For the second year in a row, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the preliminary names for the Senior Ballot.  Last year, there were 182 Preliminary nominees, which has been dropped to 162 this year.

This group will be pared down to 50 names in the upcoming weeks.

The 162 nominees are:

*Denotes that he was not a preliminary candidate last year.

Quarterbacks (9):

Ken Anderson: CIN 1971-86.  Anderson was the consensus MVP in 1981 and the four-time Pro Bowl would pass for 32,838 Yards and 197 Touchdowns.  He was also the 1975 Walter Payton Man of the Year and historically brought the Cincinnati Bengals to their first Super Bowl.  Ranked #8 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Charlie Conerly: NYG 1948-61. Conerly was a 1956 New York Giants NFL Championship Team member, was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection, and accumulated 19,488 Yards and 173 TDs.  Ranked #50 on notinhalloffame.com.

Roman Gabriel: LAR 1962-72 & PHI 1973-77.  Gabriel was the league MVP in 1969, earning four Pro Bowls and a First Team All-Pro, and he threw for 29,444 Yards and 201 TDs.  Ranked #35 on notinhalloffame.com.

*John Hadl:  SDG 1962-72, LAR 1973-74, GNB 1974-75 & HOU 1976-77.  Hadl was a top gunslinger of the late 1960s and early 1970s, who was the runner-up for the 1972 MVP.  He went to the Pr Bowl six times, led the NFL in Passing Yards three times, and compiled 33,503 Yards with 268 Touchdowns.  Ranked #105 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jack Kemp:  PIT 1957, LAC/SD 1960-62 & BUF 1962-69.  A seven-time AFL All-Star, Kemp led the Bills to two AFL Championships, where he was the MVP in both games.  He is also a former AFL MVP.  Ranked #118 on notinhalloffame.com.

Don Meredith:  DAL 1960-1968. “Dandy Don” went to three Pro Bowls and won the 1966 Bert Bell Award.  He threw for 135 Touchdowns and 17,199 Yards.

*Earl Morrall: SFO 1956, PIT 1957-58, DET 1958-64, NYG 1965-67, BAL 1968-71 & IA 1972-76.  Morrall played 21 seasons in the NFL, where he proved his value in his second half as a veteran presence.  The surprise MVP of 1968 when he took over for the injured Johnny Unitas, Morrall brought the Colts to the Super Bowl, where they fell to the upstart New York Jets.  He was the MVP runner-up in 1972 as a Dolphin, where he was lost to injury during the season, leaving Bob Griese to take the Fins to an undefeated Super Bowl year.  He had 20,809 Yards with 161 Touchdowns.

Jim Plunkett: NWE 1971-75, SFO 1976-77, OAK 1979-81 & RAI 1982-86.  Plunkett won two Super Bowls with the Raiders, where he was the MVP in Super Bowl XV.  He compiled 164 Touchdown Passes and 25,882 Passing Yards.  Ranked #250 on notinhalloffame.com.

Doug Williams:  TB 1978-82 & WAS 1986-89.  Williams made history as the first African-American Quarterback to win a Super Bowl when he led Washington to victory while winning the Super Bowl MVP in the process.  He overall threw for 16,988 Yards and 100 Touchdowns.

The Quarterbacks who did not return from last year are Boomer Esiason, James “Shack” Harris, Bobby Hebert, Jeff Hostetler, Ron Jaworski, Daryle Lamonica, Phil Simms, and Joe Theismann.  John Hadl and Earl Morrall were added.

Running Backs (16):

Alan Ameche: BAL 1955-60.  Ameche was the UPI Rookie of the Year and the league’s leading rusher that year.  A two-time NFL Champion, Ameche was a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro who compiled 4,045 Rushing Yards and 44 Touchdowns from Scrimmage. Ranked #71 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ottis Anderson: STL 1979-86 & NYG 1986-92.  Anderson had a monster rookie campaign for St. Louis and would later win two Super Bowls with New York, where he was named a Super Bowl MVP.  He had 10,273 Rushing Yards, 3,063 Receiving Yards, and 86 Touchdowns from Scrimmage.  Ranked #69 on notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Brown: WAS 1969-76.  Brown won the 1972 AP MVP and Offensive Player of the Year and was also a four-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro Running Back.  He had 8,360 Yards from Scrimmage with 55 TDs.  Ranked #109 on notinhalloffame.com.

Earnest Byner:  CLE 1984-88 & 1994-95, WAS 1990-93 & BAL 1996-97.  Byner won two Super Bowls and amassed 12,866 Yards from Scrimmage and 71 Touchdowns.  He was also a two-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.

Roger Craig:  SFO 1983-90, RAI 1991 & MIN 1992-93.  The first player to accumulate 1,000 Yards Rushing and Receiving, Craig won three Super Bowls, was the Offensive Player of the Year, earned four Pro Bowls, and was a First Team All-Pro.  From Scrimmage, he had 73 Touchdowns and 13,100 Yards,  Ranked #15 on notinhalloffame.com.

John David Crow: CRD 1968-59, STL 1960-64 & SFO 1965-68.  Crow had 71 TDs and 8,692 Yards from Scrimmage.  He was also a four-time Pro Bowl Selection and one-time leader in YFS.  Ranked #167 on notinhalloffame.com.

Chuck Foreman:  MIN 1973-79 & NWE 1980.  Foreman went to the Pro Bowl in his first five seasons, and the 1973 Offensive Rookie of the Year was a two-time YFS TD leader.  He compiled 9,106 Yards from Scrimmage.  Ranked #79 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Cecil Isbell: GNB 1938-42.  Isbell only played five seasons but was a four-time Pro Bowl, two-time Touchdown leader, and two-time leader in Passing Yards.  He also helped Green Bay win the NFL Championship in 1939 and was named to the 1930s All-Decade Team.  Ranked #72 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Verne Lewellen: GNB 1924-32 & NYY 1927.  Lewellen was a First Team All-Pro four times and helped lead Green Bay to three NFL Championships.  Ranked #22 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Jack Manders: CHI 1933-40.  Manders helped the Chicago Bears win two NFL Championships, and he was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  

*Mercury Morris: MIA 1969-75 & SDG 1976.  Morris was a popular member of Miami’s undefeated Super Bowl Championship Team, who was also a three-time Pro Bowl Selection.  

