Pro Football Hall of Fame 2025 class introduced at NFL Honors in New Orleans

Story by

Story by
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2025 class introduced at NFL Honors in New Orleans

Chris Beaven, Canton Repository · The Repository

Thu, Feb 6, 2025 ·

15 min read

About Our Ads

Tonight in New Orleans — the site of Super Bowl 59 — we learned who made the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.

Antonio Gates , a Kent State basketball legend before becoming a record-setting NFL tight end, made the cut as a finalist after being the most conspicuous snub for the 2024 class .

Also back as finalists from the modern era were two receivers (Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne ) in their sixth year of reaching this stage of the vote., while quarterback Eli Manning was among the six first-year eligible finalists. None of them made the cut this year , nor did Canton Bulldogs owner Ralph Hay , who played a key role a century ago in the formation of what became the NFL. Hay was among the five finalists from three other categories under consideration for this year's class.

Read on to see who joined Gates in being inducted this year.

Hall of Fame inductees for 2025 class announced

Eric Allen , Cornerback – 1988-94 Philadelphia Eagles , 1995-97 New Orleans Saints , 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders
Jared Allen , Defensive End – 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs , 2008-13 Minnesota Vikings , 2014-15 Chicago Bears , 2015 Carolina Panthers
Antonio Gates , Tight End – 2003-18 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
Sterling Sharpe, Wide Receiver – 1988-94 Green Bay Packers

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 (from left) Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates, and Sterling Sharpe pose for a photo during a press conference, Feb. 6, 2025, at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans.

Hall of Fame's smallest class in 2 decades coming to Canton in 2025

The class of four is the smallest since 2005. This is the 19th time in the Hall of Fame's history a class has been composed of three or four enshrinees since the first four-person class was chosen in 1970.

Pro Football Hall of Fame snubs: Who didn't make the cut to come to Canton in 2025 Class

Brothers in Hall of Fame: Sterling Sharpe induction an historic one

Sterling Sharpe and Shannon Sharpe become the first brothers elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There are three father-son tandems enshrined: Tim and Wellington Mara, Art Sr. and Dan Rooney, and Ed and Steve Sabol.

Hall of Famers delivered news to Class of 2025 inductees

Eric Allen and Jared Allen learned of their election when another Hall of Famer knocked on the door of their homes. Gates and Sharpe found out by showing up at a site where a Hall of Famer was waiting to deliver the news. Those four encounters can be seen Saturday, Feb. 8, when NFL Network debuts a 30-minute special "The Hall of Fame Knocks: Class of 2025" at 10 p.m. ET.

The Hall of Famers who delivered the news to the new class members were:

Randall McDaniel, a college teammate of Eric Allen's
Steve Hutchinson, a pro teammate of Jared Allen's
LaDainian Tomlinson, a pro teammate of Antonio Gates'
Shannon Sharpe, brother of Sterling Sharpe

When is the Hall of Fame announcement?

The Class of 2025 will be announced Thursday during NFL Honors , which airs live at 9 p.m. on Fox and NFL Network. It's available on streaming on NFL+ .

Hall of Fame finalists from NFL's modern era

Eric Allen, Cornerback – 1988-94 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders
Jared Allen, Defensive End – 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-13 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
Willie Anderson, Tackle – 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals , 2008 Baltimore Ravens
Jahri Evans , Guard – 2006-16 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers
Antonio Gates, Tight End – 2003-18 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
Torry Holt, Wide Receiver – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
Luke Kuechly , Linebacker – 2012-19 Carolina Panthers
Eli Manning, Quarterback – 2004-19 New York Giants
Steve Smith Sr ., Wide Receiver – 2001-13 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens
Terrell Suggs , Outside Linebacker/Defensive End – 2003-18 Baltimore Ravens, 2019 Arizona Cardinals , 2019 Kansas City Chiefs
Fred Taylor, Running Back – 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-10 New England Patriots
Adam Vinatieri , Kicker – 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-19 Indianapolis Colts
Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver – 2001-14 Indianapolis Colts
Darren Woodson, Safety – 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys
Marshal Yanda , Guard/Tackle – 2007-19 Baltimore Ravens
Note: To be eligible for election, modern-era players must last have played more than five seasons ago.

Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists - coach, contributor, seniors categories

Maxie Baughan, Linebacker – 1960-65 Philadelphia Eagles, 1966-70 Los Angeles Rams , 1974 Washington
Ralph Hay, Contributor – 1918-1922 Canton Bulldogs owner
Mike Holmgren, Coach – 1992-98 Green Bay Packers, 1999-2008 Seattle Seahawks
Sterling Sharpe, Wide Receiver – 1988-94 Green Bay Packers
Jim Tyrer, Tackle – 1961-73 Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs, 1974 Washington

Hall of Fame prediction of the 2025 class

Our Steve Doerschuk broke down both who he'd select for this class and who he ultimately thinks the selectors voted into the Class of 2025. Click here to read his prediction on the class .

