Eli Manning, Antonio Gates and Reggie Wayne headline 2025 Hall of Fame finalists

A two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback and two of the greatest pass-catchers in NFL history are on the doorstep of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, tight end Antonio Gates and receiver Reggie Wayne are three of 15 players selected as finalists for the 2025 class, the Hall of Fame announced on Saturday.

It's the second straight year that Gates has been selected as a finalist. The all-time reception leader in franchise history for the Chargers, Gates finished his career with the most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in NFL history with 116. 

Selected as a finalist for a sixth time, Wayne is a six-time Pro Bowler who currently ranks No. 10 in receptions (1,070) and receiving yards (14,345).

Manning is one of five players to make it as a finalist in his first year of eligibility, along with Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs, Adam Vinatieri and Marshal Yanda. 

Receiver Steve Smith Sr. is a finalist for the first time in his fourth year of eligibility. 

Rounding out the list are 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.

These 15 finalists join five others who moved forward in the contributor, coach and seniors categories: Ralph Hay (contributor), Mike Holmgren (coach), and Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer (seniors).

The Hall of Fame selection committee will meet prior to Super Bowl LIX to vote on the 2025 class, which will be announced during the "NFL Honors" show in New Orleans during Super Bowl week. There is no set number for any class of enshrinees, but the Hall’s bylaws stipulate that between four and eight new members will be