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, Defensive Back

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.

Jared Allen, Defensive End

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, Tight End

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, Wide Receiver

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:

• QB Eli Manning
• LB Luke Kuechly
• LB/DE Terrell Suggs
• K Adam Vinatieri
• G Marshal Yanda
• WR Torry Holt
• WR Reggie Wayne
• WR Steve Smith
• T Willie Anderson
• G Jahri Evans
• S Darren Woodson
• RB Fred Taylor

With Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Maurkice Pouncey, Greg Olsen, Thomas Davis, Rhilip Rivers, Jason Witten and Frank Gore headlining the first year eligibles for the Class of 2026, the changes in the voting process will likely continue to be hotly debated in the coming season as well.