Eli Manning, the legendary two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, has made it to the next round of selection for the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Manning is joined by a group of elite first-year eligible modern-era players, including running back Marshawn Lynch, offensive linemen Joe Staley and Marshal Yanda, linebackers Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs, safety Earl Thomas, and kicker Adam Vinatieri. These players are still in contention for enshrinement next year.
The competition is fierce, as there are a total of 50 modern-era players who are still in the running for a spot in the Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Among them are some of the biggest names in football history.
In addition to Manning, the quarterbacks in contention include Steve McNair. The running backs up for consideration are Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber, Eddie George, Marshawn Lynch, Fred Taylor, and Ricky Watters. The wide receivers vying for a spot in the Hall of Fame include Anquan Boldin, Torry Holt, Jimmy Smith, Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, and Reggie Wayne.
Tight ends Ben Coates and Antonio Gates are also in the mix, as well as a group of talented defensive linemen. John Abraham, Jared Allen, Robert Mathis, Haloti Ngata, Simeon Rice, Neil Smith, Vince Wilfork, and Kevin Williams are all hoping to secure a spot in the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
The competition is tough, but these players have proven themselves on the field time and time again. Their contributions to the game of football have not gone unnoticed, and now they have a chance to cement their legacies in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Stay tuned as the selection process unfolds and the Class of 2025 is revealed.