Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists for '24: Antonio Gates, Julius Peppers highlight list

Fifteen modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 were announced Wednesday. 

The selection committee will meet Jan. 16-17 in Atlanta to whittle down the names and choose the Hall’s next class, which will be announced Feb. 8 during the "NFL Honors" ceremony. Up to five modern-era players can be elected, and each must receive a minimum positive vote of 80%.

Enshrinement is set for Aug. 1-4 in Canton, Ohio, in conjunction with the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, which marks the first preseason game of the year.

The finalists are: 

Eric Allen

Finished career with 54 interceptions, four of them returned for touchdowns in the 1993 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent half of his 14 years in the league. Also played for the New Orleans Saints and then-Oakland Raiders. Named All-Pro in 1989 and selected to six Pro Bowls.

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Jared Allen

Twice led the league in sacks (2007, 2011) and came one-half sack away from tying the single-season record of 22½ in ‘11 with the Minnesota Vikings. Started career with the Kansas City Chiefs and made first of four All-Pro lists in 2007 before enjoying his prime in Minnesota. Twelfth on all-time sack list with 136. 

Willie Anderson

Played all but one of his 13 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals as an offensive tackle, earning three consecutive All-Pro bids from 2004-06.

Jahri Evans

Spent 11 of his 12 seasons as a right guard with the New Orleans Saints, four times being named All-Pro (2009-2012). Won Super Bowl with Saints and was named to the Hall of Fame’s All-2010s team. 

Dwight Freeney

Member of Super Bowl-winning Indianapolis Colts team and finished career 18th on all-time sacks list (125½). Played for the Colts from 2002-2012 and retired after 2017 campaign. Three-time All-Pro who was named to the Hall of Fame’s All-2010s team. 

Antonio Gates

Ended 16-year career – all with the Chargers, from San Diego to the team’s move to Los Angeles – with most touchdowns for a tight end in NFL history (116). Three-time All-Pro and made eight straight Pro Bowls from 2004-11.  

Rodney Harrison

Two-time Super Bowl champ during the first iteration of the New England Patriots dynasty after starting career with Chargers. Hard-hitting safety made receivers think twice about crossing middle of the field, had 34 career interceptions and made two All-Pro teams.

Devin Hester

One of the greatest returners the game has ever seen – nobody has returned more punts for touchdowns (14). Also took five kickoffs to the house, none more memorable than his touchdown on the opening kickoff of Super Bowl 41 for the Chicago Bears.

Torry Holt

Rookie receiver for “The Greatest Show on Turf” St. Louis Rams who went on to have six straight 1,300-yard seasons, twice leading league (2000, 2003) and was All-Pro in 2003. Finished with 74 touchdowns and played all but one of 11 years with Rams.

Andre Johnson

Four 100-catch seasons. Seven 1,000-yard campaigns. Led the league in receiving yards in 2008 and 2009, his two All-Pro years. Had 70 touchdowns, all without above-average quarterback play his entire career. 

Julius Peppers

Named to both the All-2000s and All-2010s teams with three All-Pro nods. His 159½ career sacks is fourth all time. Began career with Carolina Panthers, where he won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002. Also had stints with the Bears and Green Bay Packers.

Fred Taylor

Lone running back on the list who played 11 of 13 seasons with Jacksonville Jaguars. From 1998-2007, he rushed for at least 1,100 yards in seasons in which he played 13 games or more. Had league’s highest average rushing yards per game in 2000 (107.6) and finished with 66 rushing touchdowns. 

Reggie Wayne

One of Peyton Manning’s favorite weapons in Indianapolis, he also was part of the Colts’ Super Bowl win. Led the league in receiving in 2007 with 1,510 and averaged 1,240 yards per season between 2004-2012. Played all 14 seasons with the Colts. 

Patrick Willis

A dominant middle linebacker who retired after eight seasons with the San Francisco 49ers but has the accomplishments of somebody who played for twice that duration: 2007 Rookie of the Year, five-time All-Pro, led league in tackles twice in first three seasons. Walked away at age 30 following foot injuries that held him to six games in 2014. 

Darren Woodson

Safety who won three Super Bowls as part of the Dallas Cowboys’ dynasty of the 1990s. Had three All-Pro campaigns (1994-96) and had 23 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles and 11 fumble recoveries.