Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Discussion Thread (1 Viewer)

[Yogibear]

Well, the list of 182 Senior Nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was just released yesterday. These players have last played at least 25 full seasons ago:

Quarterbacks: Ken Anderon, Charlie Conerly, Boomer Esiason, Roman Gabriel, James "Shack" Harris, Bobby Hebert, Jeff Hostetler, Ron Jaworski, Jack Kemp, Dave Krieg, Daryle Lamonica, Don Meredith, Jim Plunkett, Phil Simms, Joe Theismann, Doug Williams

Running Backs: Alan Ameche, Ottis Anderson, Jon Arnett, Larry Brown, Timmy Brown, Earnest Byner, Roger Craig, John David Crow, Clem Daniels, Hewritt Dixon, Chuck Foreman, Willie Galimore, Pat Harder, Marv Hubbard, Cecil Isbell, Daryl Johnston, Verne Lewellen, Christian Okoye, Bill Osmanski, Glen Presnell, Mark van Eeghen, Herschel Walker, Byron "Whizzer" White, Sammy Winder, Paul "Tank" Younger

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Mark Bavaro, Gino Cappelletti, Raymond Chester, Todd Christensen, Mark Clayton, Gary Collins, Isaac Curtis, Carroll Dale, Lavvie Dilweg, Boyd Dowler, Henry Ellard, Jimmie Giles, Billie Howton, Harold Jackson, Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Brent Jones, Homer Jones, Ken Kavanaugh, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Mike Quick, Bob Scarpitto, Sterling Sharpe, Del Shofner, Pat Studstill, John Taylor, Lionel Taylor, Otis Taylor, Rick Upchurch, Bobby Walston, Billy Wilson

Offensive Linemen: Harris Barton, **** Barwegan, Ed Budde, Randy Cross, Ray Donaldson, Ox Emerson, Bill Fralic, Gale Gillingham, Kevin Glover, Charles "Buckets" Goldenberg, Wayne Hawkins, Jay Hilgenberg, Chris Hinton, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, George Kunz, Don Mosebar, Ralph Neely, Nate Newton, John Niland, **** Schafreth, Luis Sharpe, Walt Sweeney, Fuzzy Thurston, Jim Tyrer, Ed White, Al Wistert

Defensive Linemen: Lyle Alzado, George Andrie, Al "Bubba" Baker, Roger Brown, Ray Childress, Ben Davidson, Mark Gastineau, Bill Glass, L.C. Greenwood, Rosey Grier, Rich Jackson, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Sean Jones, Tom Keating, Eugene "Big Daddy" Lipscomb, Jim Marshall, Leonard Marshall, Harvey Martin, Leslie O'Neal, Michael Dean Perry, Lou Rymkus, Tom Sestak, Otis Sistrunk, Fred Smerlas, Bubba Smith, Bill Stanfill, Greg Townsend

Linebackers: Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Bill Bergey, Dan Conners, Mike Curtis, Joe Fortunato, Larry Grantham, Tom Jackson, Vaughn Johnson, Lee Roy Jordan, Seth Joyner, Wilber Marshall, Rod Martin, Clay Matthews Jr., Karl Mecklenburg, Matt Millen, Tommy Nobis, Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds, Andy Russell, Pat Swilling, Darryl Talley, Phil Villapiano

Defensive Backs: **** Anderson, Bobby Boyd, Joey Browner, Deron Cherry, Nolan Cromwell, Thom Darden, Don Doll, Pat Fischer, Dave Grayson, Cornell Green, Merton Hanks, Lester Hayes, Albert Lewis, Terry McDaniel, Tim McDonald, Eddie Meador, Jim Norton, Lemar Parrish, Jimmy Patton, Jake Scott, Dennis Smith, Jack Tatum, Roosevelt Taylor, Mike Wagner, Everson Walls, Dave Whitsell, Fred Williamson, Louis Wright

Punters/Kickers: Jim Bakken, Norm Johnson, Nick Lowery

Special Teams: Mel Gray, Steve Tasker

Now, keep in mind the Seniors Screening Committee will reduce this list to 50 players over the next several weeks. Once the Seniors Screening Committee has completed its work, the separate Seniors Blue-Ribbon Committee will make additional reductions in several increments. In late fall, the Seniors Blue-Ribbon Committee will select three Seniors as Finalists for possible election with the Class of 2025.

