Pro Football Hall of Fame Announces 15 Modern-Era Finalists for Class of 2025
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee has unveiled its list of 15 modern-era finalists for the Class of 2025, a group that includes some of the most iconic and influential players of the past three decades.
Quarterbacks
Two quarterbacks headline the finalists list: Steve Young and Joe Thomas. Young, a former San Francisco 49ers star, won two Super Bowls and was named NFL MVP in 1992. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, known for his mobility, scrambling ability, and pinpoint passing.
Thomas, a former Cleveland Browns tackle, played in 10 Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro nine times. He is considered one of the most dominant and consistent tackles in NFL history, protecting quarterbacks and paving the way for running backs throughout his career.
Running Backs
The running back finalists include Edgerrin James, Adrian Peterson, and Steven Jackson. James, a former Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals standout, rushed for over 12,000 yards and 90 touchdowns in his career. He was known for his quickness, agility, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field.
Peterson, a former Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints running back, is one of the most prolific runners in NFL history. He rushed for over 14,000 yards and 111 touchdowns, including a record 2,097 yards in 2012. He was known for his combination of speed, power, and durability.
Jackson, a former St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons running back, rushed for over 11,000 yards and 70 touchdowns in his career. He was known for his versatility, ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and consistent production over a long period.
Wide Receivers
Two wide receivers are among the finalists: Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson. Wayne, a former Indianapolis Colts star, played in six Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro four times. He was known for his reliable hands, route-running ability, and clutch performances in big games.
Johnson, a former Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans receiver, played in seven Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro four times. He was known for his size, strength, and ability to make contested catches in traffic.
Defensive Players
The defensive finalists include Darrelle Revis, Champ Bailey, and Julius Peppers. Revis, a former New York Jets and New England Patriots cornerback, played in seven Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro four times. He was known for his shutdown coverage ability, quickness, and knack for making big plays.
Bailey, a former Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos cornerback, played in 12 Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro 10 times. He was known for his athleticism, versatility, and ability to cover both slot receivers and outside threats.
Peppers, a former Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears defensive end, played in nine Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro eight times. He was known for his versatility, ability to rush the passer and stop the run, and his impressive sack totals.
Other Finalists
Rounding out the finalists list are former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens, former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, and former Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden.
Owens, a Hall of Famer who was inducted in 2018, is widely regarded as one of the greatest receivers of all time. He played in six Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro five times, known for his physicality, trash-talking, and ability to make big plays in clutch moments.
Strahan, a Hall of Famer who was inducted in 2014, played in seven Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro five times. He is considered one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history, known for his strength, quickness, and ability to get to the quarterback.
Gruden, a Super Bowl-winning coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is known for his offensive innovation and ability to motivate players. He has coached several teams to success, including the Las Vegas Raiders in recent years.
Selection Process
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee will meet in February to vote on the finalists. To be inducted, a finalist must receive at least 80% of the vote. The Class of 2025 will be announced in February 2025.