Reading through an article of which players in Super Bowl LIX may draw interest as free agents for my local team, I saw reference to “future Hall of Famer Chris Jones” (not as one of the potential targets–but as the only DT with a PFF pass rush grade higher than Milton Williams, who was the player being mentioned), which got me thinking (like it almost always does when I see “future Hall of Famer Player X”)–is Chris Jones there already?
Jones has emerged as one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive tackles, anchoring the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense with his combination of power, agility, and versatility. Drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft (37th overall) out of Mississippi State, Jones quickly developed into a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ defensive line and a game-changing force in the trenches.
Jones’ breakout season came in 2018, when he recorded an astonishing 15.5 sacks, setting an NFL record with a sack in 11 consecutive games. Somehow this didn’t result in a Pro Bowl selection, being passed over by Geno Atkins, Jurrell Casey, Cameron Heyward, and even Kyle Williams and Brandon Williams as alternates. He did make his first Pro Bowl the following season, but after his breakout, he failed to play in a full slate of games or hit double digit sacks again until 2022–when he again recorded 15.5 sacks in a full 17 games–and finally earned his first of three consecutive first team All-Pro awards, after being 2nd team in three of the previous four seasons.
As of the end of the 2024 season, Jones has been selected to the Pro Bowl six times (2019–2024) and named a First-Team All-Pro three times (2022-2024). He finished 3rd in voting for Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. His ability to impact both the pass and run games has made him indispensable to a Chiefs defense that has been instrumental in the team’s multiple Super Bowl appearances and victories during his tenure.
Through nine seasons, Jones has recorded 80.5 career sacks and unofficially has 310 total tackles, with 87 tackles for loss, along with 13 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions (one returned for a TD), while constantly drawing double-teams from opposing offenses. In addition to his individual accolades, Jones has shined on the biggest stages. He played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory, disrupting San Francisco’s offensive line in key moments, and was equally impactful in Super Bowl LVII, helping Kansas City secure another championship.
His combination of individual accolades, postseason success, and impact on one of the NFL’s most dominant teams places him firmly in the conversation as a future Hall of Famer, even as he continues to build his already impressive career–but as he nears his 10th season–the point at which contemporary DT (and frequent block for the All-Pro award) Aaron Donald retired–I ask the question, has he already done enough if he were to hang up the cleats today?
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was announced on Thursday night, as a part of the NFL Honors awards presentation. After implementing changes in the selection process after the 2024 class was announced, the Class of 2025 will only feature 4 inductees, including one senior nominee–the first time (I believe) since 2005 that the maximum number of inductees wasn’t hit. This reverses a trend over recent years that saw classes balloon up to 9 potential inductees with seniors, coaches and contributors all having their own categories.
The four inductees into the 2025 Class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame include:
Eric Allen was one of the most consistent and dynamic cornerbacks of his era, excelling in pass coverage and making game-changing plays throughout his 14-year NFL career (1988–2001). Selected in the second round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, Allen quickly emerged as a defensive leader. During his seven seasons in Philadelphia (1988–1994), he became a cornerstone of the Eagles’ feared defense, earning five Pro Bowl selections and one First-Team and two Second-Team All-Pro honors.
Allen’s ability to shut down receivers and create turnovers made him one of the league’s top cornerbacks. In 1993, he had his finest season, recording six interceptions, including a memorable 94-yard pick-six against the New York Jets. His play helped define the Eagles’ aggressive defensive identity of the early ‘90s.
Following his time in Philadelphia, Allen signed with the New Orleans Saints (1995–1997), adding another Pro Bowl selection in 1995 while continuing his reputation as one of the league’s elite defensive backs. He then joined the Oakland Raiders (1998–2001), earning his sixth career Pro Bowl nod in 2000 at age 35—an impressive feat for a cornerback.
Allen retired after the 2001 season with 54 career interceptions, ranking among the best in NFL history at the time. His ability to consistently perform at a high level for over a decade, combined with his knack for creating turnovers, solidifies his place as one of the greatest cornerbacks of his generation.