Out of these 182 Senior Nominees, who do you think will make the Hall of Fame Class of 2025?

 

[Yenrub]

He probably won’t get in but OJ Anderson (Cardinals & Giants) has a decent argument.

Rookie of the year
Super Bowl MVP
Comeback player of the year winner
Top 10 in both rushing yards and rushing TD’s when he retired

 

[Smack Tripper]

He probably won’t get in but OJ Anderson (Cardinals & Giants) has a decent argument.

Rookie of the year
Super Bowl MVP
Comeback player of the year winner
Top 10 in both rushing yards and rushing TD’s when he retired

Second this one big time, he jumped out at me on this list

Was also surprised Too Tall Jones isn't in.

I predict Ameche, Roger Craig, Meckelenberg and Millen all go in

I'd really like to see Bavaro and Simms go in

 

[Yogibear]

Keep in mind that these are the SENIOR nominees. The Modern-Era Nominees have yet to be revealed. Besides, only 3 of the names on the SENIOR list are going to even be finalists.

 

[N Zone]

Players I like for the HOF, not necessarily who the HOF will elect or that I even think will elect.

Running Backs: Ottis Anderson, Roger Craig, Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson

Wide Receivers: Henry Ellard, Sterling Sharpe

Offensive Linemen: Joe Jacoby

Defensive Linemen: Mark Gastineau, L.C. Greenwood, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Leslie O'Neal

Linebackers: Karl Mecklenburg

 

[Yogibear]

Well, the list of modern-era nominees just got released today. Here are the names:

Quarterbacks: Marc Bulger, Randall Cunningham, Jake Delhomme, Doug Flutie, Rich Gannon, Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning, Steve McNair, Tony Romo

Running Backs: Shaun Alexander, Terry Allen, Jamal Anderson, Tiki Barber, Larry Centers (FB), Jamaal Charles, Stephen Davis, Corey Dillon, Warrick Dunn, Charlie Garner, Eddie George, Priest Holmes, Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson, Thomas Jones, John Kuhn (FB), Vonta Leach, Dorsey Levens, Jamal Lewis, Marshawn Lynch, Eric Metcalf (also WR/KR/PR), Glyn Milburn (also WR), Lorenzo Neal (FB), Clinton Portis, Tony Richardson (FB), Robert Smith, Darren Sproles (also PR/KR), Fred Taylor, Chris Warren, Ricky Watters, Ricky Williams

Wide Receivers: Torry Holt, Joe Horn, Chad Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Derrick Mason, Herman Moore, Muhsin Muhammad, Jordy Nelson, Andre Rison, Jimmy Smith, Rod Smith, Steve Smith Sr., Demaryius Thomas, Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker, Roddy White

Tight End: Ben Coates, Vernon Davis, Antonio Gates, Jeremy Shockey, Delanie Walker, Wesley Walls

Offensive Linemen: Willie Anderson (T), Bruce Armstrong (T/G), Matt Birk (C), Lomas Brown (T), Ruben Brown (G), Jahri Evans (G), Travis Frederick (C), Jordan Gross (T), Ryan Kalil (C), Lincoln Kennedy (T), Olin Kreutz (C), T.J. Lang (G/T), Nick Mangold (C), Logan Mankins (G), Tom Nalen (C), Jeff Saturday (C), Mark Schlereth (G/C), Josh Sitton (G), Chris Snee (G), Joe Staley (T), Dave Szott (G), Brian Waters (G), Richmond Webb (T), Erik Williams (T), Steve Wisniewski (G), Marshal Yanda (G)

Defensive Linemen: John Abraham (DE also LB), Jared Allen (DE), La'Roi Glover (DT/NT), Casey Hampton (DT/NT), Robert Mathis (DE), Chester McGlockton (DT), Haloti Ngata (DT), Simeon Rice (DE), Clyde Simmons (DE/DT), Neil Smith (DE), Henry Thomas (DT/NT), Justin Tuck (DE), Ted Washington (NT/DT), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT), Jamal Williams (DT/NT), Kevin Williams (DT), Pat Williams (DT)

Linebackers: Jessie Armstead, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Cornelius Bennett, Lance Briggs, Keith Brooking, NaVorro Bowman, Tedy Bruschi, Donnie Edwards, James Farrior, London Fletcher, James Harrison, Luke Kuechly, Willie McGinest (also DE), Ken Norton Jr., Julian Peterson, Bill Romanowski, Takeo Spikes, Terrell Suggs, Mike Vrabel, Lee Woodall

