Eli Manning, Marshawn Lynch advance in Hall of Fame selection process

Two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning is among eight first-year eligible modern-era players to advance to the next round of selection for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Running back Marshawn Lynch, offensive linemen Joe Staley and Marshal Yanda, linebackers Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs, safety Earl Thomas and kicker Adam Vinatieri are the other first-year eligible players still in contention for next year’s enshrinement.
Among the 2024 Hall of Fame finalists remaining in contention for 2025 enshrinement are running back Fred Taylor, wide receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne, tight end Antonio Gates, offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans, defensive lineman Jared Allen and defensive backs Eric Allen, Rodney Harrison and Darren Woodson.
In total, there are 50 modern-era players still in contention for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Quarterbacks (2): Eli Manning, Steve McNair
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Running backs (6): Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber, Eddie George, Marshawn Lynch, Fred Taylor, Ricky Watters
Wide receivers (6): Anquan Boldin, Torry Holt, Jimmy Smith, Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne
Tight ends (2): Ben Coates, Antonio Gates
Offensive linemen (12): Willie Anderson (T), Lomas Brown (T), Ruben Brown (G), Jahri Evans (G), Olin Kreutz (C), Logan Mankins (G), Jeff Saturday (C), Joe Staley (T), Richmond Webb (T), Erik Williams (T), Steve Wisniewski (G), Marshal Yanda (G)
Defensive linemen (8): John Abraham (DE/LB), Jared Allen (DE), Robert Mathis (DE), Haloti Ngata (DT), Simeon Rice (DE), Neil Smith (DE), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT), Kevin Williams (DT)
Linebackers (5): Cornelius Bennett, London Fletcher, James Harrison, Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs
Defensive backs (6): Eric Allen (CB), Kam Chancellor (S), Rodney Harrison (S), Earl Thomas (S), Troy Vincent (CB), Darren Woodson (S)
Special teams (3): Gary Anderson (K), Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB), Adam Vinatieri (K)
Quarterbacks (3): Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Jim Plunkett
Running backs (5): Ottis Anderson, Roger Craig, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Paul “Tank” Younger
Wide receivers (5): Billy “White Shoes” Johnson, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Sterling Sharpe, Otis Taylor
Offensive linemen (7): Ox Emerson, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, George Kunz, Jim Tyrer, Al Wistert
Defensive linemen (2): Jim Marshall, Harvey Martin
Linebackers (5): Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Larry Grantham, Clay Matthews Jr., Tommy Nobis
Defensive backs (4): Lester Hayes, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Everson Walls
The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s full Selection Committee will review the list of 50 modern-era contenders and vote for 25 nominees to the semifinalist stage. The names of the 25 semifinalists will be announced in about four weeks.
The lists for the senior players, coaches and contributors will be narrowed down to nine semifinalists apiece, with the announcements of those respective semifinalists expected in around two to three weeks.
Eventually, 20 total finalists will be presented at the Selection Committee’s annual meeting next year in advance of Super Bowl 59: 15 Modern-Era Players, three Seniors, one Coach and one Contributor.
While there is no set number of enshrinees for a Pro Football Hall of Fame class, the Hall of Fame’s selection process bylaws stipulate that between four and eight new members will be selected.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be announced as part of the NFL Honors ceremony ahead of Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans.
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