CANTON, Ohio — The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced 15 modern-era players as finalists for the Class of 2025.


What You Need To Know

  • The 15 finalists have been announced for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 modern-era players category

  • Included in these finalists are Eli Manning, Fred Taylor and Reggie Wayne

  • The unveiling of the Class of 2025 will be at 9 p.m. ET on Feb. 6

“Comprising the Class of 2025’s Modern-Era Player list of candidates are nine players who also reached this stage in the selection process when the Class of 2024 was chosen, five players in their first year of eligibility and a first-time Finalist in his fourth year of eligibility,” the announcement reads.

Here are the players who made it to this stage:

  • Eric Allen, cornerback — Philadelphia Eagles (1988-94), New Orleans Saints (1995-97) and Oakland Raiders (1998-2001). He has been a finalist two times
  • Jared Allen, defensive end — Kansas City Chiefs (2004-07), Minnesota Vikings (2008-13), Chicago Bears (2014-15) and Carolina Panthers (2015). He has been a finalist five times
  • Willie Anderson, tackle — Cincinnati Bengals (1996-2007), Baltimore Ravens (2008). He has been a finalist four times
  • Jahri Evans, guard — New Orleans Saints (2006-16), Green Bay Packers (2017) He has been a finalist two times
  • Antonio Gates, tight end — San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2003-18). He has been a finalist two times
  • Torry Holt, wide receiver — St. Louis Rams (2009), Jacksonville Jaguars (1999-2008). He has been a finalist six times
  • Luke Kuechly, linebacker — Carolina Panthers (2012-19). He has been a finalist one time
  • Eli Manning, quarterback — New York Giants (2004-19). He has been a finalist one time
  • Steve Smith Sr., wide receiver — Carolina Panthers (2001-13), Baltimore Ravens (2014-16). He has been a finalist one time
  • Terrell Suggs, outside linebacker/defensive end — Baltimore Ravens (2003-18), Arizona Cardinals (2019), Kansas City Chiefs (2019). He has been a finalist one time
  • Fred Taylor, running back — Jacksonville Jaguars (1998-2008), New England Patriots (2009-10). He has been a finalist two times
  • Adam Vinatieri, kicker — New England Patriots (1996-2005), Indianapolis Colts (2006-19)
  • Reggie Wayne, wide receiver — Indianapolis Colts (2001-14). He has been a finalist one time
  • Darren Woodson, safety — Dallas Cowboys (1992-2003). He has been a finalist three times
  • Marshal Yanda, guard/tackle — Baltimore Ravens (2007-19). He has been a finalist one time

According to the announcement, up to five players from this category can be selected.

“The Finalists in the Modern-Era Player category were determined by the Hall’s independent Selection Committee from a list that originated with 167 nominees,” the announcement reads. “It was reduced two other times (to 50 nominees and to 25 Semifinalists) before the cut to the 15 Finalists.”

The unveiling of the Class of 2025 will be at 9 p.m. ET on Feb. 6 during NFL Honors presented by Invisalign at Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, Louisiana. Viewers can watch via FOX, the NFL Network or through NFL+.