The Pro Football Hall of Fame revealed Saturday the 15 modern-era finalists that will be considered for enshrinement.
Nine finalists from 2024 and five first-time eligible players were named, including former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.
Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs, Marshal Yanda and Adam Vinatieri round out the other first-time eligible finalists.
One player in his fourth year of eligibility, Steve Smith Sr., has reached the final round of voting for the first time.
The selection committee can pick up to five modern-era players for enshrinement, each receiving at least 80 percent of the vote, as well as a maximum of three from the Seniors, Coach and Contributor categories combined.
Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer are the Senior finalists, in addition to Mike Holmgren (Coach) and Ralph Hay (Contributor).
This year’s class will be sure to draw a significant amount of attention, especially surrounding the fate of Manning.
The two-time Super Bowl champion and MVP is probably the most controversial pick among the finalists, with his fair share of supporters and detractors.
With both Lombardi Trophies being earned against Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the mighty New England Patriots, Manning’s legacy on the sport is undoubtedly as one of the greatest underdogs in league history.
That being said, his 244 career interceptions and 118-118 record over 16 seasons in New York left a stain on his resume and leaves several questions surrounding his deserved immortality.
Having made it to the finalist stage in his first year eligible is a strong indication of how the selectors view his overall body of work.
But now the hard decisions come with so many other deserving legends of the game who still have not made it to Canton, Ohio.
