The Pro Football Hall of Fame has unveiled the modern-era finalists for the Class of 2024, featuring notable names such as tight end Antonio Gates and defensive end Julius Peppers, both eligible for induction for the first time. The finalists and their respective positions, years played, and teams are as follows:
1. Eric Allen, DB — 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-1997 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders
2. Jared Allen, DE – 2004-2007 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-2015 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
3. Willie Anderson, OT — 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
4. Jahri Evans, OL — 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers
5. Dwight Freeney, DE — 2002-2012 Indianapolis Colts, 2013-14 San Diego Chargers, 2015 Arizona Cardinals, 2016 Atlanta Falcons, 2017 Detroit Lions, 2017 Seattle Seahawks
6. Antonio Gates, TE — 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
7. Rodney Harrison, DB — 1994-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-2008 New England Patriots
8. Devin Hester, PR/KR/WR — 2006-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-2015 Atlanta Falcons, 2016 Baltimore Ravens, 2016 Seattle Seahawks
9. Torry Holt, WR — 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
10. Andre Johnson, WR — 2003-2014 Houston Texans, 2015 Indianapolis Colts, 2016 Tennessee Titans
11. Julius Peppers, DE — 2002-2009/2017-2018 Carolina Panthers, 2010-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-2016 Green Bay Packers
12. Fred Taylor, RB — 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots
13. Reggie Wayne, WR, 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
14. Patrick Willis, LB — 2007-2014 San Francisco 49ers
15. Darren Woodson, S (1992–2003) Dallas Cowboys
The selection of modern-era player finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame is the result of a voting process conducted by the Hall’s Selection Committee.
The procedure commenced with the announcement of 173 nominees in September, and this pool was subsequently narrowed down to 25 semifinalists in November.
In addition to the modern-era finalists, the Class of 2024 will include senior finalists Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael, and Art Powell, along with contributor/coach finalist Buddy Parker.
The official induction of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is scheduled to take place during NFL Honors at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 8. The event will be broadcast on CBS, NFL Network, and available for streaming on Paramount+ and NFL+.
