The 2025 class, determined by votes from a 50-member selection committee, is set to be announced Feb. 6 during Super Bowl festivities in New Orleans at “NFL Honors.” The committee may elect up to five modern-era players for the Class of 2025 with each requiring a minimum positive vote of 80 percent for election.
Willie Anderson, a member of the state of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and inducted into the @Bengals’ Ring of Honor in 2022, is now a Finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. #PFHOF25 pic.twitter.com/DiLoZEC4q2
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 28, 2024
A four-time Pro Bowl pick and a first team Associated Press All-Pro selection during the 2004 through 2006 seasons, Anderson was inducted into the Bengals Ring of Honor in 2022. After the Bengals selected him in the first round of the 1996 draft, Anderson played 12 of his 13 NFL seasons in Cincinnati, blocking for franchise all-time rusher Corey Dillon and captaining the organization’s first AFC North championship squad in 2005. He finished his career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008 before retiring.
Other finalists in the mix include cornerback Eric Allen, offensive guard Jahri Evans, tight end Antonio Gates, linebacker Luke Kuechly, quarterback Eli Manning, wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., outside linebacker/defensive end Terrell Suggs, running back Fred Taylor, kicker Adam Vinatieri, safety Darren Woodson and offensive lineman Marshal Yanda.
Also on the final ballot are senior nominees Sterling Sharpe, Jim Tyrer, and Maxie Baughan, as well as coach nominee Mike Holmgren, and contributor nominee Ralph Hay.
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