The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced a star-studded group of 15 finalists for the Class of 2025, headlined by two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Eli Manning. In his first year of eligibility, the legendary New York Giants signal-caller aims to join his brother Peyton, who was enshrined in 2021, in Canton.
Manning is joined by several other first-time finalists who dominated on the defensive side of the ball – former NFL Defensive Players of the Year Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs. Kuechly, the ultra-productive linebacker for the Carolina Panthers, packed an All-Decade Team career into just eight seasons. Suggs terrorized quarterbacks for 17 years, primarily with the Baltimore Ravens, amassing 139 career sacks.
First-Time Finalists Joined by Returning Candidates
The list of finalists in their initial year of eligibility also includes prolific tight end Antonio Gates and clutch postseason kicker Adam Vinatieri. Gates, who didn’t even play college football, redefined the tight end position over his 16 seasons with the Chargers, catching 116 touchdown passes. Vinatieri made two of the most iconic kicks in NFL history, game-winners in the “Tuck Rule” game and Super Bowl XXXVI.
The Class of 2025 will also be chosen from an impressive group of nine players previously named finalists:
- DE Jared Allen
- WR Torry Holt
- WR Reggie Wayne
- OL Willie Anderson
- OL Jahri Evans
- DB Darren Woodson
- DB Eric Allen
- DB Rodney Harrison
- RB Fred Taylor
Other Nominees Under Consideration
Rounding out the finalists is receiver Steve Smith Sr., who cracked the top 15 for the first time in his fourth year of eligibility. Beyond just the modern era players, the following figures are also under consideration for enshrinement:
- Seniors category: Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe, Jim Tyrer
- Coaches category: Mike Holmgren
- Contributor: Ralph Hay
Manning’s Case for Canton
Eli Manning built a compelling Hall of Fame resume over his 16-year career with the Giants. While his regular season numbers (366 TD passes, 57,023 yards) don’t necessarily jump off the page, Manning’s candidacy is boosted significantly by his postseason heroics. He led underdog Giants teams to Super Bowl upsets over the New England Patriots in both 2007 and 2011, capturing game MVP honors each time.
You can’t write the history of the NFL without Eli Manning. Those two runs to beat the Patriots … it’s legendary stuff.
– Kurt Warner, Hall of Fame QB
If elected, Manning would become the 10th quarterback with multiple Super Bowl wins enshrined in Canton. The others on that list represent a who’s who of the position’s all-time greats:
| Tom Brady | Joe Montana | Terry Bradshaw |
| John Elway | Peyton Manning | Bob Griese |
| Roger Staubach | Bart Starr | Troy Aikman |
From the Ballot to Enshrinement
The Hall’s selection committee will meet in January 2025 to further whittle this list from 15 down to a maximum of five modern-era inductees. The Class of 2025 will then be announced live in the days leading up to Super Bowl LIX.
History suggests most, if not all, of the first-year eligible finalists will earn bronze busts in Canton. However, the returning finalists all present strong cases themselves and will look to avoid being overshadowed or leapfrogged by the rookie candidates.
No matter who ultimately makes up the Class of 2025, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is set to add a decorated, deserving group of football legends to its exclusive fraternity next August. For now, the debate and speculation begin as the finalists await their fate.
The Road to Canton Continues
The 15 modern-era finalists for the Hall’s Class of 2025 features an intriguing mix of dominant defenders, electrifying playmakers and postseason heroes. Leading the way, Eli Manning has a chance to solidify his legacy as an all-time great by following his brother from the family driveway to the hallowed halls of Canton.