*Don Perkins:  DAL 1961-68.  A Dallas Cowboy for his entire career, Perkins was a Pro Bowl Selection in six of his eight years, proving himself as one of Dallas’s top offensive stars in their first decade.  Ranked #201 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Billy Sims:  DET 1980-84.  For a brief time in the early 1980s, Billy Sims was the toast of the early 1980s, with his flashy style and personality.  He was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1980, but only played five years. 

Herschel Walker: DAL 1986-89 & 1996-97, MIN 1989-1991, PHI 1992-94 & NYG 1985.  Walker began his career in the USFL, where he was hands down their best player.  He later had two Pro Bowls in the NFL and led the league in YFS once.  Ranked #99 on notinhalloffame.com.

Byron “Whizzer” White: PIT 1938 & DET 1940-41.  White only played three years in the NFL and was the Rushing Leader in two.  He is also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #171 on notinhalloffame.com.

Paul “Tank” Younger: RAM 1949-57 & PIT 58.  Younger won an NFL Championship with the Los Angeles Rams and was a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  Younger rushed for 3,640 Yards and 34 Touchdowns and was also a potent Linebacker.  Ranked #196 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Running Backs who did not return from last year are Jon Arnett, Timmy Brown, Clem Daniels, Hewritt Dixon, Willie Gallimore, Pat Harder, Marv Hubbard, Daryl Johnston, Christian Okoye, Bill Osmanski, Glenn Presnell, Mark van Eaghen, and Sammy Winder.    Added were Jack Manders, Mercury Morris, and Don Perkins.

Ends/Wide Receivers/Tight Ends (30):

*Fred Arbanas: DTX/KAN 1962-70.  In his first six seasons, Arbanas was a five-time All-AFL Star and five-time All-AFL All-Pro.  Arbanas helped Kansas City win three Titles and was easily one of the AFL’s best receivers in the early 1960s.  Ranked #301 on notinhalloffame.com.

Todd Christensen: NYG 1979-80 & OAK/RAI 1980-88.  The quintessential Tight End of the 1980s, Todd Christensen, won two Super Bowls with the Raiders.  He had 41 Touchdowns and 5,872 Yards.  Ranked #63 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Mark Clayton: MIA 1983-92 & GNB 1993.  Clayton was Dan Marino’s best weapon and had two years where he led the NFL in Touchdown Receptions.  He had 84 TDs and 8,974 Yards.  Ranked #269 on notinhalloffame.com.

Gary Collins: CLE 1962-71.  Collins had a dual role as a Wide Receiver and Punter and accrued 70 Touchdowns from the air,  Ranked #147 on notinhalloffame.com.

Isaac Curtis: CIN 1973-84. Curtis was a Pro Bowl Selection in his first four years and a three-time Second-Team All-Pro.  He had 7,101 Receiving Yards and 53 Touchdowns.

Carroll Dale: RAM 1960-64, GNB 1965-72 & MIN 1973.  A two-time Super Bowl and three-time NFL Champion with Green Bay, Dale had an impressive 8,277 Yards with 52 Touchdowns.

Lavvie Dilweg: MIL 1926 & GNB 1927-34.  Dilwag was a three-time NFL Champion with Green Bay and was chosen for the 1920s All-Decade Team.  Ranked #6 on notinhalloffame.com.

Boyd Dowler: GNB 1959-69 & WAS 1971.  Five-time NFL Champion and two-time Super Bowl winner, Boyd Dowler was also a two-time Pro Bowl recipient who had 7,270 Yards and 40 TDs.  Ranked #168 on notinhalloffame.com.

Mark Duper: MIA 1982-92.  A key weapon for Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins, Duper went to three Pro Bowls and amassed 59 Touchdowns and 8,869 Yards.

Henry Ellard: RAM 1983-93, WAS 1994-98 & NEW 1998.  Ellard compiled 13,777 Yards and 65 Touchdowns in a career where he once led the NFL in Receiving Yards.  He is also a three-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #64 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jimmie Giles: HOU 1977, TAM 1978-86, DET 1986-87, PHI 1987-89.  A four-time Pro Bowl Tight End as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Giles had 5,084 Yards with 41 Touchdowns over his career.

*Charley Hennigan: HOU 1960-67.  A two-time AFL Champion with the Houston Oilers, Hennigan was an AFL All-Star in five of his eight seasons.  He was also a three-time First Team All-Pro, and he was a two-time league-leader in Receiving Yards and Yards From Scrimmage.  Hennigan had 51 TDs and 6,823 Yards.

Billie Howton: GNB 1952-58, CLE 1959 & DAL 1960-62.  Howton was a four-time Pro Bowl at End who twice led the NFL in Receiving Yards.  He was also a two-time First Team All-Pro who amassed 8,459 Yards with 61 Touchdowns.  Ranked #52 on notinhalloffame.com.

Harold Jackson: RAM 1968 & 1973-77, PHI 1969-72, BEW 1978-81, MIN 1982 & SEA 1983.  A five-time Pro Bowler, Jackson won two Receiving Yards Titles and compiled 10,372 Yards and 76 Touchdowns.  Ranked #49 on notinhalloffame.com.

Keith Jackson: PHI 1988-91, MIA 1992-94 & GNB 1995-96.  Jackson was a five-time Pro Bowl Selection who was a First Team All-Pro Tight End in his first three seasons.  A Super Bowl winner in his final season in Green Bay, Jackson had 49 Touchdowns with 5,283 Yards.  Ranked #90 on notinhalloffame.com.

Billy “White Shoes” Johnson:  HOU 1974-80, ATL 1982-87 & WAS 1988.  One of the most prolific Returners in football history, Johnson had 10,795 All-Purpose Yards and was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection. Ranked #114 on notinhalloffame.com.

Brent Jones: SFO 1987-97.  A four-time Pro Bowl at Tight End, Jones won three Super Bowls with the 49ers while catching 33 Touchdowns and 5,195 Yards.

