HOF 2025: You vote for Modern-Era 5
ICYMI: Here is list of 15, bio info, ballot and more.
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(Editor’s Note: This is part of a series on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s quest to select the Class of 2025 with a new process and personnel. Written by Frank Cooney, a Seniors Blue Ribbon Selection Committee member in his 32nd year as a selector. The Hall of Football is not affiliated with the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Opinions expressed are those of the Hall of Football [HallofFootball.substack.com])
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The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 15 Modern-Era finalists for the 2025 Class Saturday. Selectors will now cut that list to 10 and then five. You can do that here and now. See below. It is understandable if you missed the Saturday announcement, if not because of a hangover from holiday eggnog — or some lactose-free alternative — but there were those intrusive eight college bowl games and that NFL tripleheader cluttering the day. How dare they. With all that going on you can be forgiven for not seeing the three-minute reveal that was two hours and nine minutes into the assigned NFL Network show. We waited patiently to see it, although the Hall graciously gave us a heads up two hours early, about 5 a.m. out here on the left coast. My response was dutifully reported after the embargo was lifted. The entire roster of 49 selectors will now meet to finalize the Class of 2025 via zoom at a secret time before Super Bowl LIX. Partipants had to pinky swear not to reveal the date, although confidentiality has been breached at least twice already this year. Tsk, tsk. 🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈 Time out! SURVEY/POLL: YOU CUT FINALISTS FROM 15 TO 5 Here is your portal to the survey ballot. It is easy to do. You must be a Hall of Football subscriber, free or paid, to vote. If you received this via email, you are subscribed. Before voting, there is a significant amount of information on each candidate below. Do some homework and dive into the survey. This is an anonymous survey unless you want to enter something in comments. 🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈
Regardless of what you hear in the interim, results will be officially unveiled publicly Feb. 6, during the two-hour extravaganza known as the NFL Honors show, complete with Oscar-like red-carpet treatment. The Hall all but eliminated the possibility of an early leak of the actual Class of 2025 by ending the practice of allowing selectors to know the final votes. So, don't ask. At most, somebody might reveal the cutdown from from 15 to 10 Modern-Era prospects. Otherwise, we all must wait to hear the big reveal during the Honors Show. According advance notice, the new inductees into the Hall of Fame — the highest honor in the sport — will be somewhere amongst this group of winners (in order they are listed): Most Valuable Player Offensive Player of the Year Defensive Player of the Year Offensive Rookie of the Year Defensive Rookie of the Year Comeback Player of the Year Coach of the Year Assistant Coach of the Year Walter Payton Man of the Year Play of the Year FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Year Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year NFL.com Fantasy Player of the Year Art Rooney Award Deacon Jones Award Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award Greatness on the Road Award Salute to Service Award The show dropped two previous awards: the Never Say Never Moment of the Year (2011–2017) and the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award (2011) The Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, somewhere between four and eight inductees, will be wedged into that lineup. Makes me wonder if some sponsor and/or broadcast venue can be found to give the big reveal a more exclusive presentation. 🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈
Here are the 15 finalists, listed alphabetically. We provide mini bios on all at the bottom of this post Eric Allen, CB – 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2021-25) Jared Allen, DE – 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2021-25) Willie Anderson, T – 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2021-25) Jahri Evans, G – 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2023-25) Antonio Gates, TE – 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2024-25) Torry Holt, WR – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars | (Times as a Semifinalist: 11 – 2015-2025) Luke Kuechly, LB – 2012-19 Carolina Panthers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2025) Eli Manning, QB – 2004-2019 New York Giants | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2025) Steve Smith Sr., WR – 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2022-25) Terrell Suggs, LB/DE – 2003-2018 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2025) Fred Taylor, RB – 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 6 – 2020-25) Adam Vinatieri, PK – 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis