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.
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Happy New year all.
If you would like to participate in our annual election prediction contest you can post your entry here -let’s say by deadline of Jan 31st. Names of all those elected including moderns and any senior coach and contributor. I will compile and track submissions and post results after official announcement on NFL Honors Show Thurs Feb 6th
Thanks Tony … lets hope the voters do a great job on the deserving Class Of 2025!
Wishlist
Woodson
Allen
J Allen
Gates
Evans
Prediction
Gates
Holt
Anderson
J Allen
Sharpe
Baughan
Holmgren
I still think Kuechly could make it first ballot, but we will see if the voters wait like they did with Willis?
Turney seems to think enough voters are questioning LukeK as first ballot – I suspect it’s 50/50 chance (and could be how we end up with only 4 moderns as LukeK falls short of 80%)
My predictions: Gates Holt JAllen DWoodson Holmgren Sharpe
Woodson would be awesome. Even Turney thinks he has a chance but I wont believe it till I see it. I think the voters might try to elect Anderson from the queue before moving towards Evans and Yanda. I would be shocked if Yanda went first ballot …
Well, wasn’t quite planning on launching the new design yet, but…broke something while testing, so here we are. More to come to make it look a little better…
Tony new design what’s going on
Guess the mobile view is still a bit messed up…will try to get it fixed today.
looks great on computer
Agree with Paul. The new design looks great on my home computer. Thanks and great job. Will post my predictions later. Still debating how all of the new voting rules will impact things.
My predictions for the Class of 2025#: Gates, Jared Allen, Torry Holt, Willie Anderson, D. Woodson along with Mike Holmgren and Sharpe.