special for NFL Network </snark>.
The list of semifinalists, straight from ProFootballHallofFame.com:
Eric Allen, CB – 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2021-24)
Jared Allen, DE – 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2021-24)
Willie Anderson, T – 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2021-24)
Tiki Barber, RB – 1997-2006 New York Giants | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2024)
Anquan Boldin, WR – 2003-09 Arizona Cardinals, 2010-12 Baltimore Ravens, 2013-15 San Francisco 49ers, 2016 Detroit Lions | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
Jahri Evans, G – 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)
London Fletcher, LB – 1998-2001 St. Louis Rams, 2002-06 Buffalo Bills, 2007-2013 Washington Redskins | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)
Dwight Freeney, DE – 2002-2012 Indianapolis Colts, 2013-14 San Diego Chargers, 2015 Arizona Cardinals, 2016 Atlanta Falcons, 2017 Seattle Seahawks, 2017 Detroit Lions | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)
Antonio Gates, TE – 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (First Year Eligible)
Eddie George, RB – 1996-2003 Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans, 2004 Dallas Cowboys (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2022, 2024)
James Harrison, LB – 2002-2012, 2014-17 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2013 Cincinnati Bengals, 2017 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)
Rodney Harrison, S – 1994-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-08 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2021, 2023-24)
Devin Hester, PR/KR/WR – 2006-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-15 Atlanta Falcons, 2016 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
Torry Holt, WR – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars | (Times as a Semifinalist: 10 – 2015-2024)
Andre Johnson, WR – 2003-2014 Houston Texans, 2015 Indianapolis Colts, 2016 Tennessee Titans | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
Robert Mathis, DE/LB – 2003-2016 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
Julius Peppers, DE – 2002-09, 2017-18 Carolina Panthers, 2010-13 Chicago Bears, 2014-15 Green Bay Packers (First Year Eligible)
Steve Smith Sr., WR – 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
Fred Taylor, RB – 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2020-24)
Hines Ward, WR – 1998-2011 Pittsburgh Steelers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 8 – 2017-2024)
Ricky Watters, RB – 1992-94 San Francisco 49ers, 1995-97 Philadelphia Eagles, 1998-2001 Seattle Seahawks | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2020, 2022-24)
Reggie Wayne, WR – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2020-24)
Vince Wilfork, DT – 2004-2014 New England Patriots, 2015-16 Houston Texans | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
Patrick Willis, LB – 2007-2014 San Francisco 49ers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2020-24)
Darren Woodson, S – 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys | (Times as a Semifinalist: 8 – 2015, 2017, 2019-2024)
From that list, 10 more names will be trimmed to get to the list of 15 Modern-Era finalists in early January, who will be considered alongside Coach/Contributor Buddy Parker, and Senior Nominees Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell. At a meeting before Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas in February, the selection committee will trim that list to 10, and then down to the final five, who will then be given a final Yes/No vote alongside the Coach/Contributor and Senior Nominees. It’s been years since the full slate of Modern-Era nominees didn’t get elected, though, to my recollection.
The finalists from the Class of 2023 to not make the final five included (bold indicates they were in the final 10):
With three WR making the final 10 for the Class of 2023 but none making the final five–and only two first year semifinalists joining the list–this may be the year the voters clear up the logjam by getting at least 1-2 in.
Drop your thoughts/predictions in the comments below!
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and history has shown us (eg Albert Lewis) getting moved as semi-finalist into finalist stage last year on modern ballot…
I worry less about 4 moderns per year as with 20 years of eligibility still plenty of time for deserving…
Yea I remain hopeful that the system self corrects or Hall steps in to revise rules so at least we…
Agree with Paul. We have likely entered a “small hall” period (like the 80s and 90s). The backlog of seniors…
If he was truly committed to seeing deserving seniors elected, he first would have completed the final year (class of…