For the next couple of months, when we are not pouring over Super Bowl predictions and anxiously awaiting the next playoff matchup, we shall discuss who will make the latest enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
And whilst we still have quite a while until the newest members are announced during the NFL Honors, a week prior to the Super Bowl, we are now one step closer to knowing who the latest honor-ees will be, per the Hall’s Twitter page.
15 from the Modern Era, three Seniors and one Coach/Contributor.
THESE are the Finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024, which will be announced on February 8 during NFL Honors.
Full Story: https://t.co/UyjZ0a1Ag7 pic.twitter.com/Nd7UHTh7st
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 28, 2023
Who Are The Notable 2024 Hall Of Fame Finalists?
Most notably – and indeed, initially, is long time Carolina Panthers pass rusher, Julius Peppers, who amassed an unbelievable 17 seasons in the National Football League, attaining 159.5 sacks, good for 4th most all time. Peppers, only now somehow on his first year of eligibility, seems like a lock to enter Canton in a year that does not boast truly bonafide household names.
Another seemingly likely very-near Cantoner is Antonio Gates, who played only 16 seasons in the NFL, all of whom were for the LA Chargers. Gates ranks third all time in receptions and receiving yards for a tight end, bettered only by contemporaries Jason Witten and Tony Gonzalez – and perhaps soon, Travis Kelce. Nevertheless, it seems like Gates’ time will assuredly sooner rather than later for one of the very best to ever play the position.
And the rest: Well, there are receivers Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson – the latter of whom is probably soonest bound for Ohio, although they should all be enshrined one day in the not too distant future, in all likelihood. Patrick Willis, the All-World San Francisco 49ers linebacker also merits strong consideration in his second year of eligibility, and now as a second year finalist – for his short but incredibly sweet career.
Dwight Freeney and Jared Allen make up the other edge rusher spots, alongside unique punt returner, Devin Hester, tailback Fred Taylor and other players that I won’t go into now, but that I do recommend checking out at your leisure.