By Wes Long | Published | No Comments
Finalists for the NFL’s upcoming 2024 Hall of Fame class were announced today. A total of fifteen players made the cut, but only as many as five will actually receive enough votes to be enshrined next August.
The fifteen finalists are Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Dwight Freeney, Antonio Gates, Rodney Harrison, Devin Hester, Torry Holt, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers, Fred Taylor, Reggie Wayne, Patrick Willis, and Darren Woodson.
Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates should be locks to get in on their first year of eligibility.
Peppers was a three time all pro linebacker, who started his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers in 2002. He played for three different teams (Chicago and Green Bay), but spent most if his playing career with the Panthers. He was voted onto the 2000’s and 2010’s all pro teams. His 152.5 career sacks ranks fourth all time in NFL history and that alone will get him.
Antonio Gates is another three time all-pro, that holds the record for most touchdowns by a tight end, with 116, in NFL history. Gates played his entire 16-year career with the San Diego Chargers, and retired before the team moved to Los Angeles.
Two stand out wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt should get in and of course Devin Hester should already be in, but faces a slightly more uphill candidacy because he was viewed primarily as a kick return/special teams specialist during his tenure in the league.
The selection committee meets on January 10th in Atlanta. To be enshrined, a player must be on at least 80% of the ballots submitted by the committee. The 2024 Hall of Fame class will be announced Super Bowl week, on Thursday February 8th, during the annual NFL Honors show, in Las Vegas, Nevada
