Eli Manning, Steve Smith Sr., Adam Vinatieri, Antonio Gates, and Torry Holt are among the 15 finalists in the Modern-Era Player category for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Of the 15 names, nine players — Gates, Holt, Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Fred Taylor, Reggie Wayne, Darren Woodson — were finalists for the 2024 class. Manning, Vinatieri, Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs, and Marshal Yanda are first-time finalists.
Here is the full list from the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
Eric Allen, Cornerback — 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders
Jared Allen, Defensive End — 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
Willie Anderson, Tackle — 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
Jahri Evans, Guard — 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers
Antonio Gates, Tight End — 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
Torry Holt, Wide Receiver — 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
Luke Kuechly, Linebacker — 2012-19 Carolina Panthers
Eli Manning, Quarterback — 2004-2019 New York Giants
Steve Smith Sr., Wide Receiver — 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens
Terrell Suggs, Outside Linebacker/Defensive End — 2003-2018 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs
Fred Taylor, Running Back — 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots
Adam Vinatieri, Kicker — 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis Colts
Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver — 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
Darren Woodson, Safety — 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys
Marshal Yanda, Guard/Tackle — 2007-2019 Baltimore Ravens
The Hall of Fame Selection Committee will gather ahead of Super Bowl LIX to decide on the 2025 class, which will be announced during the “NFL Honors” event on Feb. 6.
The process of determining the Class of 2025 began in September when the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 167 modern-era nominees.
Up to five Modern-Era players can be selected with each inductee needing to receive at least 80% of the vote.
Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe, Jim Tyrer, Mike Holmgren, and Ralph Hay are also candidates for induction as part of the Seniors, Coach and Contributor categories. At least one person and a maximum of three from those combined groups will be part of the Class of 2025.
