The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the finalists for the 2025 class. Chief among those shortlisted are Super Bowl MVP and former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, ex-Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, and retired Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne. This marks the second time Gates has been named as a finalist, praised for his record-holding career with the Chargers which saw him achieve the most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in NFL history. Wayne, who has made the finalists list six times, is also recognized for his achievements, which include ranking 10th in receptions and receiving yards.
Other notable individuals who have made the finalists list in their first year of eligibility include Marshal Yanda, Terrell Suggs, Adam Vinatieri, and Luke Kuechly. Receiver Steve Smith Sr. is also being considered for the first time after four years of eligibility. Additionally, offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans, defensive lineman Jared Allen, receiver Torry Holt, defensive backs Eric Allen and Darren Woodson, and running back Fred Taylor, complete the final 15 considered for the class of 2025.
The selection of these 15 individuals was determined by the Hall’s independent Selection Committee from an original list of 167 nominees. Subsequent shortlisting processes occurred, whittling the pool down to 50 nominees and then 25 semifinalists before the current list of 15 was finalized. The 2025 class of potential inductees also features five others who passed selection in the contributor, coach, and seniors categories. These are Ralph Hay (contributor), Mike Holmgren (coach), along with seniors Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe, and Jim Tyrer.
The Hall of Fame selection committee is set to gather ahead of Super Bowl LIX to vote on the 2025 class. The results of this meeting will be disclosed during the “NFL Honors” show, which will take place in New Orleans as part of Super Bowl week. The Hall of Fame’s bylaws specify that each class shall comprise between four and eight new members. The official enshrinement ceremony will take place later in the year, in August, at Canton.
Among the noteworthy finalists are Eric Allen, noted for his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders, Defensive End Jared Allen, who rose to prominence during his time with Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers and tackle, Willie Anderson. Others are Jahri Evans, Antonio Gates, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, Steve Smith Sr., Terrell Suggs, Fred Taylor, Adam Vinatieri, Reggie Wayne, Darren Woodson, and Marshal Yanda.
Eric D. Williams, the author of this report, is a seasoned NFL reporter. His coverage has spanned more than a decade and he has reported on teams including the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN, and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. Williams’ in-depth and accurate reporting has positioned him as a trusted source of NFL updates and for fans of the sport.