Colts| (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2025) Reggie Wayne, WR – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 6 – 2020-25) Darren Woodson, S – 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys | (Times as a Semifinalist: 9 – 2015, 2017, 2019-2025) Marshal Yanda, G/T – 2007-2019 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2025) More player-by-player information below. 🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈 The Selection Committee may elect up to five Modern-Era Players for the Class of 2025. Each player must receive a minimum positive vote of 80% for election, a departure from confirming inductees with at least an 80 percent yes vote AFTER they received enough votes for entry. Five others — Seniors category Finalists Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer; along with Coach Finalist Mike Holmgren and Contributor Finalist Ralph Hay — also are candidates for the Class of 2025. In another departure, voting on these five is done separately as its own group distinct from the Modern-Era Players. A minimum of one person and a maximum of three from these combined categories may be elected under the Hall’s bylaws. With Senior players going head-to-head with Coaches and Contributors in a top-three-of-five scenario, there may be only one Senior player who gets inducted. While there is no set number for any class of enshrinees, the Hall of Fame’s current selection process bylaws stipulate that between four and eight new members will be selected. The 15 Finalists in the Modern-Era Player category were determined by the Hall’s independent Selection Committee from a list that originated with 167 nominees. It was reduced two other times (to 50 nominees and to 25 Semifinalists) before the cut to the 15 Finalists. The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 will be enshrined in August in Canton. TIMES AS FINALIST *=First-year eligible Player Times Years Torry Holt 6 2020-25 Reggie Wayne 6 2020-25 Jared Allen 5 2021-25 Willie Anderson 4 2022-25 Eric Allen 2 2024-25 Darren Woodson 3 2023-25 Jahri Evans 2 2024-25 Fred Taylor 2 2024-25 Antonio Gates 2 2024-25 *Luke Kuechly 1 2025 *Eli Manning 1 2025 *Steve Smith Sr. 1 2025 *Terrell Suggs 1 2025 *Adam Vinatieri 1 2025 *Marshal Yanda 1 2025 YEARS OF ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for election, Modern-Era Players must last have played more than five seasons ago. Year(s) Player (s) 1st Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, Terrell Suggs, Adam Vinatieri, Marshal Yanda 2nd Antonio Gates 3rd Jahri Evans 4th Steve Smith Sr. 5th Jared Allen 6th Reggie Wayne 10th Fred Taylor 11th Torry Holt 12th Willie Anderson 17th Darren Woodson 19th Eric Allen 🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈
CLASS OF 2025 FINALISTS: Mini-bios ERIC ALLEN
Times as Finalist: 2 | Year of Eligibility: 19
Position: Cornerback
Ht: 5-10, Wt: 184
NFL Career: 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles,
1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders
Seasons: 14, Games: 217
College: Arizona State
Drafted: 2nd Round (30th Overall), 1988
Born: Nov. 22, 1965, in San Diego
Selected in second round (30th pick overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles … Made immediate impact as rookie, totaling five interceptions to earn a spot on the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team … Followed up with an eight-interception season in 1989 and was recognized with first-team All-Pro honors and a spot on Pro Bowl roster … Intercepted at least three passes in his first seven seasons and 10 times in 14-year career … Led NFL with four pick-sixes in 1993 season … After seven seasons in Philadelphia, he spent three years in New Orleans, then finished career with four seasons in Oakland … Led team (or shared lead) in interceptions seven times – four with Eagles and three with Raiders … Returned eight interceptions for touchdowns in his career … Chosen to play in six Pro Bowls … Named to Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team in 2007 and inducted into team’s Hall of Fame in 2011.
JARED ALLEN
Times as Finalist: 5 | Year of Eligibility: 5
Position: Defensive End
Ht: 6-6, Wt: 270
NFL Career: 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings,
2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
Seasons: 12, Games: 187
College: Idaho State
Drafted: 4th Round (126th Overall), 2004
Born: April 3, 1982, in Dallas
Buck Buchanan Award winner and Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year out of Idaho State … Fourth-round draft pick (126th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs … 12-year NFL career, started 181 of 187 career games … Member of the Carolina Panthers’ 2015 NFC Championship team … Started in Super Bowl 50; amassed one tackle and one QB hit … Led the NFL in sacks twice (2007, 2011) … 2007 Kansas City Chiefs Team MVP … NFL Alumni Player of the Year, 2009 … Career stats: six interceptions, a fumble recovery for TD, 58 passes defensed and 136 sacks … Tied NFL record for career safeties, four … Five Pro Bowl nods … Named first-team All-Pro four times 2007-09, 2011.