Homer Jones: NYG 1964-69 & CLE 1970.  Jones was twice named to the Pro Bowl, and over his career, he accrued 4,986 Yards and 36 Touchdowns.  In 1967, he led the NFL in Touchdowns from Scrimmage (14).

*Steve Jordan: MIN 1982-94.  Jordan went to six consecutive Pro Bowls, and the Tight End had 6,307 Yards with 28 TDs.

*Eric Martin: NO 1985-93 & KAN 1994.  Martin was a Pro Bowl Selection once and had 49 TDs with 8,161 Yards.

Stanley Morgan: NWE 1977-89 & IND 1990.  A four-time Pro Bowl Selection, Stanley Morgan compiled 72 Touchdowns with 10,716 Receiving Yards.  He was also a three-time leader in Yards per Reception.    Ranked #278 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jay Novacek: STL/PHO 1985-89 & DAL 1990-95.  Novacek was a Pro Bowler in his final five seasons (all with Dallas), where he helped them capture three Super Bowls.  The Tight End had 4,630 Yards with 30 Touchdowns.  Ranked #133 on notinhalloffame.com.

Art Powell: PHI 1959, NYT 1960-62, OAK 1963-66, BUF 1967 & MIN 1968.  Powell, who was a Finalist last year, was a two-time Receiving Yards leader in the AFL.  A four-time AFL-All-Star and two-time First Team All-Pro, Powell had 8,046 Yards and 81 Touchdowns.  Ranked #165 on notinhalloffame.com.

Del Shofner: RAM 1957-60 & NYG 1961-67.  Shofner went to five Pro Bowls and was selected to the First Team All-Pro in all of them.  He accumulated 6,470 Yards and 51 Touchdowns over his career.  Ranked #12 on notinhalloffame.com.

John Taylor: SFO 1987-95.  Taylor played his entire career with San Francisco, where he won three Super Bowls.  He accumulated 5,598 Receiving Yards, 43 Touchdowns, and two Pro Bowls.

Lionel Taylor: CHI 1959, DEN 1960-66 & HOU 1967-68.  Taylor blossomed in Denver, where he was a five-time AFL leader in Receptions and a three-time First Team All-Star and three-time AFL All-Star.  He compiled 45 Touchdowns and 7,195 Yards.  Ranked #148 on notinhalloffame.com.

Otis Taylor: KAN 1965-75. Taylor won two AFL Championships and a Super Bowl with Kansas City who had 60 TDs and 7,467 Yards From Scrimmage.  He was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #32 on notinhalloffame.com.

Rick Upchurch: DEN 1975-83.  Upchurch amassed 4,369 Receiving Yards with 24 TD, but the three-time First Team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl player had more production in returns with 5,363 Yards and 8 TDs.  Ranked #226 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Bobby Walston: PHI 1951-62.  Walston won an NFL Championship with the Eagles and compiled 5,363 Yards with 46 TDs from the air.

Billy Wilson: SFO 1951-60.  Wilson played his entire career with the 49ers where he was named to six consecutive Pro Bowls (1954-59).  He was also a one-time First-Team All-Pro, a three-time leader in receptions, and compiled 49 Touchdowns and 5,902 Receiving Yards.  Ranked #176 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Ends/Wide Receivers/Tight Ends who did not return from last year are Mark Bavaro,  Gino Cappalletti, Raymond Chester, Ken Kavanaugh, Mike Quick, Bob Scarpitto, Sterling Sharpe (Inducted), and Pat Studstill.  Added were Fred Arbanas, Charley Hennigan, Steve Jordan, Eric Martin, and Jay Novacek.

Offensive Lineman (35):

*Hunk Anderson:  CHI 1922-25 & CLI 1923.  Anderson only played four years but was named retroactively to the 1920s All-Decade Team.

*Bruce Armstrong: NWE 1987-2000.  Armstrong started all of his 212 Games for New England and went to six Pro Bowls.  Ranked #212 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Stew Barber: BUF 1961-69.  Barber helped Buffalo win two AFL Championships, was a two-time First Team All-Pro, and a five-time AFL All-Star.

Dick Barwegan: NYY 1947, BCL 1948-49, CHI 1950-52 & BAL 1953-54.  Barwegen was named to the 1950s All-Decade Team and was a four-time First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #174 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ed Budde: KAN 1963-76.  Budde was a seven-time AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl who helped the Kansas City Chiefs win two AFL Championships and a Super Bowl.  Ranked #56 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ox Emerson:  PRT 1931-33, DET 1933-37 & BKN 1938.  Emerson was selected for the 1930s All-Decade Team and five First Team All-Pros.  He also helped the Detroit Lions to an NFL Championship.  Ranked #28 on notinhalloffame.com.

Gale Gillingham: GNB 1996-74 & 1976.  Gillingham was a Guard on Green Bay’s first two Super Bowl-winning teams, and he was also a five-time Pro Bowl with three First-Team All-Pros.  Ranked #122 on notinhalloffame.com.

Charles “Buckets” Goldenberg: GNB 1933-45.  Goldenberg was a three-time NFL Champion with Green Bay and is a member of the 1930s All-Decade Team and Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.  Ranked #241 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Dennis Harrah: RAM 1975-87.  A Los Angeles Ram for his entire career, Harrah had a pair of three-year streaks as a Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #242 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jay Hilgenberg: CHI 1981-91, CLE 1992 & NOR 1993.  Hilgenberg was the Center for the Super Bowl Shuffle-winning team, and the two-time First Team All-Pro also had a seven-year run of Pro Bowls from 11985 to 1991.  Ranked #67 on notinhalloffame.com.

Chris Hinton: BAL 1984, IND 1984-89, ATL 1990-1993 & MIN 1994-95. Hinton went to six Pro Bowls, five of which were as a Colt.  Ranked #166 on notinhalloffame.com.

Joe Jacoby: WAS 1981-93.  A famed member of the Hogs, Jacoby was part of all three of Washington’s Super Bowl wins and was a four-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #33 on notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Kenn: ATL 1978-94.  Kenn is one of the finest offensive linemen in Falcons history, and the Left Tackle would earn five Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros. Ranked #61 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bob Kuechenberg: MIA 1970-83.  The versatile Lineman was a significant component in Miami’s back-to-back Super Bowl Championships in the early 70s, and he was also named to six Pro Bowls and one First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #30 on notinhalloffame.com. 