Defensive Backs: Eric Allen (CB), Eric Berry (DB), Antoine Bethea (S), Dre Bly (DB), Kam Chancellor (S), Nick Collins (DB), Antonio Cromartie (CB), DeAngelo Hall (DB), Rondey Harrison (S), Eugene Robinson (DB), Samari Rolle (DB), Allen Rossum (DB), Bob Sanders (S), Aqib Talib (CB), Earl Thomas (S), Charles Tillman (CB), Troy Vincent (CB), Darren Woodson (S)

Punters/Kickers: David Akers (K), Gary Anderson (K), Darren Bennett (P), Jason Elam (K), Jeff Feagles (P), Jason Hanson (K), John Kasay (K), Sean Landeta (P), Shane Lechler (P), Pat McAfee (P), Brian Moorman (P), Matt Stover (K), Matt Turk (P), Mike Vanderjagt (K), Adam Vinatieri (K)

Special Teams: Josh Cribbs (KR/PR also WR), Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB)



Keep in mind that these are the MODERN-ERA nominees. Up to 5 of these names will be selected. Out of the 167 Modern-Era Nominees, who do you believe will be going into the Hall of Fame in 2025?

 

[Tau837]

My vote for modern era finalists:

TE Gates - no-brainer, should have made it last year
WR Holt - IMO clearly the most worthy WR
LB Kuechly - no-brainer, but perhaps will not be first ballot
S Thomas - no-brainer
S Woodson - long overdue

I doubt the HOF voters will pick 2 safeties, and I'm equally sure that Eli will be in. So I think Woodson will have to continue to wait.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

E. Manning
T. Holt
A. Gates
Neil Smith
Earl Thomas

 

[BassNBrew]

E. Manning - 0
T. Holt - 1
A. Gates - 5
Neil Smith - 1
Earl Thomas - 3

First Team All Pro Selections

Kuechly - 5

Toss in a Defensive Player of the year and Defensive Rookie of the Year and he's more deserving than anyone on the ballot.

 

[Tau837]

E. Manning - 0
T. Holt - 1
A. Gates - 5
Neil Smith - 1
Earl Thomas - 3

First Team All Pro Selections

Kuechly - 5

Toss in a Defensive Player of the year and Defensive Rookie of the Year and he's more deserving than anyone on the ballot.

I agree with you that he should make it, as I posted already. But I recognize that positional value could delay his induction to a later class... bottom line, LB is no longer a highly valued position. (Not commenting one way or the other as to whether or not that is valid.)

 

[Donnybrook]

Chuck foreman and Lester Hayes IMO

 

[Yogibear]

Here are the sixty SENIOR nominees that are still remaining as of today:

Quarterbacks: Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Roman Gabriel, Jack Kemp, Jim Plunkett

Running Backs: Alan Ameche, Ottis Anderson, Larry Brown, Roger Craig, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Paul "Tank" Younger

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Mark Clayton, Isaac Curtis, Boyd Dowler, Henry Ellard, Harold Jackson, Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Sterling Sharpe, Otis Taylor

Offensive Linemen: Ed Budde, Ox Emerson, Bill Fralic, Chris Hinton, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, George Kunz, Ralph Neely, **** Schafrath, Jim Tyrer, Al Wistert

Defensive Linemen: L.C. Greenwood, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Jim Marshall, Harvey Martin, Leslie O'Neal, Bill Stanfill

Linebackers: Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Bill Bergey, Joe Fortunato, Larry Grantham, Lee Roy Jordan, Clay Matthews Jr., Tommy Nobis, Andy Russell, Pat Swilling, Phil Villapiano

Defensive Backs: **** Anderson, Deron Cherry, Pat Fischer, Lester Hayes, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Lemar Parrish

Special Teams: Steve Tasker



Keep in mind that these are the SENIOR nominees. Only three of these names will even be finalists for the Hall of Fame. Of these remaining 60 Seniors, who do you believe has the best chance of making it to Canton?

