Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, former defensive players of the year Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs, and prolific tight end Antonio Gates are among the finalists for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
The Hall on Saturday announced the names of the 15 modern-era finalists who advanced from a group of 25 to the final stage of voting. The group includes five players in their first year of eligibility, nine who were finalists last year and receiver Steve Smith Sr., who made it this far for the first time in his fourth year of eligibility.
The selection committee will vote next month to pick the class of between three and five modern-era players that will be announced the week of the Super Bowl.
Five others also are under consideration for enshrinement, with Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer finalists in the seniors category, Mike Holmgren in the coaches category and Ralph Hay as a contributor. Between one and three of those nominees will also get inducted into the Hall.
Manning, Kuechly and Suggs are finalists in their first year of eligibility, along with post-season kicking star Adam Vinatieri and former Baltimore guard Marshal Yanda.
Gates was a first-time finalist for the 2024 class and is back at this stage along with defensive end Jared Allen; receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne; offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans; defensive backs Darren Woodson, Eric Allen and Rodney Harrison; and running back Fred Taylor also advancing.
Manning will look to follow his brother Peyton into the Hall following a standout career with the New York Giants. Manning was picked first overall in the 2004 draft and spent his entire career in New York. He led the Giants to an upset win over the undefeated
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