George Kunz: ATL 1869-74 & BAL 1975-78 & 80.  Kunz was a seven-time Pro Bowl Tackle and would add a First Team All-Pro in his first year as a Colt.  Ranked #103 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Riley Matheson: RAM 1939-42 & 1944-47, DET 1943 & SFO 1948 .  An NFL Champion with the Rams in 1945, Matheson was a five-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #152 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Max Montoya: CIN 1979-87 & RAI 1990-94.  Montoya was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection.

*Jon Morris: BOS/NWE 1964-74, DET 1975-77 & CHI 1978.  Morris was an AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl Selection in his first seven seasons, and the Center was a First Team All-Pro once.  Ranked #261 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ralph Neely: DAL 1965-77.  Neely won two Super Bowls with Dallas and was a three-time First Team All-Pro at Right Tackle.  Ranked #218 on notinhalloffame.com.  

John Niland: DAL 1966-74 & PHI 1975.  Niland went to the Pro Bowl in six straight seasons (1968-73) and was chosen for three First Team All-Pros.  The Guard also won a Super Bowl with Dallas.  Ranked #213 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bart Oates: NYG 1985-95.  A five-time Pro Bowl at Center, Oates anchored the New York Giants to three Super Bowls.  Ranked #293 on notinhalloffame.com.

Marvin Powell: NYJ 1977-85 & TAM 1986-87.  Powell went to five straight Pro Bowls (1979-83) with a First Team All-Pro Selection in three of them.  Ranked #213 on notinhalloffame.com.

Duane Putnam: RAM 1952-59 & 1962, DAL 1960 & CLE 1961.  Like Powell above, Putnam went to five straight Pro Bowls (1954-58) with a First Team All-Pro Selection in three of them.  Ranked #229 on notinhalloffame.com.

Dick Schafrath: CLE 1959-71.  A Cleveland Brown for the entirety of his career, Schafrath was a six-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro at Left Tackle.  He is also a former NFL Champion.  Ranked #27 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Jerry Sisemore: PHI 1973-84.  Sisemore went to two Pro Bowls and helped the Philadelphia Eagles reach their first Super Bowl.

*Doug Smith: RAM 1978-91.  Smith had a six-year streak of Pro Bowl Selections at Center (1984-89).

Walt Sweeney: SDG 1963-73 & WAS 1974-75.  Sweeney won an AFL Championship with San Diego, and the Guard was chosen for nine consecutive AFL All-Stars/NFL Pro Bowls (1963-72).  He was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #55 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Bob Talamini: HOU 1960-67 & NYJ 1968.  Talamini was chosen for six straight AFL All-Stars (1962-67) and helped the Oilers win three AFL Championships.  The three-time First Team All-Pro played his final season with the New York Jets, where he aided the Jets in their first Super Bowl win.  Ranked #324 on notinhalloffame.com.

Fuzzy Thurston: BAL 1958 & GNB 1959-67.  The highly decorated Guard won six NFL Championships (one with Baltimore and five with Green Bay) and was a member of the Packers’ first two Super Bowl teams.  He is also a one-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #264 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Tyrer: DTX 1961-62, KAN 1963-73 & WAS 1974.  A three-time AFL Champion with the Texans/Chiefs, the Left Tackle was a six-time First Team All-Pro and nine-time AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #13 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Bob Vogel: BAL 1963-72.  Vogel helped the Colts win their first Super Bowl, and he was also a five-time Pro Bowl Selection.

Ed White: MIN 1969-77 & SDG 1978-85.  White had a long career split between the Vikings and Chargers, and the Guard went to four Pro Bowls.

*Ray Wietcha: NYG 1953-62.  The four-time Pro Bowl Center helped the Giants win the 1956 Championship.  Ranked #291 on notinhalloffame.com.

Al Wistert: PHI 1943-51.  Wistert was an All-Decade player of the 1940s who propelled Philadelphia to two NFL Championships.  He was also a four-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #31 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Offensive Linemen who did not return from last year are Harris Barton, Randy Cross, Ray Donaldson, Bill Fralic, Kevin Glover, Wayne Hawkins, Don Mosebar, Nate Newton, and Luis Sharpe.  Added were Hunk Anderson, Bruce Armstrong, Stew Barber, Dennis Harrah, Riley Matheson, Max Montoya, Jon Morris, Bart Oates, Marvin Powell, Duane Putnam, Bob Talamini, Bob Vogel, and Ray Wietcha.

Defensive Linemen (15):

*Houston Antwine: BOS/NWE 1961-71 & PHI 1972.  Antwine was named to six consecutive AFL All-Stars (1963-68).  A one-time First Team All-Pro, Antwine recorded 38 unofficial Sacks.  Ranked #216 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Gene Brito: WAS 1951-53 & 1955-60.  Brito played his entire career with the Washington Redskins and was a five-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro Selection.  Ranked #158 on notinhalloffame.com.

Roger Brown: DET 1960-66 & RAM 1967-69.  Brown went to six consecutive Pro Bowls (1962-67) and was twice named a First Team All-Pro.   Ranked #164 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Earl Faison: SDG 1961-66 & MIA 1966.  In Faison’s first five seasons, he was chosen to be an AFL All-Star and was a First Team All-Pro in four of them.  He had 31 unofficial Sacks in his career.  Ranked #238 on notinhalloffame.com.

Mark Gastineau:  NYJ 1979-88.  Named the UPI Defensive Player of the Year in 1984, Gastineau was a two-time Sack leader, a three-time First Team All-Pro, and a five-time Pro Bowler.  He had 107 career Sacks and four top ten AP Defensive Player of the Year finishes.  Ranked #56 on notinhalloffame.com.

L.C. Greenwood:  PIT 1969-81.  Greenwood was a vital member of the Steelers' 1970s dynasty that won four Super Bowls.  A six-time Prowl and two-time First Team All-Pro, Greenwood accumulated 78 Sacks.  Ranked #5 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ed “Too Tall” Jones:  DAL 1974-78 & 1980-89.  Jones had 106 Sacks over his career that netted him three Pro Bowls, a First Team All-Pro, and a Super Bowl ring.  Ranked #283 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Marshall: CLE 1960 & MIN 1961-78.  The ironman of his day, Marshall brought the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances and was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection along the way.  He had 130.5 lifetime Sacks.  Ranked #37 on notinhalloffame.com.