WILLIE ANDERSON
Times as Finalist: 4 | Year of Eligibility: 11
Position: Offensive Tackle
Ht: 6-5, Wt: 340
NFL Career: 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
Seasons: 13, Games: 195
College: Auburn
Drafted: 1st Round (10th Overall), 1996
Born: July 11, 1975, in Whistler, Ala.
Made an immediate impact as a rookie for the Bengals — named to PFWA’s All-Rookie Team in 1996 … Possessed not only the size a tackle needed to excel, but also the speed, strength and humility, allowing him to dominate at his position … Known as a strong run blocker and resilient pass blocker during the entirety of his 13-year tenure in the NFL … Considered an elite right tackle during his career and successfully held back such NFL sack leaders as Hall of Famers John Randle, Bruce Smith, Michael Strahan and Reggie White … Blocked for nine 1,000-yard rushers, as well as Corey Dillon’s two NFL record-breaking games: 246 yards for the rookie record and 278 yards for the all-time record that both stood for nearly three years … Started in 184 of his 195 career games … First-team All-Pro honors from 2004-06; second-team All-Pro in 2003 … Received All-AFC recognition in 2005 and 2006 … Voted to four consecutive Pro Bowls – the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 games … Received the Ed Block Courage Award in 2004.
JAHRI EVANS
Times as Finalist: 2 | Year of Eligibility: 3
Position: Guard
Ht: 6-4, Wt: 318
NFL Career: 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers
Seasons: 12, Games: 183
College: Bloomsburg
Drafted: 4th Round (108th Overall), 2006
Born: Aug. 22, 1983, in Philadelphia
Fourth-round pick of the New Orleans Saints, 108th selection overall, in the 2006 NFL Draft after playing collegiately at Division II Bloomsburg (Pa.) University … Durable guard who played 183 career regular-season games – all starts – over 12 seasons … Stepped into Saints lineup immediately, helping team to NFC South Division title and earning a spot on PFWA’s All-Rookie Team in 2006 … Saints led NFL in passing yards six times during his 11 seasons in New Orleans and total offense six times … Selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls (for 2009-2014 seasons) and was a four-time AP first-team All-Pro (2009-2012 seasons) … Member of Super Bowl XLIV-winning Saints team … Unanimous selection to Saints Hall of Fame in 2021 … Named to the Saints’ 50th Anniversary Team in 2016 and the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2010s.
ANTONIO GATES
Times as Finalist: 2 | Year of Eligibility: 2
Position: Tight End
Ht: 6-4, Wt: 255
NFL Career: 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
Seasons: 16, Games: 236
College: Kent State
Drafted: Undrafted, 2003
Born: June 18, 1980, in Detroit
Played in 15 games during rookie season after going undrafted in 2003 with San Diego Chargers … In second season, had career-high 13 receiving touchdowns … Known for being a clutch player, totaling 39 touchdowns on third down, third most (tied) all-time … 116 career receiving touchdowns are most among tight ends and seventh most all-time … Finished career setting Chargers all-time marks in receptions, yards and touchdowns … Eight seasons with eight-plus receiving touchdowns, the most ever by a tight end … His 21 career multi-touchdown games are most all-time among tight ends … Career totals: 955 receptions, 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns … Elected to eight straight Pro Bowls (2004-2011) … Earned first-team All-Pro honors in three seasons (2004-06), second team twice (2009, 2010) … Member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
TORRY HOLT
Times as Finalist: 6 | Year of Eligibility: 11
Position: Wide Receiver
Ht: 6-0, Wt: 200
NFL Career: 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
Seasons: 11, Games: 173
College: North Carolina State
Drafted: 1st Round (6th Overall), 1999
Born: June 5, 1976, in Greensboro, N.C.