Allen was one of the most dominant pass rushers of his era, terrorizing quarterbacks for 12 NFL seasons (2004–2015) with his relentless motor and elite sack production. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, Allen quickly established himself as a defensive force, leading the team in sacks multiple times. After four seasons in Kansas City, he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2008, where he cemented his legacy as one of the league’s premier defensive ends.
During his six seasons in Minnesota (2008–2013), Allen recorded 85.5 sacks, including a remarkable 22-sack season in 2011, which fell just half a sack short of the NFL’s single-season record. His dominance earned him five Pro Bowl selections (2007–2011) and four First-Team All-Pro honors (2007–2009, 2011).
Allen spent his final seasons with the Chicago Bears (2014–2015) and Carolina Panthers (2015), playing a key role in Carolina’s Super Bowl 50 run before retiring in 2016. He finished his career with 136 sacks, ranking among the top 20 in NFL history at the time of his retirement. With his signature intensity, game-changing ability, and memorable sack celebrations, Allen leaves a lasting legacy as one of the most feared defensive players of his generation.
Antonio Gates helped to redefine the tight end position with his rare combination of size, athleticism, and route-running ability, becoming one of the most prolific pass-catching tight ends in NFL history. Undrafted out of Kent State, where he played college basketball, Gates signed with the San Diego Chargers in 2003. What followed was a 16-year career (2003–2018) that saw him become one of the greatest tight ends the league has ever seen.
Gates wasted no time making an impact, breaking out in 2004 with 81 receptions, 964 yards, and 13 touchdowns, earning his first of eight consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2004–2011). His ability to use his basketball background to shield defenders and high-point passes made him a nearly unstoppable red-zone target. He earned three First-Team All-Pro selections (2004–2006) during this stretch, helping revolutionize the tight end position into a premier offensive weapon.
As a key target for quarterback Philip Rivers, Gates became the focal point of the Chargers’ passing game for over a decade. In 2014, he became just the second tight end in NFL history to surpass 100 career touchdown receptions, finishing his career with 116 touchdowns—the most ever by a tight end at the time of his retirement.
Gates played his entire career with the Chargers, amassing 955 receptions, 11,841 yards, and 116 touchdowns. He retired in 2018 as one of the most decorated tight ends in history, leaving behind a legacy of dominance, consistency, and innovation at the position. His impact on the game is undeniable, setting the standard for the modern pass-catching tight end.
Sterling Sharpe was one of the most dominant wide receivers of his era, showcasing elite route-running, sure hands, and a rare blend of speed and physicality. Drafted seventh overall in the 1988 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, Sharpe quickly became the focal point of Green Bay’s passing attack. Despite his career being cut short due to injury, he put together a remarkable seven-year career (1988–1994), redefining what it meant to be a true No. 1 receiver.
Sharpe made an immediate impact, leading the league in receptions (90) in 1989. In 1992 and 1993, he put together two of the greatest back-to-back seasons by a receiver in NFL history, leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns both years. His 1992 season (108 receptions, 1,461 yards, 13 TDs) made him just the third player in NFL history to record over 100 catches in a single season, and he followed that up in 1993 with an NFL-record 112 receptions at the time.
A five-time Pro Bowler (1989, 1990, 1992–1994) and three-time First-Team All-Pro (1989, 1992, 1993), Sharpe was on a Hall of Fame trajectory before a career-ending neck injury in 1994 forced him to retire at just 29 years old. He finished his career with 595 receptions, 8,134 yards, and 65 touchdowns, leaving a lasting impact as one of the most dominant receivers of his generation. Though his career was brief, his excellence and impact on the game remain undeniable.
Elected as a senior candidate, Sharpe joins his younger brother Shannon Sharpe in Canton, making them the first ever brothers to be elected to the Hall of Fame, likely beating Peyton and Eli Manning by a narrow margin. Three father-son combinations are in the Hall of Fame together–although interestingly, none of them as players (Tim & Wellington Mara, Dan Sr. & Art Rooney, and Ed & Steve Sabol).
The Non-Elected
That leaves 12 modern era finalists as the front-runners to be finalists again next year, including:
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!
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