Leonard Marshall: NYG 1983-92, NYJ 1993 & WAS 1994.  Marshall had 83.5 Sacks and 714 Tackles over his career and won two Super Bowls with the Giants.  He also went to two Pro Bowls.

Harvey Martin: DAL 1973-83.  Martin won the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1977 and was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection who won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys.  He had 114 career Sacks.  Ranked #119 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Jerry Mays: DTX/KAN 1961-70.  Mays played his entire career with the Texans/Chiefs, where he was a seven-time AFL All-Star, a two-time First Team All-Pro, a three-time AFL Champion, and a one-time Super Bowl winner.  He had 65.5 career Sacks.  Ranked #54 on notinhalloffame.com.

Tom Sestak:  BUF 1962-68.  Buffalo’s Right Defensive Tackle for seven seasons, Sestak anchored the Bills to two AFL Championships while earning three consecutive First Team All-Pros (1963-65) and four AFL All-Stars (1962-65).  He was also the AFL’s leader in Sacks in 1964 (15.5) and had 52 overall.  Ranked #191 on notinhalloffame.com.

Fred Smerlas:  BUF 1979-89, SFO 1990 & NWE 1991-92.  The Nose Tackle was a five-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro during his time in Buffalo.  Ranked #232 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Neil Smith: KAN 1988-71, DEN 1997-99 & SDG 2000.  A two-time Super Bowl winner with Denver, Smith is best known for his time in Kansas City where he was a First Time All-Pro once, and earned five of his six Pro Bowls.  The Defensive end finished in the top five in Defensive Player of the Year twice and overall had 104.5 Sacks.  Ranked #40 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bill Stanfill:  MIA 1969-76.  Stanfill was Miami’s Right Defensive End for eight years, where he won two Super Bowls and was a five-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  He compiled 69.5 Sacks and was the league-leader in that stat in 1973.  Ranked #303 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Defensive Linemen who did not return from last year are Lyle Alzado, George Andrie, Al “Bubba” Baker, Ray Childress, Ben Davidson, Bill Glass, Rosey Grier, Rich Jackson, Sean Jones, Tom Keating, Gene “Big Daddy” Lipscomb, Leslie O’Neal, Michael Dean Perry, Lou Rymkus, Otis Sistrunk, Bubba Smith, and Greg Townsend.  Added were Houston Antwine, Gene Brito, Earl Faison, Jerry Mays, and Neil Smith

Linebackers (25):

Carl Banks: NYG 1984-92, WAS 1993 & CLE 1994-95.  A two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Giants, Banks was a one-time All-Pro with 860 career Tackles. Ranked #234 in notinhalloffame.com.

Maxie Baughan: PHI 1960-65, RAM 1966-70 & WAS 1974.  Baughan was an NFL Champion with Philadelphia and was a nine-time Pro Bowl Selection.  He was also a one-time First Team All-Pro and five-time Second Team All-Pro.  Ranked #14 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bill Bergey: CIN 1969-73 & PHI 1974-80.  Bergey was the 1969 Defensive Rookie of the Year and was the runner-up for the Defensive Player of the Year in 1974.  He was a two-time First Team All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #154 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Matt Blair: MIN 1974-84.  Blair went to six straight Pro Bowls (1977-82) and was a one-time First Team All-Pro in a career spent entirely in Minnesota.  He had 16 Interceptions, 20 Fumble Recoveries, and 23 Sacks.  Ranked #185 on notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Curtis: BAL 1965-75, SEA 1976 & WAS 1977-78.  Curtis helped Baltimore win Super Bowl V and, individually, was a one-time First Team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl recipient.  Ranked #183 on notinhalloffame.com.

Joe Fortunato:  CHI 1955-66.  Fortunato played his entire career with the Bears, where he won an NFL Championship and earned three consecutive First Team All-Pros (1963-65).  Ranked #94 on notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Grantham:  NYT 1960-62 & NYJ 1963-72.  Grantham was a five-time AFL All-Star and three-time First Team All-Pro, who was part of the historical Jets team that won Super Bowl III.  Ranked #60 on notinhalloffame.com.

Tim Harris:  GNB 1986-90, SFO 1991-92 & 1994-95 & PHI 1993.   Harris won a Super Bowl with San Francisco, and in 1989, as a Packer, he was second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.  He recorded 81 Sacks.

E.J. Holub (also OL): DTX/KAN 1961-70.  A five-time AFL All-Star, Holub was a two-time First Team All-Pro who helped Kansas City win three AFL Championships and a Super Bowl.  Ranked #315 on notinhalloffame.com.

Vaughn Johnson: NOR 1986-93 & PHI 1994.  Johnson went to four Pro Bowls and was third in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 1990.

Lee Roy Jordan: DAL 1963-76.  Playing his entire career with the Cowboys, Jordan patrolled the interior and was a five-time Pro Bowler in the process.  He also won a Super Bowl with Big D.  Ranked #35 on notinhalloffame.com.

Seth Joyner: PHI 1986-93, ARI 1994-96, GNB 1997 & DEN 98.  Joyner won a Super Bowl late in his career with Denver but was at his best with Philadelphia, where he had two of his three Pro Bowls and was the runner-up for the Defensive Player of the Year in 1991.  He had 1,123 Tackles and 52 Sacks.  Ranked #285 on notinhalloffame.com.

Greg Lloyd: PIT 1988-97 & CAR 1998.  Lloyd was a five-time Pro Bowl Selection who earned three straight First Team All-Pros (1993-95).  He finished in the top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting twice, was a two-time league-leader in Forced Fumbles, and had 54.5 Sacks.  Ranked #70 on notinhalloffame.com.

Wilber Marshall: CHI 1984-87, WAS 1988-92, HOU 1993, ARI 1994 & NYJ 1995.  Marshall won two Super Bowls (one with Chicago and one with Washington), and the three-time Pro Bowl Selection had 23 Interceptions, 45 Sacks, and 1,043 Tackles.  Ranked #116 on notinhalloffame.com.