Named team’s Rookie of the Year after catching 52 passes for 788 yards and 6 TDs to help Rams to Super Bowl title … Had seven catches for 109 yards and a TD in Rams’ 23-16 victory over Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV … Eight consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons (2000-07) … Career-best 117 catches for 1,696 yards and 12 TDs in 2003 …. Had 10 games with 100 or more yards in 2003 … Led NFL in receptions in 2003 and receiving yardage in 2000 and 2003 … Recorded 80 or more catches in a season eight consecutive years … Led Rams in receptions seven years in a row (2002-08) … Rams’ receiving yardage leader a record nine times … 920 career receptions for 13,382 yards and 74 TDs …. Named All-Pro in 2003 and to the second team in 2006 … All-NFC twice … Voted to seven Pro Bowls … Selected to NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
LUKE KUECHLY
Times as Finalist: 1 | Year of Eligibility: 1
Position: Linebacker
Ht: 6-3, Wt: 238
NFL Career: 2012-2019 Carolina Panthers
Seasons: 8, Games: 118
College: Boston College
Drafted: 1st Round (9th Overall), 2012
Born: April 20, 1991, in Cincinnati, Ohio
Run-stopping ability combined with pass coverage skills made him rare inside linebacker to crack Top 10 of NFL drafts in his era … Led National Football League in tackles twice, including rookie season in which his 202 stops set a Panthers’ team record … Won Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2013 … In 2013, upped postseason honors with AP Defensive Player of the Year Award, fist-team AP All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors … In a late December game that season, credited with 26 tackles against the New Orleans Saints, setting an NFL record … Surpassed 100 tackles all eight of his NFL seasons … Finished career with nearly 1,100 tackles, 18 interceptions, 66 passes defensed, 12.5 sacks and 31 quarterback hits … Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2010s … Won Butkus Award as NFL’s top linebacker three times (2014, 2015, 2017) .. Received Art Rooney Award for sportsmanship in 2017.
ELI MANNING
Times as Finalist: 1 | Year of Eligibility: 1
Position: Quarterback
Ht: 6-5, Wt: 220
NFL Career: 2004-2019 New York Giants
Seasons: 16, Games: 236
College: Mississippi
Drafted: 1st Round (1st Overall), 2004
Born: Jan. 3, 1981, in New Orleans, La.
First overall selection in the 2004 NFL Draft … Played entire career (16 seasons) with New York Giants … Super Bowl XLII MVP while handing the New England Patriots their only loss of the season … Super Bowl XLVI MVP … One of only six players to earn multiple Super Bowl MVP awards … Selected to four Pro Bowls (2019, 2012-13, 2016) … Shared 2016 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year recognition with Larry Fitzgerald … Led the NFC in passing touchdowns in 2005 (24) and 2015 (35) … Played in 236 regular-season games, including a streak of 210 consecutive starts … Threw for 57,023 yards and 366 touchdowns … Upon retirement, possessed 22 regular-season records for the Giants, including passes completed (4,895), longest pass completion (99 yards against the Jets in 2011) and most games with 300 or more yards passing (51) … Among his nine franchise postseason records are passing yards (2,815) and touchdowns (18). Departed Ole Miss owning 47 game, season or career records.
STEVE SMITH SR.
Times as Finalist: 1 | Year of Eligibility: 4
Position: Wide Receiver
Ht: 5-9, Wt: 195
NFL Career: 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens
Seasons: 16, Games: 219
College: Utah
Drafted: 3rd Round (74th Overall), 2001
Born: May 12, 1979, in Los Angeles
Two-time All-Mountain West Conference selection at Utah … During his rookie season (2001) was the only NFL player to return both a punt and kickoff for a touchdown … Earned All-Pro status as a kick returner in 2001 … Earned All-Pro status as a wide receiver in 2005 and 2009 … Only rookie chosen to the 2002 Pro Bowl … Selected to five Pro Bowls during career … NFL leader in pass receptions (103), receiving yards (1,563) and touchdowns (12) in 2005 … In 2008, led the NFL in average receiving yards per game (101.5) … Named Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year in 2005 ... On receiving end of 39-yard touchdown in Carolina Panthers’ Super Bowl XXXVIII appearance … Accumulated more than 4,000 return yards and 14,000 receiving yards … Received the Ed Block Courage Award in 2005 … Selected as NFL Alumni Wide Receiver of the Year in 2005.
