On Wednesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the modern-era finalists for the Class of 2024. Antonio Gates, a tight end, and Julius Peppers, a defensive end, stood out as the two players who qualified first.
The NFL Network revealed the 2024 modern-era player finalists along with their positions, years, and teams:
- Eric Allen, DB – – 1988-1994 Philadelphia Birds, 1995-1997 New Orleans Holy people, 1998-2001 Oakland Marauders
- Jared Allen, DE – 2004-2007 Kansas City Bosses, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-2015 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Pumas
- Willie Anderson, OT – – 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
- Jahri Evans, Old – – 2006-2016 New Orleans Holy people, 2017 Green Inlet Packers
- Dwight Freeney, DE – – 2002-2012 Indianapolis Foals, 2013-14 San Diego Chargers, 2015 Arizona Cardinals, 2016
- Atlanta Birds of prey, 2017 Detroit Lions, 2017 Seattle Seahawks
- Antonio Entryways, TE – – 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
- Rodney Harrison, DB – – 1994-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-2008 New Britain Nationalists
- Devin Hester, PR/KR/WR – – 2006-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-2015 Atlanta Hawks, 2016 Baltimore Ravens, 2016 Seattle Seahawks
- Torry Holt, WR – – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Panthers
- Andre Johnson, WR – – 2003-2014 Houston Texans, 2015 Indianapolis Foals, 2016 Tennessee Titans
- Julius Peppers, DE – – 2002-2009/2017-2018 Carolina Jaguars, 2010-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-2016 Green Narrows Packers
- Fred Taylor, RB – – 1998-2008 Jacksonville Panthers, 2009-2010 New Britain Loyalists
- Reggie Wayne, WR – – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Foals
- Patrick Willis, LB – – 2007-2014 San Francisco 49ers
- Darren Woodson, S – – 1992-2003 Dallas Cattle rustlers
The Hall’s Selection Committee votes on the modern-era player finalists; the process started with the announcement of 173 nominations in September. In November, the field of nominations was narrowed down to 25 semifinalists.
Senior finalists Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael, and Art Powell, as well as contributor/coach finalist Buddy Parker, will be present in addition to the modern-era finalists.
The induction of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 will occur during NFL Honours, which airs on CBS, NFL Network, and streams on NFL+ and Paramount+ on Thursday, February 8, starting at 9 p.m. ET.