For another opinion on the class, here's who NFL.com writer Adam Rank predicts will be the modern-era inductees .

How the Hall of Fame class is selected?

The Hall's Selection Committee may elect up to five modern-era players for the Class of 2025. Each must receive a minimum positive vote of 80% for election. For the finalists in each of the other categories — seniors, coaches and contributors — voting is done separately as its own group distinct from the modern-era players. A minimum of one person and a maximum of three from these combined categories may be elected under the Hall's bylaws.

NFL highlights of 2025 modern-era Hall of Fame finalists

Eric Allen Hall of Fame credentials

Intercepted at least three passes in his first seven seasons and 10 times in 14-year career. Led NFL with four pick-sixes in 1993, as he had eight interception returns for touchdowns in his career. Led or shared the lead for his team in interceptions seven times (four with Eagles, three with Raiders). Earned spot on the 1988 PFWA All-Rookie Team as the former second-round pick intercepted five passes before making eight interceptions the next year to earn first-team All-Pro and the first of six Pro Bowl selections. Named to Philadelphia Eagles' 75th Anniversary Team in 2007.

Eagles cornerback Eric Allen returns an interception 29 yards for a touchdown against Washington, Sept. 19, 1993 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. The Eagles won 34-31. — Eagles cornerback Eric Allen returns an interception 29 yards for a touchdown against Washington, Sept. 19, 1993, at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. The Eagles won 34-31.

Jared Allen Hall of Fame credentials

Led the NFL in sacks twice (2007, 2011), selected as 2007 Kansas City Chiefs Team MVP and earned NFL Alumni Player of the Year honors in 2009. Tied NFL record for career safeties, with four, while totaling six interceptions, 58 passes defensed and 136 sacks. Named to five Pro Bowl and was first-team All-Pro four times (2007-09, 2011). Started 181 of his 187 career games during 12-year NFL career. Started in Super Bowl 50 for Carolina.

Defensive end Jared Allen made the Pro Bowl five times in his 12 NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers.Usp Nfl Green Bay Packers At Minnesota Vikings S Fbn Usa Mn — Defensive end Jared Allen made the Pro Bowl five times in his 12 NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers. Usp Nfl Green Bay Packers At Minnesota Vikings S Fbn Usa Mn

Willie Anderson Hall of Fame credentials

Made an immediate impact as a rookie for the Bengals, earning PFWA All-Rookie honors in 1996, as he established reputation as a strong run blocker and resilient pass blocker over a 13-year career. Blocked for nine 1,000-yard rushers and helped Corey Dillon set two NFL rushing records: rookie-record 246 yards in a game and later an all-time record 278 yards in a game. Played in 195 games, starting 184, and was voted to four straight Pro Bowls (2004-07). Selected first-team All-Pro from 2004-06 and second-team All-Pro in 2003. Received the Ed Block Courage Award in 2004.

CINCINNATI - SEPTEMBER 29: Tackle Willie Anderson #71 of the Cincinnati Bengals waits for the snap during the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 29, 2002 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Buccaneers won 35-7. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)

Jahri Evans Hall of Fame credentials

Stepped into Saints lineup immediately after being a fourth-round pick out of an NCAA Division II school (Bloomsburg, Pa.), helping them win NFC South Division title and earning a spot on PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2006. Helped Saints lead NFL in passing yards six times and total offense six times during his 11 seasons in New Orleans. Selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls (2009-2014) and was a four-time AP first-team All-Pro (2009-2012). Won Super Bowl XLIV with the Saints. Named to the Saints' 50th Anniversary Team in 2016 and the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2010s, as he started all 183 regular-season games he played in his 12-year career.

Feb 1, 2010; Davie, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints guard Jahri Evans (73) at press conference for Super Bowl XLIV at the Miami Dolphins training facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Antonio Gates Hall of Fame credentials

Owns NFL records for a tight end with his 116 career receiving TDs and 21 career multi-TD games after entering league as an undrafted free agent who starred in basketball at Kent State (a leader on program's only Elite Eight team in 2001-02). His eight seasons of eight or more receiving TDs, is another record for a tight end. He is the Chargers' all-time leader, regardless of position, in catches (955) receiving yards (11,841) and TD catches. Scored 39 of his TDs on third down, which is tied for third most all-time. Elected to eight straight Pro Bowls (2004-2011), was first-team All-Pro three times (2004-06), second-team twice (2009-10), and is a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s.

