Tag: Pro Football Hall of Fame

Why these Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists should be inducted in 2024

Why these Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists should be inducted in 2024:

It’s a busy week for the NFL. Not only will the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers battle it out in Super Bowl 58, but the Pro Football Hall of Fame will welcome a new class to Canton.

The Hall of Fame Class of 2024 will be announced during “NFL Honors,” which airs Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on CBS and NFL Network.

There are currently 15 modern-era finalists, three senior finalists and one coaching/contributor finalist up for the Hall of Fame, including two first-year eligible players — tight end Antonio Gates and defensive end Julius Peppers.

Our NFL Wire editors stated their case for each finalist to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Why these Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists should be inducted in 2024

Our NFL Wire editors stated their case for each finalist to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

It’s a busy week for the NFL. Not only will the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers battle it out in Super Bowl 58, but the Pro Football Hall of Fame will welcome a new class to Canton.

The Hall of Fame Class of 2024 will be announced during “NFL Honors,” which airs Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on CBS and NFL Network.

There are currently 15 modern-era finalists, three senior finalists and one coaching/contributor finalist up for the Hall of Fame, including two first-year eligible players — tight end Antonio Gates and defensive end Julius Peppers.

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Our NFL Wire editors stated their case for each finalist to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Howie Long loves Dan Quinn hire for the Commanders

The Pro Football Hall of Famer also has some praise for the new ownership group.

Howie Long is a big fan of new Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn.

In an appearance on “Up & Adams” with Kay Adams, Long praised Quinn and believes he is a good fit for Washington.

“I think Dan is a great coordinator; he’s been a great coordinator,” Long said. “I love Dan. I love his energy; I love his system.”

Then Long went on to discuss the end of Quinn’s three years in Dallas.

“I think they had some holes in the system at the end in Dallas,’ he said. “I think maybe Dallas ran its course. You’re starting to hear kind of, there’s people who have podcasts; Jerry (Jones) had a press conference and players are voicing their displeasure. Family members have accounts online, and it’s all things……if I were running a football team, and my frame of reference was our football team, the Raider philosophy under Al Davis was you build a wall around the building, and it’s us against them.”

Long was referencing how some family members of Dallas players criticized quarterback Dak Prescott after the season and believed the Cowboys’ failures late in the season had nothing to do with Quinn and that he was ready to move on for his second chance at being a head coach.

“I think this is a great opportunity for Dan Quinn,” Long said. “It’s a new owner. I had dinner with someone from the organization last night, and they’re going to be a really well-run organization in contrast to what they’ve been over the last 8, 9, 10 years under Dan Snyder.”

The Pro Football Hall of Famer is also a prominent member of the media, having been with the FOX Sports studio show since its inception in 1994, so that praise for the new ownership group means something.

 

Commanders LT Charles Leno Jr. named finalist for prestigious Alan Page Community Award

Charles Leno named a finalist for prestigious community award.

Charles Leno Jr. finished his 10th NFL season earlier this month and his third season with the Washington Commanders. In 10 NFL seasons, Leno has played 149 games with 141 starts. He’s also made the Pro Bowl, too.

Not bad for a former seventh-round pick.

But for as good as Leno has been on the field throughout his NFL career, he’s even more impressive off the field. In 2022, Leno was named the Commanders’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award nominee for his outstanding work in the community.

Leno and his wife Jennifer have participated in numerous off-field activities in the DMV community, and in 2020, created “Leno Claus,” which gives back to families in need during the first 20 days of December.

Leno is also a four-time Community MVP and two-time NFLPA Community MVP.

On Wednesday, the NFLPA announced the five finalists for the 2024 NFLPA Alan Page Community Award. The award is named after Pro Football Hall of Famer Alan Page, who enjoyed a 15-year NFL career that saw him win numerous awards, including NFL MVP, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team and much, much more.

But Page saved his most impressive work for after his playing career when he became a Minnesota Supreme Court judge. Page received a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018.

From the NFLPA:

The Alan Page Community (APC) Award is the highest honor that the NFLPA can bestow upon a player. The award annually recognizes one union member who goes above and beyond to perform community service in his team city and/or hometown. As an award for the players and by the players, the winner will be determined next week through a league-wide digital vote by their NFL peers.