TERRELL SUGGS
Times as Finalist: 1 | Year of Eligibility: 1
Position: Outside Linebacker/Defensive End
Ht: 6-3, Wt: 265
NFL Career: 2003-2018 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs
Seasons: 17, Games: 244
College: Arizona State
Drafted: 1st Round (10th Overall), 2003
Born: Oct. 11, 1982, in Minneapolis
Selected in first round (10th overall) of 2003 NFL Draft after setting NCAA record for sacks with 24 at Arizona State … Immediate contributor to Ravens’ defense with 12 sacks, nine tackles for loss and five forced fumbles in first year … Won 2003 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and made NFL All-Rookie Team … In 2011, won AP Defensive Player of the Year Award and named first-team All-Pro with season stats that included 14 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles and 23 quarterback hits … Returned from Achilles tendon tear in 2012 offseason to play eight games plus playoffs in helping Ravens to victory in Super Bowl LVII … AP’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2013 following 10-sack season … Double-digit sacks in seven seasons … Career statistics include 139 sacks (currently 12th all time, unofficially) and 202 tackles for loss, according to Pro-Football-Reference an NFL record.
FRED TAYLOR
Times as Finalist: 2 | Year of Eligibility: 10
Position: Running Back
Ht: 6-1, Wt: 228
NFL Career: 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots
Seasons: 13, Games: 153
College: Florida
Drafted: 1st Round (9th Overall), 1998
Born: Jan. 27, 1976, in Pahokee, Fla.
Fifth first-round pick in history of Jacksonville Jaguars with his selection as the ninth player taken in the 1998 NFL Draft … Started 12 games in rookie season, totaling 1,223 yards rushing on 264 carries … Scored 17 touchdowns as a rookie (14 rushing, three receiving), which still stands as franchise’s single-season record … Named to the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team … Surpassed 1,000 yards rushing in a season seven times, including a career-best 1,572 yards in 2003 … Career rushing totals: 2,534 carries for 11,695 yards and 66 touchdowns … Also caught 290 passes for 2,384 yards and eight scores … After 11 seasons in Jacksonville, played two years for New England Patriots … Second player inducted into Pride of the Jaguars.
ADAM VINATIERI
Times as Finalist: 1 | Year of Eligibility: 1
Position: Kicker
Ht: 6-0, Wt: 212
NFL Career: 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis Colts
Seasons: 24, Games: 365
College: South Dakota State
Drafted: Undrafted
Born: Dec. 28, 1972, in Yankton, S.D.
Signed with New England Patriots as undrafted free agent in 1996 … Scored 120 points in first season, earning spot on NFL All-Rookie Team … Over next nine seasons, set nearly every significant kicking and scoring record for Patriots, including career points (1,158), consecutive games with a field goal (25) and longest field goal (57 yards) … Provided margin of victory in two of New England’s three Super Bowl wins during his tenue with last-second field goals against the St. Louis Rams (20-17 in Super Bowl XXXVI) and Carolina Panthers (32-29 in Super Bowl XXXVIII) … Joined Colts as free agent prior to 2006 season and played with team for 14 seasons, setting most franchise kicking and scoring records, including career points (1,515) and most field goals from 50 yards plus (37) … Won fourth Super Bowl ring with Colts … Holds NFL record for career points (2,673), consecutive field goals made (44), career field goals (599) and most seasons with 100+ points (21) among many other records … Member of NFL 100 All-Time Team and NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
REGGIE WAYNE
Times as Finalist: 6 | Year of Eligibility: 6
Position: Wide Receiver
Ht: 6-0, Wt: 203
NFL Career: 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
Seasons: 14, Games: 211
College: Miami (Florida)
Drafted: 1st Round (30th Overall), 2001
Born: Nov. 17, 1978, in New Orleans
Offensive threat who helped Colts reach postseason every year but two during his career … Caught 100 passes in a season four times (104 in 2007, 100 in 2009, 111 in 2010 and 106 in 2012) … Recorded 1,000 receiving yards eight times … Led NFL with career-high 1,510 receiving yards, 2007 …Had 10 or more catches in a game 15 times … Set franchise record with 15 receptions versus Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 3, 2010 … Racked up 100 yards in a game 43 times … Career stats: 1,070 catches for 14,345 yards and 82 touchdowns … Started four AFC Championship Games and two Super Bowls … Had two receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl XLI victory … Retired as NFL’s second all-time leading receiver in postseason (93 catches) … First-team All-Pro in 2010 … Second-team All-Pro in 2007, 2009 … Voted to six Pro Bowls over seven-year span.
