The finalists for the 2024 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame have been announced and includes two players in their first year of eligibility.
In selecting members for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Committee strives to “Honor the Greatest of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values and Celebrate Excellence Together.”
The Modern Era 15 finalists were whittled down from a list of 173 possible nominees. A player must receive at least 80 percent of the select committee’s votes in order to become a member of the Hall of Fame. Up to five of the 15 finalists may be selected. Players become eligible to nomination into the Hall of Fame five years after they retire from the game.
The new Hall of Fame class will be announced during the NFL Honours on February 8, the night before the Super Bowl with enshrinement in Canton the first week of August.
Antonio Gates and Julius Peppers have earned their way on to the list of finalists and are joined by Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Dwight Freeney, Rodney Harrison, Devin Hester, Torry Holt, Andre Johnson, Fred Taylor, Reggie Wayne, Patrick Willis, and Darren Woodson.
Nine players return from last year with Fred Taylor, Eric Allen, Jahri Evans, and Rodney Harrison making the list for the first time.
Along with the 15 Modern Era finalist, Senior Finalists Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael, Art Powell, and Coach Buddy Parker will also be considered for induction.
Meet the Modern Era Finalists:
Eri Allen makes the list for the first time after spending 14 years in the NFL playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, and the Oakland Raiders.
Jared Allen spent 12 years in the NFL playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings.
Willie Anderson spent 13 years in the NFL playing for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens.
Jahri Evans makes the list for the first time after spending 12 years in the NFL playing for the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers.
Dwight Freeney played 16 seasons in the NFL and played for the Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions.
Making the list of finalists on his first year of eligibility, Antonio Gates rewrote the tight ends record books. Spending 16 seasons in the NFL, Gates spent his entire career as a Charger first in San Diego and later in Los Angeles.
Rodney Harrison makes the list of finalists for the first time after spending 15 seasons in the NFL playing for the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots.
Speed demon Devin Hester spent eleven seasons with the NFL playing for the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, and Seattle Seahawks.
Torry Holt played eleven season in the NFL playing for the St. Louis Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Andre Johnson spent 14 years in the NFL and played for the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans.
Julius Peppers also makes the list of finalists in his first year of eligibility after spending 17 seasons in the NFL playing for the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers.
Making the list for the first time, Fred Taylor spent 13 seasons in NFL playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New England Patriots.
Reggie Wayne has made the list of finalists every year since being eligible five years ago. Playing in the NFL for 14 years, he spent his entire career with the Indianapolis Colts.
Patrick Willis spent only eight years in the NFL, the linebacker played his entire career as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.
Darren Woodson spent his entire 12 years in the NFL as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.