 

[Tau837]

Here are the sixty SENIOR nominees that are still remaining as of today:

Quarterbacks: Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Roman Gabriel, Jack Kemp, Jim Plunkett

Running Backs: Alan Ameche, Ottis Anderson, Larry Brown, Roger Craig, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Paul "Tank" Younger

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Mark Clayton, Isaac Curtis, Boyd Dowler, Henry Ellard, Harold Jackson, Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Sterling Sharpe, Otis Taylor

Offensive Linemen: Ed Budde, Ox Emerson, Bill Fralic, Chris Hinton, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, George Kunz, Ralph Neely, **** Schafrath, Jim Tyrer, Al Wistert

Defensive Linemen: L.C. Greenwood, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Jim Marshall, Harvey Martin, Leslie O'Neal, Bill Stanfill

Linebackers: Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Bill Bergey, Joe Fortunato, Larry Grantham, Lee Roy Jordan, Clay Matthews Jr., Tommy Nobis, Andy Russell, Pat Swilling, Phil Villapiano

Defensive Backs: **** Anderson, Deron Cherry, Pat Fischer, Lester Hayes, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Lemar Parrish

Special Teams: Steve Tasker



Keep in mind that these are the SENIOR nominees. Only three of these names will even be finalists for the Hall of Fame. Of these remaining 60 Seniors, who do you believe has the best chance of making it to Canton?

I would vote for Ken Anderson and Sterling Sharpe for sure. No one else jumps out at me at first glance.

 

[Yogibear]

Here are the 25 CONTRIBUTOR nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025:

K.S. "Bud" Adams

Roone Arledge

Chris Berman

Howard Cosell

Otho Davis

John Facenda

Mike Giddings

Ralph Hay

Frank "Bucko" Kilroy

Don Klosterman

Eddie Kotal

Robert Kraft

Virginia McCaskey

Rich McKay

John McVay

Art Modell

Lee Remmel

Eddie Robinson

Art Rooney Jr.

Jerry Seeman

Seymour Siwoff

Amy Trask

Jim Tunney

Doug Williams

John Wooten

Now, one of these names is going to even be a finalist for Hall of Fame. Out of these 25 names, who do you think has the best chance of making the Hall of Fame Class of 2025?

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

John Facenda

 

[FairWarning]

How isn’t Roone Arledge in?

Being a original AFL owner, Bud Adams should be in.

 

[Yogibear]

Here are the 31 SENIORS that are still eligible for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025:

Quarterbacks: Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Jim Plunkett

Running Backs: Ottis Anderson, Roger Craig, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Paul "Tank" Younger

Wide Receivers: Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Sterling Sharpe, Otis Taylor

Offensive Linemen: Ox Emerson, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, George Kunz, Jim Tyrer, Al Wistert

Defensive Linemen: Jim Marshall, Harvey Martin

Linebackers: Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Larry Grantham, Clay Matthews Jr., Tommy Nobis

Defensive Backs: Lester Hayes, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Everson Walls

Out of these 31 Seniors, only 3 will be even Finalists. Who do you believe will make the Hall of Fame in 2025?

 

[Yogibear]

Here are the twelve COACH nominees that are eligible for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025:

Bill Arnsparger

Tom Coughlin

Jeff Fisher

Alex Gibbs

Mike Holmgren

Chuck Knox

Richie Petitbon

Dan Reeves

Marty Schottenheimer

George Seifert

Mike Shanahan

Clark Shaughnessy

Keep in mind, one of these Coaches is going to be even a Finalist for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Who do you think will get in?

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Shanny

 

[Yogibear]

Here are the 50 MODERN-ERA nominees that are still eligible for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025:

Quarterbacks: Eli Manning, Steve McNair

Running Backs: Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber, Eddie George, Marshawn Lynch, Fred Taylor, Ricky Watters

Wide Receivers: Anquan Boldin, Torry Holt, Jimmy Smith, Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne

Tight Ends: Ben Coates, Antonio Gates

Offensive Linemen: Willie Anderson (T), Lomas Brown (T), Ruben Brown (G), Jahri Evans (G), Olin Kreutz (C), Logan Mankins (G), Jeff Saturday (C), Joe Staley (T), Richmond Webb (T), Erik Williams (T), Steve Wisniewski (G), Marshal Yanda (G)

Defensive Linemen: John Abraham (DE also LB), Jared Allen (DE), Robert Mathis (DE), Haloti Ngata (DT), Simeon Rice (DE), Neil Smith (DE), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT), Kevin Williams (DT)

Linebackers: Cornelius Bennett, London Fletcher, James Harrison, Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs

Defensive Backs: Eric Allen (CB), Kam Chancellor (S), Rodney Harrison (S), Earl Thomas (S), Troy Vincent (CB), Darren Woodson (S)

Special Teams: Gary Anderson (K), Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB), Adam Vinatieri (K)

Now, keep in mind that these are the MODERN-ERA nominees that are still eligible. Who do you believe will make the Hall of Fame in 2025?

