25 Modern-Era Players Named as Semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the 25 semifinalists for the Class of 2025, which will be inducted next summer in Canton, Ohio. The list includes a stellar group of players who have made significant contributions to the NFL in recent years.
Wide Receivers
Among the most notable semifinalists are wide receivers Calvin Johnson, Andre Johnson, and Reggie Wayne. Johnson, known as “Megatron,” was one of the most dominant receivers in NFL history, setting numerous records with the Detroit Lions. Andre Johnson was a seven-time Pro Bowler with the Houston Texans, while Wayne was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Indianapolis Colts.
Quarterbacks
Two quarterbacks are among the semifinalists: Matt Schaub and Matt Ryan. Schaub led the Houston Texans to the playoffs six times, while Ryan was the NFL MVP in 2016 and led the Atlanta Falcons to the Super Bowl.
Running Backs
Three running backs made the list: Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson, and Marshawn Lynch. Jackson rushed for over 12,000 yards in his career with the Rams and Falcons. Chris Johnson was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Tennessee Titans. Lynch was a key part of the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory in 2014.
Tight Ends
Two tight ends are among the semifinalists: Jason Witten and Greg Olsen. Witten was a 11-time Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys. Olsen was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Carolina Panthers.
Offensive Linemen
Four offensive linemen are on the list: Jahri Evans, Steve Hutchinson, Jared Veldheer, and Kevin Mawae. Evans was a six-time Pro Bowler with the New Orleans Saints. Hutchinson was a three-time All-Pro with the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings. Veldheer was a Pro Bowler with the Arizona Cardinals. Mawae was an eight-time Pro Bowler with the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans.
Defensive Linemen
Three defensive linemen made the list: Jared Allen, Justin Tuck, and Chris Long. Allen was a five-time Pro Bowler with the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs. Tuck was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants. Long was a two-time Pro Bowler with the St. Louis Rams and New England Patriots.
Linebackers
Four linebackers are among the semifinalists: DeMarcus Ware, Derrick Brooks, NaVorro Bowman, and London Fletcher. Ware was a nine-time Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos. Brooks was an 11-time Pro Bowler and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2002. Bowman was a four-time Pro Bowler with the San Francisco 49ers. Fletcher was a five-time Pro Bowler with the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills.
Defensive Backs
Three defensive backs made the list: Ed Reed, Champ Bailey, and Troy Polamalu. Reed was a nine-time Pro Bowler and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. Bailey was a 12-time Pro Bowler and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2006. Polamalu was an eight-time Pro Bowler and was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.
Special Teams
Two special teams players are on the list: Adam Vinatieri and Josh Cribbs. Vinatieri was a four-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Cribbs was a two-time Pro Bowler as a return specialist with the Cleveland Browns.
Next Steps
The 25 semifinalists will be narrowed down to 15 finalists in January. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be announced in February.