Eli Manning, Adam Vinatieri, Antonio Gates among 15 modern finalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025

On By Littum

Eli Manning, Steve Smith Sr., Adam Vinatieri, Antonio Gates and Torry Holt are among the 15 finalists in the modern player category for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Of the 15 names, nine players — Gates, Holt, Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Fred Taylor, Reggie Wayne and Darren Woodson — were finalists for the 2024 class. Manning, Vinatieri, Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs and Marshal Yanda are first-time finalists.

Here is the full list from the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

Eric Allen, cornerback – 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders

Jared Allen, defensive end – 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers

Willie Anderson, tackle — 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens

Jahri Evans, guard — 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers

Antonio Gates, tight end — 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers

Torry Holt, wide receiver — 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars

Luke Kuechly, linebacker – 2012-19 Carolina Panthers

Eli Manning, quarterback – 2004-2019 New York Giants

Steve Smith Sr., wide receiver — 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens

Terrell Suggs, outside linebacker/defensive end — 2003-2018 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals, 2019 Kansas City Chiefs

Fred Taylor, running back – 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots

Adam Vinatieri, kicker – 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis Colts

Reggie Wayne, wide receiver — 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts

Darren Woodson, safety — 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys

Marshal Yanda, guard/tackle — 2007-2019 Baltimore Ravens

The Hall of Fame selection committee will convene prior to Super Bowl LIX to decide on the 2025 class, which will be announced during the Feb. 6 “NFL Honors” event.

The process of determining the class of 2025 began in September when the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 167 modern-era inductees.

Up to five modern players can be selected, with each inductee receiving at least 80% of the vote.

Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe, Jim Tyrer, Mike Holmgren and Ralph Hay are also candidates for induction as part of the seniors, coaches and contributors categories. At least one person and no more than three from these combined groups will be part of the Class of 2025.