Rod Martin: OAK 1977-81 & RAI 1983-88.  Martin played his entire career with the Raiders, winning two Super Bowls and earning two Pro Bowls.  He had 14 Interceptions and 56.5 Sacks.

Clay Matthews Jr.: CLE 1978-93 & ATL 1994-96.  Matthews Jr. was a three-time leader in Combined Tackles with 1,595 overall.  A four-time Pro Bowl Selection, Matthews Jr. also had 82.5 Sacks and 16 Interceptions.  Ranked #100 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bud McFadin: RAM 1952-56, DEN 1960-63 & HOU 1964-65.  McFadin was a two-time Pro Bowl recipient, a three-time AFL All-Star, and a three-time First Team All-Pro who is one of the few players who had success in both leagues.  Ranked #277 on notinhalloffame.com.

Karl Mecklenberg: DEN 1983-94.  Mecklenburg was a beast in the interior, compiling three First Team All-Pros, six Pro Bowls, 79 Sacks, and 1,118 Tackles.  Ranked #81 on notinhalloffame.com.

Matt Millen: OAK 1980-81, RAI 1982-88, SFO 1989-90 & WAS 1991.  The one-time Pro Bowler won four Super Bowls over his career.

Tommy Nobis: ATL 1966-78.  Nobis was the Rookie of the Year and a five-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #36 on notinhalloffame.com.

 

Isiah Robertson: RAM 1971-78 & BUF 1979-82.  The 1971 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year went to six Pro Bowls, was a two-time First Team All-Pro, and in 1973 was second in DPOY voting.  The multi-faceted Linebacker had 25 Interceptions and 24.5 Sacks.  Ranked #137 on notinhalloffame.com.

Pat Swilling: NOR 1986-92, DET 1993-94 & OAK 1995-96 & 1998.   Swilling was named the 1991 AP Defensive Player of the Year and the five-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro, accumulated 107.5 Sacks over his career.  Ranked #72 on notinhalloffame.com.

Darryl Talley: BUF 1983-94, ATL 1995 & MIN 1996.  Talley went to two Pro Bowls and was part of the Buffalo squad that went to four straight Super Bowls.  He compiled 1,252 Tackles and 38.5 Sacks.

Keena Turner: SFO 1980-90.  Turner went to one Pro Bowl and was a key part of four Super Bowl Championships in San Francisco.

The Linebackers who did not return from last year are Dan Connors, Tom Jackson, Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds, Andy Russell, and Phil Villapiano.  Added were Matt Blair, Tim Harris, E.J. Holub, Bud McFadin, Isiah Robertson, and Keena Turner.

Defensive Backs (27):

Dick Anderson:  MIA 1968-77.  Anderson was the 1968 Defensive Rookie of the Year, the 1973 Defensive Player of the Year, and won two Super Bowls.  A two-time First Team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl Selection, Anderson had 24 Interceptions.  Ranked #93 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bobby Boyd:  BAL 1960-68.  Boyd won an NFL Championship with the Colts and was a three-time First Team All-Pro.  He led the league in Interceptions in 1965 and had 57 in total.  Ranked #39 on notinhalloffame.com.

Dave Brown:  PIT 1975, SEA 1976-86 & GNB 1987-89.  Brown compiled an impressive 62 Interceptions over his career, returning five for Touchdowns.  He went to the Pro Bowl once.

Joey Browner:  MIN 1983-91 & TAM 1992.   Browner went to six consecutive Pro Bowls as a Strong Safety and was a First-Team All-Pro in three of those years.  He recorded 37 interceptions over his career.  Ranked #135 on notinhalloffame.com.

Butch Byrd:  BUF 1964-70 & DEN 1971.  Byrd helped Buffalo win two AFL Championships, and individually was a three-time First Team All-Pro with five AFL All-Stars.  He also had 40 picks over his eight seasons.  Ranked #205 on notinhalloffame.com.

Thom Darden:  CLE 1972-81.  Darden led the NFL in Interceptions once, went to one Pro Bowl, and was a three-time Second Team All-Pro.

Don Doll:  DET 1949-52, WAS 1953 & RAM 1954.  Doll helped the Lions win the 1952 NFL Championship, was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection, and is part of the Lions All-Time Team.

Pat Fischer:  STL 1961-67 & WAS 1968-77.  Fischer recorded 56 Interceptions (29 with St. Louis & 27 with Washington) and was twice named to the Pro Bowl.  Ranked #132 on notinhalloffame.com.

Goose Gonsoullin: DEN 1960-66 & SFO 1967.  Gonsoulin was Denver’s first great Safety, recording 43 of his 46 Interceptions for the Broncos.  He was a five-time AFL All-Star and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #230 on notinhalloffame.com.

Dave Grayson: DTX 1961-62, KAN 1963-84 & OAK 1965-70.  Grayson won two AFL Titles (one with Dallas and one with Oakland) and the DB was a three-time First Team All-Pro and six-time AFL All-Star.  He led the AFL in Interceptions in 1968 and had 48 in total.  Ranked #98 on notinhalloffame.com.

Cornell Green: DAL 1962-74.  Another career Dallas Cowboy, Green was twice named a First Team All-Pro and five Pro Bowls and helped them win their first Super Bowl.  He had 34 career Interceptions.  Ranked #184 on notinhalloffame.com.

Merton Hanks: SFO 1991-98 & SEA 1999.  Hanks was a 49er for all but his final season, and in San Francisco, the Free Safety was a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  He also won a Super Bowl there and had 33 career Interceptions.

Lester Hayes: OAK 1977-81 & RAI 1982-86.  A two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Raiders, Hayes was the consensus Defensive Player of the Year in 1980.  The Cornerback was a one-time First Team All-Pro, a five-time Pro Bowl Selection, and had 39 picks over his career.  Ranked #17 on notinhalloffame.com.

Warren Lahr:  CLE 1949-59.  Lahr had 44 Interceptions in a career spent entirely in Cleveland, where he won an AAFC Championship, an NFL Championship, and went to the Pro Bowl once.