Leno was one of five finalists, joining Damar Hamlin (Buffalo), Calais Campbell (Atlanta), Harrison Phillips (Minnesota) and Frank Ragnow (Detroit) as the finalists.

All five finalists receive a $10,000 donation from the NFLPA toward their foundation or charity of choice.

Leno also secured the distinction of Week 17 NFLPA Community MVP and APC Award finalist for a second consecutive season after hosting his latest Leno Claus initiative. For 25 days during the month of December, Leno’s Beyond The Entertainer Foundation positively impacted more than 20 different non-profits and causes, including donating 720 winter blankets for Chicagoans in need; covering expenses for a family facing terminal illness to go on a retreat; purchasing 10 computers to help new mothers pursue their education; adopting 22 families in need while clearing their holiday wish lists, helping out with rent, assisting with daycare costs, buying groceries, and much more. Leno and his wife, Jennifer, began this season’s campaign by announcing the launch of Paitynn’s Friends, which honors the daughter that they unexpectedly lost to miscarriage in October and will support those who have lost a sibling by providing care packages.

The winner will be announced at the NFLPA’s annual press conference in Las Vegas on Feb. 7. The winner receives an additional $100K donation to the charity of his choice.

Good luck to Charles Leno Jr.

49ers historic feat immortalized in Pro Football Hall of Fame

The #49ers’ historic 2023 offense got an exhibit in the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

The 49ers in 2023 put together one of the most prolific offensive seasons in team history. They posted the second-most points in team history while quarterback Brock Purdy set a franchise record for passing yards in a single season.

A key reason San Francisco was so productive on that side of the ball was their slew of dynamic weapons at the skill positions. Running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk all put together terrific years that saw each player eclipse 1,000 scrimmage yards for the season.

What’s more impressive is they didn’t even need the 17th game to do it. That quartet each eclipsed 1,000 scrimmage yards by the time their Week 17 contest against the Washington Commanders ended – marking just the first time in NFL history a team had four players all clear 1,000 scrimmage yards in a season. A ball from that game, autographed by all four 49ers, was sent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton:

Kittle entered that game with 993 scrimmage yards. He posted 29 receiving yards in that game to surpass the 1,000-yard threshold and send the 49ers into the NFL record books, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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Bill Belichick makes strong Hall of Fame case for ST Matthew Slater

Bill Belichick made a strong case for an eventual Matthew Slater Hall of Fame induction.

An argument could be made that Matthew Slater is the greatest special teams player of all time. New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has coached a lot of great football players, and even he admits there’s been no one better than Slater at his special teams position.

When speaking with media members on Friday, Belichick laid out a strong Hall of Fame case for the 10-time Pro Bowl special-teamer.

“Well, I think Slater really is eventually going to be a Hall of Fame candidate, as a coverage player, not a specialist,” said Belichick. “It’s what he is. And he’s not a returner. So he’s in a very unique category, one I don’t think is represented in the Hall of Fame.

“But based on what he did during his career and the length of time he did it and at the level he’s done it at—but then again, since there’s no criteria for the Hall of Fame, there’s no criteria—but I would say this guy has been as productive as anybody has ever been at his position throughout his entire career, which is very lengthy. I think he’s the best that’s ever done what he’s done. Whether that’s Hall of Fame-worthy or not, that’s a different subject that I don’t have a say in. But I can’t imagine putting anybody in there ahead of him at that position.”

Slater’s career is impeccable and should be deemed Hall of Fame-worthy once he retires and is eligible. Every position on the field is vital to the overall team’s success.

Slater has led by example both on and off the field for well over a decade, and he deserves to be immortalized one day in Canton with the rest of the NFL’s all-time greats.

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Willie Anderson named Hall of Fame finalist for third straight time

Is this finally the year Willie Anderson gets in the Hall?

Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the third consecutive year.

With just one other offensive lineman making the finals this year (former All-Pro guard Jahri Evans), it feels like the third time will indeed be the charm for the Bengals great.

One of the best overall tackles of his era, Anderson is in his 11th year of eligibility for the Hall and only three players have been finalists more than him.