 

[Joe Schmo]

Holt, Wayne, Gates, Yanda, and Suggs

 

[Yogibear]

Here are the 9 CONTRIBUTOR nominees that are still available for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025:

K.S. "Bud" Adams

Ralph Hay

Frank "Bucko" Kilroy

Robert Kraft

Art Modell

Art Rooney Jr.

Seymour Siwoff

Doug Williams

John Wooten

Keep in mind that one of these CONTRIBUTOR nominees is going to be even a Finalist for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Who do you think has a legitimate at make it to Canton?

 

[Tau837]

I would choose Rooney from that group.

 

[ChiefD]

It's a crime Otis Taylor isn't in yet.

 

[Anarchy99]

PFR Positional Rankings based on HOF Monitor Score:

Quarterbacks: Eli Manning (22), Steve McNair (41)
Running Backs: Marshawn Lynch (27), Ricky Watters (30), Shaun Alexander (32), Tiki Barber (34), Fred Taylor (37), Eddie George (43), Brian Mitchell (161)
Wide Receivers: Reggie Wayne (11), Torry Holt (13), Steve Smith Sr. (17), Anquan Boldin (32), Hines Ward (34), Jimmy Smith (36)
Tight Ends: Antonio Gates (4), Ben Coates (21)
Offensive Tackles: Richmond Webb (21), Joe Staley (25), Lomas Brown (26), Willie Anderson (29), Erik Williams (37)
Guards: Jahri Evans (10), Marshal Yanda (15), Logan Mankins (17), Ruben Brown (31), Steve Wisniewski (18)
Centers: Jeff Saturday (9), Olin Kreutz (13)
Defensive Ends: Neil Smith (20), Jared Allen (21), John Abraham (28), Simeon Rice (37), Robert Mathis (44)
Defensive Tackles: Kevin Williams (9), Haloti Ngata (18), Vince Wilfork (23)
Inside Linebackers: Luke Kuechly (5), London Fletcher (21)
Outside Linebackers: Terrell Suggs (12), James Harrison (15), Cornelius Bennett (24)
Defensive Backs: Earl Thomas (32), Darren Woodson (44), Eric Allen (52), Troy Vincent (67), Rodney Harrison (73), Kam Chancellor (154)
Kickers: Adam Vinatieri (2), Gary Anderson (3)

 

[GregR]

My vote for modern era finalists:

TE Gates - no-brainer, should have made it last year
WR Holt - IMO clearly the most worthy WR
LB Kuechly - no-brainer, but perhaps will not be first ballot
S Thomas - no-brainer
S Woodson - long overdue

I doubt the HOF voters will pick 2 safeties, and I'm equally sure that Eli will be in. So I think Woodson will have to continue to wait.

I had much the same list just making a first pass not worrying about final 5, nor looking anyone up. I also had Shaun Alexander as a possible, though looking up his stats he's a little further down the rushing list than I'd imagined, and maybe wasn't as dominant as I was remembering off the top of my head.

I could go Wayne or Holt. I remember being involved in discussions on them last year, but don't recall which I had ahead of the other after a deep dive. Whichever of the two though.

I could see Jeff Saturday as well, though I'd put in the five you named ahead of him.

 

[Yogibear]

Here are the 9 COACH Nominees that are still left for the Class of 2025:

Bill Arnsparger

Tom Coughlin

Mike Holmgren

Chuck Knox

Dan Reeves

Marty Schottenheimer

George Seifert

Mike Shanahan

Clark Shaughnessy



Now, keep in mind that one of these Coaches is going to be even a Finalist for Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Who do you think has the best shot of getting into Canton?

 

[Yogibear]

Here are the 25 MODERN-ERA nominees that are still available for the Hall of Fame:

Eric Allen

Jared Allen

Willie Anderson

Anquan Boldin

Jahri Evans

Antonio Gates

James Harrison

Rodney Harrison

Torry Holt

Luke Kuechly

Eli Manning

Robert Mathis

Steve Smith Sr.