DARREN WOODSON
Times as Finalist: 3 | Year of Eligibility: 17
Position: Safety
Ht: 6-1, Wt: 219
NFL Career: 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys
Seasons: 12, Games: 178
College: Arizona State
Drafted: 2nd Round (37th Overall), 1992
Born: April 25, 1969, in Phoenix
Selected in the second round, 37th overall, of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys with a pick obtained as part of the Herschel Walker trade … Earned a spot on the 1992 PFWA All-Rookie Team, appearing in all 19 games for the Super Bowl champion Cowboys … A member of three Super Bowl-winning teams with Dallas (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX) … Ended his playing career as the Cowboys’ all-time leader in tackles with 1,350, according to team stats … First-team All-Pro honors four seasons (1994-96, 1998) … Chosen to participate in five Pro Bowls … Elected to the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2015 … Finished his 12-year NFL career with 26 interceptions (including playoffs), with two returned for touchdowns … Winner of the 2002 Bart Starr Award, given annually to the NFL player who serves as a positive role model to his family, teammates and community … Finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2003.
MARSHAL YANDA
Times as Finalist: 1 | Year of Eligibility: 1 Position: Guard Ht: 6-3, Wt: 305 NFL Career: 2007-2019 Baltimore Ravens Seasons: 13, Games: 177 College: Iowa Drafted: 3rd Round (86th Overall), 2007 Born: Sept. 15, 1984, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Played for the Baltimore Ravens his entire 13-season, 177-game career … After playing only two games in 2017, rebounded in 2018, playing 16 games and receiving the Ed Block Courage Award … Selected to eight Pro Bowls … Named Associated Press All-Pro two consecutive seasons (2014-15) … Second-time All-Pro five times (2011-12, 2016, 2018-19) … Member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2010s … Played in all 71 offensive snaps and seven snaps on special teams in the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII 34-31 victory against the San Francisco 49ers … Returned from a 2008 season-ending injury to aid the Ravens in posting a then-franchise record 47 touchdowns (22 rushing) and 5,619 total yards in 2009 … In 2019, helped increase the franchise total yards record to 5,999 … Named All-NFL in 2012, 2014-15 by PFWA … Named All-AFC by PFWA in 2011-12, 2014-2016, 2018-19. ENSHRINEMENT WEEK The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 will be enshrined next August (anticipated date: Aug. 2). Other events include the Hall of Fame Game (teams to be determined; anticipated date of July 31) and the enshrinees’ Gold Jacket Dinner. Detailed information will be provided at ProFootballHOF.com following the announcement of the class early next year.
(Editor’s Note: This is part of a series on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s quest to select the Class of 2025 with a new process and personnel. Written by Frank Cooney, a Seniors Blue Ribbon Selection Committee member in his 32nd year as a selector. The Hall of Football is not affiliated with the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Opinions expressed are those of the Hall of Football (HallofFootball.substack.com))
Great stuff Frank! Here is how I pick my five.
My committee elected ANTONIO GATES last year, so he's my #1 vote.
My second vote goes to ERIC ALLEN, the 1993 UPI DPOY who had major interception seasons young and old. Trusted on an island by Buddy Ryan, Allen was a corner both physical and instinctive. He has one more year of eligibility and it's time for voters to make it happen for him.
Next I'm going with someone who I thought should have been elected in 2020: TORRY HOLT.
When we do our votes, my approach is to have a certain level of collaboration with common views. So if I were on the actual selection committee, even though Kevin Williams is my #1 Vikings d-lineman of his era, I saw how JARED ALLEN dominated in both KC and Minnesota; the committee loves him and he would be my #2 vote. He was a force!
A lot of great choices for #5, and I wish I could be voting for Richmond Webb, Randall Cunningham, Steve Wisniewski, Neil Smith, Ben Coates, Cornelius Bennett or Ricky Watters. But as it stands, I want another player late in his eligibility who was one of my favorites and has a great resume: DARREN WOODSON.
So that's my 5: Gates, both Allens, Holt, Woodson.