The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 was announced Thursday evening in Las Vegas at the NFL Honors. The seven-man class includes some players who should have been in long ago. The announcement also included some major snubs.
Before we get into who will be inducted in Canton this coming summer, let’s look at the modern-era finalists and give them credit for what they did during their brilliant careers. Those who will not be inducted are sure to find themselves as finalists moving forward.
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2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists
- Eric Allen, cornerback
- Jared Allen, defensive end
- Willie Anderson, offensive tackle
- Jahri Evans, guard
- Dwight Freeney, defensive end
- Antonio Gates, tight end
- Rodney Harrison, safety
- Devin Hester, specialist
- Torry Holt, wide receiver
- Andre Johnson, wide receiver
- Julius Peppers, defensive end
- Fred Taylor, running back
- Reggie Wayne, wide receiver
- Patrick Willis, linebacker
- Darren Woodson, safety
2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees
Devin Hester: This former Miami (F) star finished his career third all-time in punt return yards and No. 1 in punt returns for touchdowns with 14 throughout his brilliant career. Rarely do pure special teams players make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But we’re glad to see Hester get in to Canton.
Andre Johnson: This seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is now the first ever member of the Houston Texans to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Good for him. He deserved it. The former Miami (F) star finished his professional career with seven Pro Bowl selections and was a two-time All-Pro. He recorded north of 100 receptions five times with 1,000-plus receiving yards seven times. He’s now bound for Canton.
Patrick Willis: Willis’ decision to retire after just eight seasons back in 2015 caught a lot of people by surprise. He was still playing at an elite level when opting to hang it up. During his eight-year run with the San Francisco 49ers, Willis earned seven Pro Bowl appearances and was named All-Pro six times. Just utter domination.
Julius Peppers: Longevity and domination. Peppers suited up in the NFL from 2002-2018. He earned nine Pro Bowl trips, recorded double-digit sacks a whopping 10 times and was still doing his thing late in his career. It led to Peppers retiring fourth on the all-time NFL sack list.
Dwight Freeney: A seven-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Indianapolis Colts, Freeney was absolutely dominating at times. From 2002-11, the former Syracuse star recorded 106 tackles for loss, 100 QB hits and 102.5 sacks.
Randy Gradishar: During his relatively brief 10-year career with the Denver Broncos, this linebacker earned seven trips to the Pro Bowl. He won the 1978 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. The Ohio State product also recorded a whopping 20 interceptions during his career. It’s a shame it took him this long to get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Steve McMichael: This represented McMichael’s first time as a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist in his 29th year of eligibility. This is absolutely insane stuff given that he was one of the major stars on one of the greatest defenses in the history of the NFL (1985 Chicago Bears). He recorded 95 tackles and 13 forced fumbles throughout his 15-year NFL career.
Pro Football Hall of Fame snubs
Read our write up about former San Diego Chargers and Los Angeles Chargers tight end Antonio Gates here. He finished his career third all-time among tight ends in receptions and receiving yards and first in touchdowns. It might be among the biggest Hall snubs ever.
Jared Allen: A fourth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs back in 2004, Allen earned five Pro Bowl appearances throughout his career. He racked up at least 14.5 sacks four times, including a league-leading 22 with the Minnesota Vikings back in 2011. He’s currently 12th on the official NFL list with 136 career sacks.
Torry Holt: Part of the “Greatest Show on Turf” during his time with the then-St. Louis Rams, Holt led the NFL in receiving yards twice. From 2000-05, the former first-round pick averaged 1,450 yards. He ranks 17th among receivers in career receiving yards, just ahead of current Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Reed.