Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald are the standout names among the four modern era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Joining them are tight end Jason Witten and running back Frank Gore, both of whom were also announced as finalists on Tuesday.
Among the 15 finalists, Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, and Adam Vinatieri secured their spots by advancing to the final seven in the voting process for the 2025 class. Additionally, there are six returning finalists: Eli Manning, Reggie Wayne, Jahri Evans, Marshall Yanda, Terrell Suggs, and Darren Woodson. Notably, defensive tackle Kevin Williams reached the finalist stage for the first time in his sixth year of eligibility.
The 50-member selection committee will cast their votes on the 15 finalists next month, with the results set to be revealed on February 5 during the “NFL Honors” ceremony. Between three and five of these finalists will be inducted into the Hall of Fame under the current format.
In addition to the modern era finalists, the committee will consider senior candidates Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, and L.C. Greenwood, coaching candidate Bill Belichick, and contributor Robert Kraft. One to three of these candidates will also earn a spot in the Hall.
Last year, the Hall of Fame class was notably small, with only four inductees, marking the smallest group in two decades. Brees and Fitzgerald are viewed as the most prominent new candidates this year. Brees ranks second all-time in passing yards with 80,358 and touchdown passes with 571, only behind Tom Brady. He began his career with the San Diego Chargers before signing with the New Orleans Saints in 2006, where he became a transformative figure for the city as it recovered from Hurricane Katrina. Brees led the Saints to their first Super Bowl title following the 2009 season, earning MVP honors after defeating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.
Throughout his career, Brees was a 13-time Pro Bowler, received the AP Offensive Player of the Year award in both 2008 and 2011, was named an All-Pro in 2006, and achieved second-team All-Pro status four times.
Larry Fitzgerald spent his entire 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals, where he was selected third overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. His 1,432 receptions and 17,492 receiving yards place him second only to Jerry Rice in NFL history. Fitzgerald exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in nine seasons, tying for the fourth most in league history, and was instrumental in leading the Cardinals to their only Super Bowl appearance after the 2008 season. During that postseason, he set single-season records with 546 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches, including a crucial 64-yard score in the Super Bowl before the team ultimately lost to Pittsburgh.
Jason Witten is recognized as one of the NFL”s most prolific tight ends, accumulating 1,228 receptions and 13,046 yards, ranking second all-time. He was a two-time All-Pro for the Dallas Cowboys and earned second-team All-Pro honors two additional times. Meanwhile, Frank Gore stands third all-time in rushing yards with 16,000, having recorded nine seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards and earning five Pro Bowl selections.
Luke Kuechly had a brief but remarkable career, being a first-round draft pick for the Carolina Panthers in 2012. He was a five-time All-Pro and received seven Pro Bowl selections, along with being named Defensive Rookie of the Year. Over his eight seasons in the league, Kuechly led all linebackers in tackles, takeaways, interceptions, and passes defensed.
Adam Vinatieri is celebrated as one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, having made decisive field goals in the first two Super Bowl victories during New England”s dynasty. His legendary kick in the “Tuck Rule” game against the Oakland Raiders in 2001 helped the Patriots secure a comeback victory. Vinatieri”s career achievements include being the NFL”s all-time leader in points and made field goals, as well as holding the record for the most field goals and points scored in postseason play.
Torry Holt played a vital role in the St. Louis Rams during their “Greatest Show on Turf” era, contributing to their Super Bowl win in his rookie year in 1999 and another appearance two years later. He led the NFL in receiving yards in 2000 and in both receptions and yards in 2003, finishing his career with 920 catches, 13,382 yards, and 74 touchdowns.
Willie Anderson, regarded as one of the top right tackles during his time, was a first-round draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1996 and made three consecutive All-Pro teams from 2004 to 2006. Notably absent from the list of advancing candidates are quarterback Philip Rivers, who was removed from the ballot after coming out of retirement, and offensive lineman Steve Wisniewski, who was in his final year of eligibility. Also not advancing are running back Fred Taylor and receiver Steve Smith Sr., both of whom were finalists in the previous year.
