Eric Williams
NFL reporter
A two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback and two of the best cross receivers in NFL historical past are on the doorstep of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, tight finish Antonio Gates and receiver Reggie Wayne are three of 15 gamers chosen as finalists for the category of 2025, the Hall of Fame introduced Saturday.
This is the second consecutive 12 months that Gates has been chosen as a finalist. The all-time chief in receptions in Chargers franchise historical past, Gates completed his profession with probably the most receiving touchdowns by a decent finish in NFL historical past with 116.
Selected as a finalist for the sixth time, Wayne is a six-time Pro Bowler who presently ranks tenth in receptions (1,070) and receiving yards (14,345).
Manning is one among 5 gamers to complete as a finalist in his first 12 months of eligibility, together with Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs, Adam Vinatieri and Marshal Yanda.
Receiver Steve Smith Sr. is a first-time finalist in his fourth 12 months of eligibility.
Rounding out the record are offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans, defensive lineman Jared Allen, receiver Torry Holt, defensive backs Eric Allen and Darren Woodson and operating again Fred Taylor.
These 15 finalists be part of 5 others who superior within the contributor, coach and senior classes: Ralph Hay (contributor), Mike Holmgren (coach) and Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer (senior).
The Hall of Fame choice committee will meet earlier than Super Bowl LIX to vote on the category of 2025, which might be introduced through the “NFL Honors” present in New Orleans throughout Super Bowl week. There is not any mounted quantity for every class of consecrated individuals, however the Hall’s statute offers that between 4 and eight new members might be chosen. The consecration will happen in August in Canton.
The finalists within the Modern Era Players class have been decided by the Hall’s unbiased choice committee from an inventory originating from 167 nominees. It was narrowed down twice extra (to 50 nominees and 25 semifinalists) earlier than chopping to fifteen finalists.
Here is the entire record:
Eric AllenCornerback — Philadelphia Eagles 1988-1994, New Orleans Saints 1995-97, Oakland Raiders 1998-2001 (Times as a finalist: 2 — 2024-25)
Jared AllenDefensive End — 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers (Times as a finalist: 5 — 2021-25)
Willie AndersonTackle — 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens (Times as a finalist: 4 – 2022-25)
Jahri EvansGuard — 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers (Times as Finalist: 4 — 2022-25)
Antonio PorteTight End — 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (Times as Finalist: 2 — 2024-25)
Torry HoltWide Receiver — 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars (Times as Finalist: 6 — 2020-25)
Luca KuechlyLinebacker — 2012-19 Carolina Panthers (Times as a finalist: 1 — 2025)
Eli ManningQuarterback – New York Giants 2004-2019 (Times as a finalist: 1 — 2025)
Steve Smith Sr.Wide Receiver — 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens (Times as a finalist: 1 — 2025)
Terrell suggestsOutside Linebacker/Defensive End – 2003-2018 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs (Times as a Finalist: 1 – 2025)
Fred TaylorRunning Back — 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots (Times as Finalist: 2 — 2024-25)
Adam VinatieriKicker – 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis Colts (Times as Finalist: 1 — 2025)
Reggie WayneWide Receiver — 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts (Times as a finalist: 6 — 2020-2025)
Darren WoodsonSafety — 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys (Times as a finalist: 3 — 2023-25)
New MarshallGuard/Tackle — 2007-2019 Baltimore Ravens (Times as a finalist: 1 — 2025)
Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for greater than a decade, protecting the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN e Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. Follow him on Twitter at @eric_d_williams.
(Want nice tales delivered proper to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, observe leagues, groups and gamers to obtain a personalised publication day by day.)
Get extra from the National Football League Follow your favorites to get data on video games, information and extra