Terrell Suggs

Fred Taylor

Earl Thomas

Adam Vinatieri

Hines Ward

Ricky Watters

Reggie Wayne

Richmond Webb

Vince Wilfork

Steve Wisniewski

Darren Woodson

Marshal Yanda

Now, keep in mind that up to 5 of these Modern-Era Candidates will be elected in 2025. Who do you think has the best shot?

 

[Tau837]

My vote for modern era finalists:

TE Gates - no-brainer, should have made it last year
WR Holt - IMO clearly the most worthy WR
LB Kuechly - no-brainer, but perhaps will not be first ballot
S Thomas - no-brainer
S Woodson - long overdue

I doubt the HOF voters will pick 2 safeties, and I'm equally sure that Eli will be in. So I think Woodson will have to continue to wait.

My votes and take remain the same.

 

[Chaka]

Eli Manning should have been immediately inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on February 3rd, 2007 at 9:31 PM EST.

On Sunday February 5th, 2011 at 9:36 PM EST they should have immediately renamed the "Pro Football Hall of Fame" to "The Official Eli Manning Hall of Fame and the rest of you Jokers".

 

[Yogibear]

Well, here are 5 of the Finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025:

Contributor: Ralph Hay
Honorable Mention: K.S. "Bud" Adams, Frank "Bucko" Kilroy, Robert Kraft, Art Modell, Art Rooney Jr., Seymour Siwoff, Doug Williams, John Wooten

Coach: Mike Holmgren
Honorable Mention: Bill Arnsparger, Tom Coughlin, Chuck Knox, Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer, George Seifert, Mike Shanahan, Clark Shaughnessy

Seniors: Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe, Jim Tyrer
Honorable Mention: Ken Anderson, Lester Hayes, Bob Kuechenberg, Albert Lewis, Stanley Morgan, Al Wistert

The Modern-Era Finalists will be revealed December 28. But of the 5 Finalists, how many do you believe will go into Canton in 2025?

 

[FairWarning]

Surprised Hay isn't in, thought he was. He helped form the NFL, kind of important.

One of the Packers probably makes it, my guess is Holmgren. I think Maxie Vaughan or Jim Tyree are more deserving.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

If i had to pick one from each position:
QB: Ken Anderson
RB: Roger Craig
WR/TE: Del Shofner
OL: Jim Tyrer (crime that he is not in the HOF)
DL: L.C. Greenwood
LB: Larry Grantham
DB: Dave Grayson
P/K: Get outta here
ST: Beat it

 

[ChiefD]

OL: Jim Tyrer (crime that he is not in the HOF)

Yeah, it was interesting to see he made it this far.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

OL: Jim Tyrer (crime that he is not in the HOF)

Yeah, it was interesting to see he made it this far.

The murder/suicide doesn't help, but on the field, not many better.

 

[BassNBrew]

Eli Manning would be an embarrassment if selected. Zero All-Pros, not one single year best at his position, 60% completion %. You going to put Flacco in also?

If you're going to do that and with Rivers and Big Ben next up, I think the HOF needs to give strong consideration to doubling the selections every five years to clear the decks. Numerous names on the finalist list that were in consideration for best at their position at least one year if not more....guys that I remember being dominant and a huge concern if they were playing against my team (never feared my team facing Eli). If it's the Hall of the Very Good, let's get all the very good players in.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

Eli Manning would be an embarrassment if selected. Zero All-Pros, not one single year best at his position, 60% completion %. You going to put Flacco in also?

If you're going to do that and with Rivers and Big Ben next up, I think the HOF needs to give strong consideration to doubling the selections every five years to clear the decks. Numerous names on the finalist list that were in consideration for best at their position at least one year if not more....guys that I remember being dominant and a huge concern if they were playing against my team (never feared my team facing Eli). If it's the Hall of the Very Good, let's get all the very good players in.

If you win multiple super bowls at a QB, you are in. Give me Eli’s numbers vs. Aikman’s and Bradshaw’s any day of the week.

 

[Yogibear]

Well, the list of 15 Modern-Era Finalists was just released this morning. Here it is:

Eric Allen

Jared Allen

Willie Anderson

Jahri Evans

Antonio Gates

Torry Holt

Luke Kuechly

Eli Manning

Steve Smith Sr.

Terrell Suggs

Fred Taylor

Adam Vinatieri

Reggie Wayne

Darren Woodson

Marshal Yanda

Keep in mind that Ralph Hay is the Contributor Finalist, Mike Holmgren is the Coach Finalist and Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer are the Senior Finalists. Now, using the 15 names listed above, who do you believe will make up the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025?