Albert Lewis:  KAN 1983-93, RAI 1994 & OAK 1995-98.  Lewis went to four straight Pro Bowls (1987-90), was a two-time First Team All-Pro, and compiled 42 Interceptions.  Ranked #104 on notinhalloffame.com.

Tim McDonald: STL-PHO 1987-92 & SFO 1993-99.  McDonald split his career nearly evenly with two teams as he had three Pro Bowls, Second Team All-Pros, and 20 TDs each with both the 49ers and Cardinals.  Ranked #188 on notinhalloffame.com.

Eddie Meador: RAM 1959-70.  Meador is one of the most prolific Defensive Backs in RMS history and was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  He amassed a franchise record of 46 Interceptions.  Ranked #68 on notinhalloffame.com.

Lemar Parrish: CIN 1970-77, WAS 1978-81 & BUF 1982.  Parrish went to eight Pro Bowls with a First Team All-Pro while recording 47 Interceptions.  Ranked #16 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jimmy Patton:  NYG 1955-66.  From 1958 to 1962, Patton went to the Pro Bowl and was a First Team All-Pro.  The long-time Safety had 51 Interceptions and was an NFL Champion in 1956.  Ranked #34 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Eugene Robinson:  SEA 1985-95, GNB 1996-97, ATL 1998-99 & CAR 2000.   Robinson went to three Pro Bowls and was a Super Bowl Champion with the Green Bay Packers.  He compiled 57 Interceptions and 1,413 Tackles over his career.  Ranked #231 on notinhalloffame.com.

George Saimes:  BUF 1963-68 & DEN 1970-72.  Saimes was selected to five straight AFL All-Stars (1964-68) and, over his career, earned three First Team All-Pro honors, two AFL Championships, and recorded 22 Interceptions.  Ranked #247 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jake Scott: MIA 1970-75 & WAS 1976-78.  Scott won two Super Bowls with the Dolphins, winning an MVP in one of them, and the Safety was also a five-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  He had 47 career Interceptions.  Ranked #53 on notinhalloffame.com.

Dennis Smith:  DEN 1981-94.  Smith earned six Pro Bowls and had 15 Sacks, 30 Interceptions, and 1,158 Tackles in a career spent entirely in Denver.   Ranked #289 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jack Tatum: OAK 1971-79 & HOU 1980.  The feared Safety went to three straight Pro Bowls (1973-75), won a Super Bowl with Oakland, and had 37 Interceptions.

Everson Walls: DAL 1981-89, NYG 1990-92 & CLE 1992-93.  Walls had 57 Interceptions and was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection with a Super Bowl ring with the Giants.  Ranked #87 on notinhalloffame.com.

Charlie Waters: DAL 1970-78 & 1980-81.  Waters played in both of Dallas’ two Super Bowl Championships in the 1970s and was a three-time Pro Bowler.  He had 41 Interceptions. 

Abe Woodson: SFO 1958-64 & STL 1965-66.  A multi-faceted performer, Woodson went to five straight Pro Bowls (1959-63) and was a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Defensively, Woodson had 19 Interceptions, and he compiled over 6,500 Return Yards with seven Touchdowns.  Ranked #186 on notinhalloffame.com.

Louis Wright: DEN 1975-86.  Wright played all 12 of his NFL seasons with Denver, where he went to five Pro Bowls and earned two First Team All-Pros.  He had 26 career Interceptions.  Ranked #28 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Defensive Backs who did not return were Deron Cherry, Nolan Cromwell, Terry McDaniel, Roosevelt Taylor, Mike Wagner, Dave Whitsell, and Fred Williamson.  Added were Dave Brown, Goose Gonsoulin, Warren Lahr, Eugene Robinson, George Saimes, Charlie Waters, and Abe Woodson.

Punters/Kickers (3)

Jim Bakken: STL 1962-78.  Bakken was a four-time Pro Bowl Kicker and two-time First-Team All-Pro. He scored 1,380 career Points.

Jim Breech: CIN 1979-92.  Breech played fourteen seasons over his career and scored 1,246 Points.

Nick Lowery: NWE 1978, KAN 1980-93 & NYJ 1994-96.  Lowery went to four Pro Bowls and was a three-time Field Goal Percentage leader.  He had 1,711 over his career.

The only one who did not return from last year was Norm Johnson, with Jim Breech taking his spot.

Special Teams (2)

Mel Gray: NOR 1986-88, DET 1989-94, HOU 1995-96, TEN 1997, & PHI 1997.  Gray was an All-Decade Returner who was chosen for four Pro Bowls and three First Team All-Pros.  He had 13,279 All-Purpose Yards.

Steve Tasker: HOU 1985-86 & BUF 1986-97.  Tasker went to four Super Bowls with Buffalo and was a seven-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #144 on notinhalloffame.com.

These were the same two Special Teams players from last year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Damn, we love this time of year!

A month ago, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 167 Preliminary Modern candidates for the Class of 2025. This year, a special committee was tasked with reducing this group to 50, and next month, they will be reduced to 25 Semi-Finalists.

*Means they were a Finalist last year

**Means they are eligible for the first time.

Let’s examine this group by position.

Quarterbacks (2):

**Eli Manning: NYG 2005-19.  Manning went to two Super Bowls and won them, as did the Super Bowl MVPs.  A four-time Pro Bowl and Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, Manning passed for 57,023 Yards and 366 Touchdowns.  Ranked #99 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Steve McNair:  HOU 1995-97, TEN 1997-2005 & BAL 2006-07.  In 1999, Steve McNair quarterbacked the Tennessee Titans to their first Super Bowl appearance, and in 2003, he was the AP MVP.  A three-time Pro Bowler, McNair threw for 31,204 Yards and 174 Touchdowns and rushed for 3,590 Yards and 37 TDs.  Ranked #125 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The eight Quarterbacks eliminated were:

Marc Bulger: STL 2002-09. 

Randall Cunningham:  PHI 1985-95, MIN 1997-99, DAL 2000 & BAL 2001.  Ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jake Delhomme:  NOR 1999-2002, CAR 2003-09, CLE 2010 & HOU 2011. 