Torry Holt Hall of Fame credentials

Helped 1999 Rams win Super Bowl XXXIV, as he made seven catches for 109 yards and a TD in a 23-16 victory over Tennessee . Recorded eight consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons (2000-07) after gaining 788 yards as a rookie. Totaled a career-best 117 catches for 1,696 yards and 12 TDs in 2003, leading NFL in both catches and receiving yards, and one of his eight seasons with at least 80 catches. Retired with 920 receptions for 13,382 yards and 74 TDs, and was voted to seven Pro Bowls and named to NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s.

MINNEAPOLIS - DECEMBER 11: Wide receiver Torry Holt #81 of the St. Louis Rams carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings on December 11, 2005 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Rams 27-13. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Luke Kuechly Hall of Fame credentials

Led NFL in tackles twice, including rookie season in 2012 when his 202 tackles set a team record and helped him earn Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. He was the overall AP Defensive Player of the Year the next season. Set NFL record with 26 tackles in a late December game in 2013 against New Orleans. Surpassed 100 tackles in all eight of his NFL seasons and also made 18 career interceptions. Named to NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2010s and Won Butkus Award as NFL's top linebacker three times (2014, 2015, 2017).

Nov 26, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) along the sidelines during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Panthers defeated the Eagles 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Eli Manning Hall of Fame credentials

Led Giants to two Super Bowl wins (XLII and XLVI), both over the Patriots, including the 2007 New England team that was trying to complete a 19-0 season. Named Super Bowl MVP in each game, making him one of only six players to earn multiple Super Bowl MVP awards. Played entire 16-season career with Giants, who acquired him soon after the Chargers drafted him No. 1 overall in 2004, and was selected to four Pro Bowls. Shared 2016 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year recognition with Larry Fitzgerald . Led the NFC in TD passes in 2005 (24) and 2015 (35). Retired with 22 Giants regular-season records and nine team playoff records, as he played in 236 regular-season games (starting 210 straight at one point), and threw for 57,023 yards and 366 TDs.

Steve Smith Sr. Hall of Fame credentials

Gained more than 14,000 receiving yards and 4,000 return yards during his career. Earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors as a kick returner his rookie season (2001) when he was the only NFL player to return both a punt and kickoff for a TD. Selected All-Pro as a wide receiver in 2005 and 2009, and named to five Pro Bowls. Led NFL in catches (103), receiving yards (1,563) and TDs (12) in 2005 when he was the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year, and led league in receiving yards per game (101.5) in 2008. Scored on a 39-yard TD catch for Carolina in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Oct 20, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Terrell Suggs Hall of Fame credentials

Won 2003 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and won AP Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2011. Totaled 14 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles and 23 quarterback hits in 2011. Helped Ravens win Super Bowl LVII after returning from Achilles tendon tear in 2012 offseason to play eight games plus playoffs. Named AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2013 after 10-sack season, one of his seven double-digit sack seasons. Ranks 12th, unofficially, with 139 career sacks, and Pro Football Reference has him with an NFL record 202 tackles for loss.

Nov 24, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) reacts after recovering a fumble during the game against the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports — Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) reacts after recovering a fumble against the New York Jets on Nov. 24, 2013, in Baltimore.

Fred Taylor Hall of Fame credentials

Made immediate impact after being No. 9 overall pick in the 1998 draft, starting 12 games as a rookie and totaling 1,223 yards rushing on 264 carries and scoring 17 total touchdowns (which remains franchise's single-season record). Totaled seven 1,000-yards rushing seasons, including a career-best 1,572 yards in 2003. Retired with 2,534 carries for 11,695 yards and 66 TDs while catching 290 passes for 2,384 yards and eight TDs.

Aug 23, 2008; Tampa, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor (28) runs with the ball during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Vinatieri Hall of Fame credentials

Holds NFL record for career points (2,673), consecutive field goals made (44), career field goals (599) and most seasons with 100-plus points (21). Set career points record for both the Patriots and Colts, winning four Super Bowls. Selected to the NFL 100 All-Time Team and NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s after beginning career as undrafted free agent in 1996 with Patriots. Provided margin of victory in two of New England's three Super Bowl wins during his tenure with last-second field goals against St. Louis (20-17 in Super Bowl XXXVI) and Carolina (32-29 in Super Bowl XXXVIII).

New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri celebrates his game-winning field goal in a 20-17 win over the St. Louis Rams Feb. 3, 2002 in New Orleans.