 

[Tau837]

Fred Taylor is a finalist? Seriously?

Very surprised Earl Thomas is not a finalist.

As I have said all along, I would vote for Gates, Holt, Kuechly, and Woodson, and I think Eli will make it. So that is a possible class. I’m not sure which player I would vote for over Eli… maybe Jared Allen.

Beyond the 4 I mentioned I would vote for, IMO this doesn’t seem like a strong group of finalists.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Evergreen Torry Holt post

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Well, the list of 15 Modern-Era Finalists was just released this morning. Here it is:

Eric Allen

Jared Allen

Willie Anderson

Jahri Evans

Antonio Gates

Torry Holt

Luke Kuechly

Eli Manning

Steve Smith Sr.

Terrell Suggs

Fred Taylor

Adam Vinatieri

Reggie Wayne

Darren Woodson

Marshal Yanda

Keep in mind that Ralph Hay is the Contributor Finalist, Mike Holmgren is the Coach Finalist and Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer are the Senior Finalists. Now, using the 15 names listed above, who do you believe will make up the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025?

Gates, Holt, Kuechly, Eli, and Suggs

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Gates, Manning, Holt, Kuechly, Woodson

 

[The_Man]

Suggs is #8 alltime in sacks, despite being an OLB that didn’t just rush the QB every play, and was a tremendous run stuffer as well

Former Defensive Player of the Year, feels like a deserving first ballot guy. Surprised by all the Kuechly talk, a great player but not sure he played long enough

Also Gates, Holt, and Vinatieri and then not sure who I’d take as my 5th pick

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Also Gates, Holt, and Vinatieri and then not sure who I’d take as my 5th pick

Woodson

 

[Yogibear]

What I want to know is, who does everyone believe of the 5 finalists who are not from the Modern Era are going to make it to Canton? I'm hearing great selections about the Modern-Era Finalists, but I want to hear from anyone who has their entire class of 2025 ready for induction. Here is the entire list of Finalists:

Eric Allen (Modern-Era)

Jared Allen (Modern-Era)

Willie Anderson (Modern-Era)

Maxie Baughan (Senior)

Jahri Evans (Modern-Era)

Antonio Gates (Modern-Era)

Ralph Hay (Contributor)

Mike Holmgren (Coach)

Torry Holt (Modern-Era)

Luke Kuechly (Modern-Era)

Eli Manning (Modern-Era)

Sterling Sharpe (Senior)

Steve Smith Sr. (Modern-Era)

Terrell Suggs (Modern-Era)

Fred Taylor (Modern-Era)

Jim Tyrer (Senior)

Adam Vinatieri (Modern-Era)

Darren Woodson (Modern-Era)

Marshal Yanda (Modern-Era)



Now, I want to hear everyone's opinion on their ENTIRE class of 2025. Remember, pick 5 Modern-Era Candidates and up to three on the of the other 5. Hopefully, I'll get more discussion on their opinion of why one guy should be voted in over another.

 

[Tau837]

Now, I want to hear everyone's opinion on their ENTIRE class of 2025. Remember, pick 5 Modern-Era Candidates and up to three on the of the other 5. Hopefully, I'll get more discussion on their opinion of why one guy should be voted in over another.

Why are you saying up to 3 of the other 5? I'm under the impression that up to 5 modern era nominees, 3 senior nominees, 1 coach nominee, and 1 contributor nominee can all make it. Prior to this year, coaches and contributors were combined in one category. In the class of 2023, 5 modern era nominees, all 3 senior nominees, and the 1 coach/contributor nominee were all inducted.

Assuming they all can be inducted, my class would be these 10:

• Modern era:
  • Gates - IMO should have been first ballot
  • Holt - IMO overdue and should have been in before Andre Johnson and is clearly more worthy than the other modern era WR finalists
  • Kuechly - only 8 seasons but they were completely dominant -- DROY, DPOY, 5 AP1, 2 AP2; arguably has stronger case than Willis, who was inducted last year
  • Woodson - key defender on dominant 1990s Dallas defenses; 2 rings; 3 AP1
  • Allen - all time #6 TFL, #12 sacks, #24 FF, #1T safeties; 4 AP1
• Other (in priority order in case fewer than 5 are allowed):
  • Contributor - Hay - instrumental in formation of NFL; surprised he is not already in
  • Senior - Sharpe - career shortened by injury but dominant when healthy
  • Senior - Baughan - completely dominant; not sure why he has been ignored for so long
  • Coach - Holmgren - impressive accomplishments match or exceed those of multiple modern era HOF coaches (e.g., Dungy, Vermeil)
  • Senior - Tyrer - dominant, but for me is behind Sharpe and Baughan

I don't feel strongly about Jared Allen, though I do think he has a stronger case than Suggs, who compiled impressive total statistics in part by playing so long (17 years, 244 games). Beyond Gates, Holt, Kuechly, and Woodson, IMO the remaining group of modern era finalists is weaker than usual and generally uncompelling.

