Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Semifinalists Announced

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the semifinalists for the Class of 2025, with an exclusive list comprising 25 Modern-Era Players. This year’s list includes six first-year eligible candidates, alongside 17 repeat semifinalists from the previous year. The Hall of Fame honors players who have made significant contributions to the sport of football, adding to the history and legacy of the NFL.

Leading the list of first-year eligible players are linebacker Luke Kuechly, quarterback Eli Manning, linebackers Terrell Suggs, safety Earl Thomas, kicker Adam Vinatieri, and guard Marshal Yanda. Each of these players last graced the football field during the 2019 season. The Hall of Fame also acknowledged Richmond Webb, a former offensive lineman who retired in 2002, reaching the semifinalist stage for the first time this year.

«These players have shown remarkable skill and determination throughout their careers,» said a representative of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. «The selection process is stringent and recognizes only those who have made a substantial impact in their professional careers.»

This announcement came live on the NFL Network‘s «Good Morning Football,» where the list was narrowed down from an initial group of 167 nominees. The subsequent phase will see these players reduced to 15 finalists in the Modern-Era Players category, to be announced later this year. Furthermore, voting is currently underway for the Seniors, Coach, and Contributor categories, with their finalists expected to be revealed in December.

Ensuring transparency and accuracy in the selection process, Ernst & Young LLP has been tasked with overseeing the online voting procedures. Utilizing their Agreed-Upon Procedures, EY is responsible for validating the completeness and correctness of the ballot process, adhering to bylaws established by the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors.

The final decision on who is inducted comes during the annual meeting of the Selection Committee, held prior to the Super Bowl, in this case, Super Bowl LIX. The Hall of Fame mandates the addition of four to eight new members each year. The official announcement of the honorees will take place at «NFL Honors» in New Orleans, Louisiana, in February, with the enshrinement ceremony set for August in Canton, Ohio.