NEW DELHI: The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Modern Era Class of 2024 finalists have been announced, featuring notable names like defensive end Julius Peppers and tight end Antonio Gates. Peppers and Gates are first-year eligible players and are among the 15 finalists vying for induction.
Julius Peppers, a former nine-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first-team All-Pro, concluded his illustrious 17-year career with 159.5 sacks, ranking him fifth all-time and the highest among players not yet in the Hall of Fame. Drafted second overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2002, Peppers was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in his debut season, showcasing his immediate impact on the field.
Antonio Gates, who went undrafted and didn't play college football, enjoyed a remarkable 16-year career entirely with the Chargers (14 years in San Diego and the final two in Los Angeles). A basketball standout in college, Gates transitioned to football and became a dominant force at tight end. He made eight Pro Bowls, was a three-time first-team All-Pro, and finished his career with 116 touchdowns, the most ever by a tight end.
Other first-time finalists include cornerback Eric Allen (18th year of eligibility), safety Rodney Harrison (11th year), running back Fred Taylor (ninth), and offensive lineman Jahri Evans (second).
Returning finalists include punt/kick return specialist Devin Hester, wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt, among others. The selection committee will elect the Modern Era Class of 2024 in the week leading up to Super Bowl LVIII, with the official announcement on February 8. Up to five members can be elected, requiring a minimum of 80 percent of the votes for possible induction.
Modern Era Class of 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalists
(Name, position, years, teams)
Eric Allen, cornerback -- 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders
Jared Allen, defensive end -- 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
Willie Anderson, offensive tackle -- 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
Jahri Evans, guard -- 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers
Dwight Freeney, defensive end/outside linebacker -- 2002-2012 Indianapolis Colts, 2013-14 San Diego Chargers, 2015 Arizona Cardinals, 2016 Atlanta Falcons, 2017 Seattle Seahawks, 2017 Detroit Lions
Antonio Gates, tight end -- 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
Rodney Harrison, safety -- 1994-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-08 New England Patriots
Devin Hester, punt returner/kick returner/wide receiver -- 2006-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-15 Atlanta Falcons, 2016 Baltimore Ravens
Torry Holt, wide receiver -- 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
Andre Johnson, wide receiver -- 2003-2014 Houston Texans, 2015 Indianapolis Colts, 2016 Tennessee Titans
Julius Peppers, defensive end -- 2002-09, 2017-18 Carolina Panthers, 2010-13 Chicago Bears, 2014-16 Green Bay Packers
Fred Taylor, running back -- 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots
Reggie Wayne, wide receiver -- 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
Patrick Willis, linebacker -- 2007-2014 San Francisco 49ers
Darren Woodson, safety -- 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys
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