As I have posted previously in this thread, I expect Eli to make it. If true, I hope not at the expense of one of my top 4 modern era choices.

 

[Yogibear]

Now, I want to hear everyone's opinion on their ENTIRE class of 2025. Remember, pick 5 Modern-Era Candidates and up to three on the of the other 5. Hopefully, I'll get more discussion on their opinion of why one guy should be voted in over another.

Why are you saying up to 3 of the other 5?

Because of the new by-laws that went in effect beginning with this year's class, the number of individuals that could go in is between 4 and 8. I'm just stating the new by-laws that the Hall of Fame selection committee just put in this year, and it remains in effect until whenever the committee decides to change it again. That's why you could select up to 5 Modern-Era Finalists and 3 of the other 5 Finalists to make up the Class of 2025. That's why a total of 4 to 8 will be selected by the committee.

 

[Tau837]

Now, I want to hear everyone's opinion on their ENTIRE class of 2025. Remember, pick 5 Modern-Era Candidates and up to three on the of the other 5. Hopefully, I'll get more discussion on their opinion of why one guy should be voted in over another.

Why are you saying up to 3 of the other 5?

Because of the new by-laws that went in effect beginning with this year's class, the number of individuals that could go in is between 4 and 8. I'm just stating the new by-laws that the Hall of Fame selection committee just put in this year, and it remains in effect until whenever the committee decides to change it again. That's why you could select up to 5 Modern-Era Finalists and 3 of the other 5 Finalists to make up the Class of 2025. That's why a total of 4 to 8 will be selected by the committee.

That's too bad. If I could, I would limit my modern era choices to 4 and take 4 others. But with the new bylaws, this would be my class:

• Modern era:
  • Gates - IMO should have been first ballot
  • Holt - IMO overdue and should have been in before Andre Johnson and is clearly more worthy than the other modern era WR finalists
  • Kuechly - only 8 seasons but they were completely dominant -- DROY, DPOY, 5 AP1, 2 AP2; arguably has stronger case than Willis, who was inducted last year
  • Woodson - key defender on dominant 1990s Dallas defenses; 2 rings; 3 AP1
  • Allen - all time #6 TFL, #12 sacks, #24 FF, #1T safeties; 4 AP1
• Other:
  • Contributor - Hay - instrumental in formation of NFL; surprised he is not already in
  • Senior - Sharpe - career shortened by injury but dominant when healthy
  • Senior - Baughan - completely dominant; not sure why he has been ignored for so long

 

[Yogibear]

What I want to know is, who does everyone believe of the 5 finalists who are not from the Modern Era are going to make it to Canton? I'm hearing great selections about the Modern-Era Finalists, but I want to hear from anyone who has their entire class of 2025 ready for induction. Here is the entire list of Finalists:

Eric Allen (Modern-Era)

Jared Allen (Modern-Era)

Willie Anderson (Modern-Era)

Maxie Baughan (Senior)

Jahri Evans (Modern-Era)

Antonio Gates (Modern-Era)

Ralph Hay (Contributor)

Mike Holmgren (Coach)

Torry Holt (Modern-Era)

Luke Kuechly (Modern-Era)

Eli Manning (Modern-Era)

Sterling Sharpe (Senior)

Steve Smith Sr. (Modern-Era)

Terrell Suggs (Modern-Era)

Fred Taylor (Modern-Era)

Jim Tyrer (Senior)

Adam Vinatieri (Modern-Era)

Darren Woodson (Modern-Era)

Marshal Yanda (Modern-Era)

Last chance to get your predictions for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Remember: Up to 5 Modern-Era Finalists and up to 3 of the other finalists.

 

[Hankmoody]

Until Jim Plunkett is in I refuse to acknowledge this entire process.