The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 50 candidates for the Class of 2025 were announced on Oct. 23, marking the end of the first stage of the voting process.
There were at least two names listed at each position, and I will list which candidates should achieve football immortality, in my opinion.
Starting with quarterback, Eli Manning and Steve McNair are the two names here. McNair’s story is a sad one, of course, but he unfortunately didn’t sustain his dominance for long enough. Manning, meanwhile, won two Super Bowls against the greatest dynasty of all time, started 210 straight games from 2004-17 and ranks 10th all-time in passing yards. I’m not a Giants fan, but I’d vote Manning in for sure.
Among running backs like Shaun Alexander, Eddie George, Tiki Barber, Ricky Watters and Fred Taylor, Marshawn Lynch is the only name I’d put in. Lynch won a Super Bowl and was arguably the most dominant back in the league during a four-year stretch from 2011-14.
Torry Holt, Steve Smith Sr. and Reggie Wayne are the names I believe to be deserving of the Hall of Fame, amongst receivers, leaving Hines Ward, Anquan Boldin and Jimmy Smith out. Holt was crucial on the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf,” Smith often excelled with subpar quarterback play and Wayne was the perfect counterpart to Marvin Harrison on some superb Colts teams.
Out of the two tight ends listed, Antonio Gates should be voted in. Gates was a model of consistency, hitting the 500-yard mark 13 times and making four First-Team All-Pro squads. He also holds the touchdown receptions record for tight ends, with 116.
Among offensive linemen, Jahri Evans, Logan Mankins, Jeff Saturday, Joe Staley and Marshal Yanda all seem like they should be voted in at some point, if not in 2025. Robert Mathis, Jared Allen, John Abraham and Simeon Rice — all of whom have well over 100 sacks — are worthy of induction on the defensive line.
I’d like to see London Fletch
(second all-time in tackles), Terrell Suggs, James Harrison and Luke Keuchly make it for linebackers.
Eric Allen, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas Jr. (the latter two both of “Legion of Boom” fame), are all excellent choices regarding defensive backs.
Finally, Adam Vinatieri seems like the only clear-cut choice out of the special teamers (beating out Gary Anderson and Kevin Mitchell), given his knack for clutch kicks and holding the record for most points scored in history.
These are the players I’d vote for, as of right now. I’m sure my answer will vary over time!