Anderson wrote the following on social media: “Thank you so much to all our fans who have kept my name alive these last 15 years of retirement. Also others who are not Bengals fans who have kept this push to the finals for me last 3 years! I am truly appreciative of you. Wouldn’t be at this point without you #Whodey!”

The selection committee will pick the 2024 class next month, with the announcement happening at the NFL Honors during the week of the Super Bowl.

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Jarrett Bailey’s 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class

While all 15 finalists undoubtedly have their respective arguments for earning their induction, these five would get my vote as to who will make up the class of 2024.

The 15 finalists for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class have been announced. Five of these modern-era candidates will be inducted into the Hall of Fame next August, and we will find out who they are on Feb. 8 during the “NFL Honors.”

While all 15 finalists undoubtedly have their respective arguments for earning their induction, these five would get my vote as to who will make up the class of 2024.

First, here are all 15 finalists.

  • Eric Allen, Cornerback – 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders
  • Jared Allen, Defensive End – 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
  • Willie Anderson, Offensive Tackle – 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
  • Jahri Evans, Guard – 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers
  • Dwight Freeney, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker – 2002-2012 Indianapolis Colts, 2013-14 San Diego Chargers, 2015 Arizona Cardinals, 2016 Atlanta Falcons, 2017 Seattle Seahawks, 2017 Detroit Lions
  • Antonio Gates, Tight End – 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
  • Rodney Harrison, Safety – 1994-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-08 New England Patriots
  • Devin Hester, Punt Returner/Kick Returner/Wide Receiver – 2006-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-15 Atlanta Falcons, 2016 Baltimore Ravens
  • Torry Holt, Wide Receiver – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver – 2003-2014 Houston Texans, 2015 Indianapolis Colts, 2016 Tennessee Titans
  • Julius Peppers, Defensive End – 2002-09, 2017-18 Carolina Panthers, 2010-13 Chicago Bears, 2014-16 Green Bay Packers
  • Fred Taylor, Running back – 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots
  • Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
  • Patrick Willis, Linebacker – 2007-2014 San Francisco 49ers
  • Darren Woodson, Safety – 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys

The Selection Committee may elect up to five Modern-Era Players for the Class of 2024; each must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent for election. Four others — Seniors category Finalists Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell, along with Coach/Contributor Finalist Buddy Parker — also are candidates for the Class of 2024. Voting on each of those four will be held individually, in conjunction with the meeting to decide which Modern-Era Players are elected.

The Finalists in the Modern-Era Player category were determined by a vote of the Hall’s Selection Committee from a list of 173 nominees named in September that was reduced to 25 Semifinalists on Nov. 28.

Two former Falcons named Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists

Two former Falcons players were listed among the 15 Pro Football Hall of Fame Modern-Era finalists

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 15 modern-era finalists for its 2024 class on Thursday and two former Atlanta Falcons players are still in the mix.

Wide receiver/return specialist Devin Hester, who played for the team from 2014-2015, and defensive end Dwight Freeney (2016 team) are among the 15 candidates with a chance to be inducted in 2024.

When can fans find out whether or not Hester and Freeney are in? According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website, the inductees will be unveiled on February 8:

The Class of 2024 will be unveiled publicly Feb. 8 during the “NFL Honors presented by Invisalign” broadcast from Las Vegas on CBS Television Network and NFL Network and streamed on Paramount+ and NFL+. The show airs at 9 p.m. ET.

Other notable finalists include Julius Peppers, Jared Allen, Torry Holt, Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne. See the full list below, per the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Twitter account.

Former Patriots safety Rodney Harrison named HOF finalist

Former Patriots S Rodney Harrison is one step closer to being immortalized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Former New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 on Wednesday.

Harrison began his career with the San Diego Chargers and played with the organization from 1994-2002. He came to New England as a free agent, signing a six-year deal in 2003. He was thought of highly immediately, being named a defensive captain before the start of the 2003 season.

Harrison would go on to become one of the most beloved defensive players in Patriots’ history. He would finish his New England career with 446 tackles and nine sacks in six seasons with the team. He was a key part of two New England Super Bowl wins, including clinching the game-winning interception in Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Patriots currently have 11 Pro football Hall of Famers.  Here’s to hoping Harrison is the 12th member.

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