Reggie Wayne Hall of Fame credentials

Helped Colts reach postseason in 12 of his 14 seasons, started in four AFC title games and started in two Super Bowls, scoring a touchdown in a Super Bowl XLI win. Caught 100 passes in a season four times and recorded 1,000 receiving yards eight times, leading NFL with career-high 1,510 receiving yards in 2007. Set franchise record with 15 catches against Jacksonville in 2010, one of 43 career 100-yard receiving games. Retired with 1,070 catches for 14,345 yards and 82 TDs, and was NFL's second all-time leading receiver in postseason (93 catches) at that point. Voted to six Pro Bowls in a seven-year span.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne runs in a touchdown in the first quarter of Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears at Dolphins Stadium, Feb. 4, 2007, in Miami. (Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY Sports)

Darren Woodson Hall of Fame credentials

Starred on three Super Bowl-winning teams for the Cowboys (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX), including appearing in all 19 games for Dallas when he earned spot on 1992 PFWA All-Rookie Team. Retired as the Cowboys' all-time leader in tackles with 1,350, according to team stats. Selected first-team All-Pro four seasons (1994-96, 1998) and voted into five Pro Bowls.

7 Sep 1997: Defensive back Darren Woodson of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The Cardinals won the game, 25-22. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport — Dallas Cowboys safety Darren Woodson celebrates during a game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 7, 1997, in Tempe, Arizona.

Marshal Yanda Hall of Fame credentials

Selected to eight Pro Bowls and is a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2010s. Earned Associated Press All-Pro two consecutive seasons (2014-15) and was second-time All-Pro five times. Played all 71 offensive snaps and seven snaps on special teams in the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII win.

Nov 4, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (73) during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Baltimore won 25-15. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

NFL highlights of 2025 senior, coach, contributor Hall of Fame finalists

Maxie Baughan Hall of Fame credentials

A nine-time Pro-Bowler who won an NFL championship with the Eagles, where he starred from 1960-65 before joining the Rams (1966-1970).

Former Eagles linebacker Maxie Baughan is inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in Philadelphia in 2015.

Ralph Hay Hall of Fame credentials

Credited with organizing owners of professional football teams in in Canton in 1920 and forming an association that two years later was renamed the National Football League. His supporters have said that among all major professional sports only football has yet to enshrine into its Hall of Fame the person (or persons) credited with founding its dominant league(s). Owned the Canton Bulldogs from 1918-1922, winning the 1922 league title in the newly named NFL , in addition to being an automobile dealer (it was in his showroom the initial league organizational meeting took place).

Mike Holmgren Hall of Fame credentials

Guided the Packers to the playoffs six times in seven seasons as head coach from 1992-98 and twice reached the Super Bowl in that run. His Packers won Super Bowl XXXI, ending the franchise's 29-year title drought. Also coached the Seattle Seahawks from 1999-2008, reaching Super Bowl XL with them. Compiled an overall record of 174-122 as a head coach. Won two Super Bowl rings as an assistant with the San Francisco 49ers .

Sterling Sharpe Hall of Fame credentials

Selected to five Pro Bowls and named first-team All-Pro three times during a seven-year career (1988-94) with the Packers that was cut short by a neck injury. Caught 18 TD passes in his final season, which is still the third-highest total in league history. Finished with 595 career receptions for 8,134 yards and 65 TDs.

Jim Tyrer Hall of Fame credentials

Selected as a member of the AFL's All-Decade Team of the 1960s and played in nine AFL All-Star Games. Won a ring as a member of the Super Bowl IV champion Chiefs and was part of three AFL championship teams with the Texans/Chiefs.

Chiefs offensive tackle Jim Tyrer (77) blocks for quarterback Len Dawson against the Denver Broncos at Municipal Stadium, Dec. 19, 1965, in Kansas City.

2025 Hall of Fame finalists by the numbers

Number of times a finalist

Player	Times	Years
Eric Allen	2	2024-25
Jared Allen	5	2021-25
Willie Anderson	4	2022-25
Jahri Evans	2	2024-25
Antonio Gates	2	2024-25
Torry Holt	6	2020-25
Luke Kuechly	1	2025
Eli Manning	1	2025
Steve Smith Sr.	1	2025
Terrell Suggs	1	2025
Fred Taylor	2	2024-25
Adam Vinatieri	1	2025
Reggie Wayne	6	2020-25
Darren Woodson	3	2023-25
Marshal Yanda	1	2025

Provided by the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Years of eligibility

Year of Eligibility	Finalist
1st	Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, Terrell Suggs, Adam Vinatieri, Marshal Yanda
2nd	Antonio Gates
3rd	Jahri Evans
4th	Steve Smith Sr.
5th	Jared Allen
6th	Reggie Wayne
10th	Fred Taylor
11th	Torry Holt
12th	Willie Anderson
17th	Darren Woodson
19th	Eric Allen

Provided by the Pro Football Hall of Fame

When is the 2025 Hall of Fame Enshrinement

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 will be enshrined this summer in Canton, with Aug. 2 being the anticipated date of the Enshrinement, according to the Hall.

Editor's note : This story has been corrected. Eli Manning was drafted No. 1 overall by the Chargers and then traded to the Giants.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Football Hall of Fame 2025 class announced, here's who got inducted

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: