Pro Football Hall of Fame reveals modern-era semifinalists for Class of 2024

The Pro Football Hall of Fame unveiled its semifinalists who still are in the running for a coveted gold jacket and a spot in the Class of 2024.

There are 25 players who made the semifinal list. There are three former players who made the semifinal list for the first time. Julius Peppers, the powerful defensive end, along with tight end Antonio Gates, each are eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time. They’ve been out of the NFL for five seasons. Tiki Barber, a star running back for the Giants, made the semifinal list for the first time, after retiring following the 2006 season. He’d like to join his twin, Ronde Barber, the ex-DB who made the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year.

Hall voters will cut the list to 15 finalists. Then the class, which will be between four and nine members, will be revealed on Feb. 8 at the NFL Honors show before the Super Bowl.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Nominees

• Eric Allen, CB – 1988-1994 Eagles, 1995-97 Saints, 1998-2001 Raiders | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2021-24)
• Jared Allen, DE – 2004-07 Chiefs, 2008-2013 Vikings, 2014-15 Bears, 2015 Panthers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2021-24)
• Willie Anderson, T – 1996-2007 Bengals, 2008 Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2021-24)
• Tiki Barber, RB – 1997-2006 Giants | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2024)
• Anquan Boldin, WR – 2003-09 Cardinals, 2010-12 Ravens, 2013-15 49ers, 2016 Lions | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
• Jahri Evans, G – 2006-2016 Saints, 2017 Packers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)
• London Fletcher, LB – 1998-2001 Rams, 2002-06 Bills, 2007-2013 Redskins | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)
• Dwight Freeney, DE – 2002-2012 Colts, 2013-14 Chargers, 2015 Cardinals, 2016 Falcons, 2017 Seahawks, 2017 Lions | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)
• Antonio Gates, TE – 2003-2018 Chargers (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2024)
• Eddie George, RB – 1996-2003 Oilers/Titans, 2004 Cowboys (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2022, 2024)
• James Harrison, LB – 2002-2012, 2014-17 Steelers, 2013 Bengals, 2017 Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)

Peppers, Gates, Barber are first-time semifinalists

• Rodney Harrison, S – 1994-2002 Chargers, 2003-08 Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2021, 2023-24)
• Devin Hester, PR/KR/WR – 2006-2013 Bears, 2014-15 Falcons, 2016 Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
• Torry Holt, WR – 1999-2008 Rams, 2009 Jaguars | (Times as a Semifinalist: 10 – 2015-2024)
• Andre Johnson, WR – 2003-2014 Texans, 2015 Colts, 2016 Titans | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
• Robert Mathis, DE/LB – 2003-2016 Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
• Julius Peppers, DE – 2002-09, 2017-18 Panthers, 2010-13 Bears, 2014-15 Packers (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2024)
• Steve Smith Sr., WR – 2001-2013 Panthers, 2014-16 Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
• Fred Taylor, RB – 1998-2008 Jaguars, 2009-2010 Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2020-24)
• Hines Ward, WR – 1998-2011 Steelers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 8 – 2017-2024)
• Ricky Watters, RB – 1992-94 49ers, 1995-97 Eagles, 1998-2001 Seahawks | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2020, 2022-24)
• Reggie Wayne, WR – 2001-2014 Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2020-24)
• Vince Wilfork, DT – 2004-2014 Patriots, 2015-16 Texans | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
• Patrick Willis, LB – 2007-2014 49ers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2020-24)
• Darren Woodson, S – 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys | (Times as a Semifinalist: 8 – 2015, 2017, 2019-2024)

Committee already revealed senior finalists

There are other finalists. Buddy Parker is the lone nominee from the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s coach/contributor committee. The seniors committee voted for Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell.