Pro Football Hall of Fame Semifinalists Announced

On Tuesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed its semifinalists, featuring 15 modern players who have progressed to the next stage, inching closer to induction in Canton. Five players can ultimately be chosen from this group, while veteran, coach, and contributor categories complete the selection process. According to Hall of Fame regulations, each class typically consists of four to eight inductees annually.

The following modern players made the list:

• Willie Anderson, tackle – 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
• Drew Brees, quarterback – San Diego Chargers 2001-2005, New Orleans Saints 2006-2020
• Jahri Evans, guard – 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers
• Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver – 2004-2020 Arizona Cardinals
• Frank Gore, running back – 2005-2014 San Francisco 49ers, 2015-2017 Indianapolis Colts, 2018 Miami Dolphins, 2019 Buffalo Bills, 2020 New York Jets
• Torrie Holt, wide receiver – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
• Luke Kuechly, linebacker – 2012-2019 Carolina Panthers
• Eli Manning, quarterback – 2004-2019 New York Giants
• Terrell Suggs, outside linebacker/defensive end – 2003-2018 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs
• Adam Vinatieri, kicker – 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis Colts
• Reggie Wayne, wide receiver – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
• Kevin Williams, defensive tackle – 2003-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014 Seattle Seahawks, 2015 New Orleans Saints
• Jason Witten, tight end – 2003-2017, 2019 Dallas Cowboys, 2020 Las Vegas Raiders
• Darren Woodson, safety – 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys
• Marshal Yanda, guard/tackle – 2007-2019 Baltimore Ravens

There are also additional candidates beyond the modern player pool:

• Ken Anderson, quarterback — 1971-1986 Cincinnati Bengals
• Roger Craig, running back — 1983-90 San Francisco 49ers, 1991 Los Angeles Raiders, 1992-93 Minnesota Vikings
• LC Greenwood, defensive end — 1969-81 Pittsburgh Steelers
• Bill Belichick, head coach — 2000-2023 New England Patriots
• Robert Kraft, owner — 1994-present New England Patriots

Predicting who might be enshrined from the traditional player/contributor pool can be quite tricky. A lot of people are anticipating Ken Anderson, along with Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick, to be inducted, which would account for up to three from that segment. For the modern players, expectations and probabilities vary significantly for each candidate.

Player Evaluations

Willie Anderson, tackle — Cincinnati Bengals

Anderson has been a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler. It’s a bit puzzling, as he has been a semifinalist for three years running. There’s a sense that either he isn’t viewed as worthy yet or just needs to wait it out longer. I’d say it’s a real toss-up.

Probability of HoF: 50%

Drew Brees, quarterback — New Orleans Saints

Honestly, it’s hard to question Brees’ credentials. With over 80,000 passing yards and a whopping 571 touchdowns, he’s a definite standout. I think he will get inducted on his first attempt without a doubt.

Probability of HoF: 100%

Jahri Evans, guard — New Orleans Saints

Evans was definitely talented, making four All-Pro teams, yet he never quite recaptured that level of performance after some early success. While it seems a stretch, having him inducted alongside Brees could highlight that winning era for the Saints.

Probability of HoF: 15%

Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver — Arizona Cardinals

Fitzgerald’s loyalty to the Cardinals lasted over 15 years, which I think is commendable. He’s among the top receivers ever, right there with Rice. It’s almost a certainty he’ll be enshrined on his first try, which is kind of remarkable for a receiver.

Probability of HoF: 100%

Frank Gore, running back — San Francisco 49ers

Gore’s performance was truly remarkable, with nine seasons of 1,000 rushing yards and a record-length career; he played for 15 years. However, despite his career stats, I’m a bit uncertain about his chances this time around.

Probability of HoF: 20%

Torrie Holt, wide receiver — St. Louis Rams

During his time with the “Greatest Show on Turf,” Holt was a phenomenal player. His skills were on display with multiple 1,000-yard seasons, yet the peculiarities of the receiver position might complicate his induction process.

Probability of HoF: 40%

Luke Kuechly, linebacker — Carolina Panthers

It’s a shame Kuechly’s career was cut short by concussions because he had incredible potential. His stats are impressive, with consistent tackles every season, making him worthy of consideration.

Probability of HoF: 80%

Eli Manning, quarterback — New York Giants

There’s a lot of debate surrounding Manning’s Hall of Fame worthiness. His Super Bowl victories are noteworthy, but he has some shortcomings in other stats. I suppose he’ll get in but not sure if it will be this year.

Probability of HoF: 85%

Terrell Suggs, linebacker — Baltimore Ravens

It’s Suggs’ second year as a finalist, and while he had a stellar season in 2011, he faces tough competition now, particularly from Kuechly. His past success might not be enough this time around.

Probability of HoF: 30%

Adam Vinatieri, kicker — New England Patriots

My bias shows, but I really think Vinatieri deserves this induction. He won pivotal Super Bowls with clutch kicks, defining moments in NFL history. Still, the kicker position tends to be overlooked, making his chances a bit murky.

Probability of HoF: 35%

Reggie Wayne, wide receiver — Indianapolis Colts

This is Wayne’s seventh time as a Hall of Fame finalist, which is puzzling given his impressive stats. However, with Fitzgerald and Holt eligible too, he might need to wait another year.

Probability of HoF: 25%

Kevin Williams, defensive tackle – Minnesota Vikings

It’s great to see Williams as a finalist for the first time. Although he had a solid career with impressive stats, he’s likely to get overshadowed by other elite candidates.

Probability of HoF: 25%

Jason Witten, tight end – Dallas Cowboys

Witten’s numbers speak volumes, and he’s often listed as one of the best tight ends in history. Given this is his first year of eligibility, he stands a strong chance of being inducted.

Probability of HoF: 75%

Darren Woodson, safety – Dallas Cowboys

Woodson’s candidacy feels like one that might linger. His accomplishments with the Cowboys are notable, yet with so many strong candidates this year, his chance of induction seems slim.

Probability of HoF: 15%

Marshal Yanda, guard – Baltimore Ravens

Yanda represents the standard of excellence at his position, and while he has a strong case, this competitive class might push his induction down the road.

Probability of HoF: 25%