Doug Flutie: CHI 1986, NWE 1987-89 & 2005, BUF 1998-2000 & SDG 2001-04. 

Rich Gannon:  MIN 1987-92, WAS  1993, KAN 1995-98 & OAK 1999-2002.  Ranked #290 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jeff Garcia:  SFO 1999-2003, CLE 2004, DET 2005, PHI 2006 & TAM 2007-08.  

Donovan McNabb:  PHI 1999-2001, WAS 2002 & MIN 2003.  Ranked #80 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Tony Romo:  DAL 2004-16.  Ranked #326 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The Chairmans Quarterback Notes:

Yep, we all knew Eli would be here, and his two Super Bowl rings clash with his .500 record, and we bluntly ask: was there ever a time when it could honestly be said that Manning was the best three any time at his position?  Shouldn’t that matter?  It feels like Eli is on a collision course for a Finalist spot (and maybe even an immediate induction), which feels wrong. 

The QB omission that worries me here is the influential Randall Cunningham, a multi-time Bert Bell Award winner whose time on the modern ballot is wasting away. An honorable mention here goes to Donovan McNabb, who, regardless of the venue or conversation, is criminally disrespected.

Running Backs (6):

Shaun Alexander:  SEA 2000-08 & WAS 2008.  Alexander went to three straight Pro Bowls (2003-05), and in the last one, he won the Rushing Title (1,880) and was named the consensus MVP.  Alexander twice led the NFL in Rushing Touchdowns and retired with 10,973 Yards From Scrimmage and 112 Touchdowns.  Ranked #81 on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Tiki Barber:  NYG 1997-06.  Barber played the entirety of his career with the Giants, where he went to the Pro Bowl in his final three seasons.  He led the NFL in Yards from Scrimmage twice, and in the second of those years (2005), he was a First Team All-Pro and fourth in AP MVP voting.  Barber rushed for 10,449 Yards and had 5,183 Receiving Yards with 67 TDs from Scrimmage.  Ranked #153 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Eddie George:  HOU 1996, TEN 1997-2003 & DAL 2004.  George went to four straight Pro Bowls (1997-2000) and was a First Team All-Pro in 2000.  He would rush for 10,441 Yards and had 12,688 Yards from Scrimmage with 78 TDs.  Ranked #174 on Notinhalloffame.com.

**Marshawn Lynch:  BUF 2007-10, SEA 2011-15 & 2019 & OAK 2018.  Lynch propelled Seattle to a Super Bowl and was a two-time leader in Rushing Touchdowns.  “Beast Mode” went to five Pro Bowls, earned a First Team All-Pro, and had 12,627 Yards from Scrimmage with 94 TDs.  Ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Fred Taylor:  JAX 1998-2008 & NWE 2009-10.  Taylor was a Pro Bowl Selection in 2007, and he accumulated 14,079 Yards from Scrimmage with 11,695 yards on the ground.   He also had 74 Touchdowns.  Ranked #167 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ricky Watters: SFO 1992-01, SFO, PHI, SEA.  Watters was a Super Bowl Champion with the 49ers and would go to the Pro Bowl in his first five years in the NFL.  He would lead the NFL in Yards from Scrimmage in 1996 and would have 14,891 in total.  Ranked #47 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The 25 Running Backs eliminated were:

Terry Allen:  MIN 1991-92 & 94, WAS 1995-98, NWE 1999, NOR 2000 & BAL 2001. 

Jamal Anderson:  ATL 1994-01.

Larry Centers FB:  PHO 1990-93, ARI 1994-98, WAS 1999-2000, BUF 2001-02, & NWE 2003.  

Jamaal Charles:  KAN 2008-16, DEN 2017 & JAX 2018. 

Stephen Davis:  WAS 1996-06, CAR 2003-05 & STL 2006. 

Corey Dillon:  CIN 1997-2003 & NWE 2004-06.  Ranked #240 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Warrick Dunn:   Ranked #301 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Charlie Garner:  PHI 1994-98, SFO 1999-2000, OAK 2001-03 & TAM 2004. 

Priest Holmes:  BAL 1997-2000 & KAN 2001-05 & 07.  Ranked #131 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Steven Jackson:  STL, 2004-12, ATL 2013-14, NWE 2015.  Ranked #196 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Chris Johnson:  TEN 2008-13, NYJ 2014 & ARI 2015-17.  

Thomas Jones:  ARI 2000-03, TAM 2003, CHI 2004-06, NYJ 2007-09 & KAN 2010-11. 

John Kuhn (FB):  PIT 2006, GNB 2007-15, NOR 2017. 

Vonta Leach (FB): GNB 2004-06, 2004-13, HOU 2006-2010 & BAL 2011-13. 

Dorsey Levens:  GNB 1994-2001, PHI 2002 & 2003 & NYG 2004. 

Jamal Lewis:   Ranked #238 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Eric Metcalf (Also WR/PR/KR):  CLE 1989-94, ATL 1995-96, SDG 1997, ARI 1998, CAR 1999, WAS 2001 & GNB 2002.  

Glyn Milburn (Also WR & KR):  DEN 1993-95, DET 1996-97, CHI 1998-2001 & SDG 2001. 

Lorenzo Neal (FB):  NOR 1993-96, NYJ 1997, TAM 1998, TEN 1999-2000, CIN 2001-02, SDG 2003-07 & BAL 08.  

Clinton Portis: DEN 2002-03 & WAS 2004-10.  

Tony Richardson (FB):  KAN 1995-2005, MIN 2006-07, NYJ 2008-10. 

Robert Smith: MIN 1993-2000.

Darren Sproles:  SDG 2005-10, NOR 2011-13 & PHO 2014-19. 

Chris Warren:  SEA 1990-97, DAL 1998-2000, PHI 2000. 

Ricky Williams: NOR 1999-2001, MIA 2002, 2005 & 2007-10, BAL 2011. 

The Chairman’s Running Back Notes:

I love seeing Alexander here, but here is a question: Am I the only one who had Taylor sixth in this group? Taylor is like Eli, as I openly ask when he was seriously considered among the top three RBs in football.  Does first ballot Back Marshawn leapfrog him?

Wide Receivers (21): (Down From 23 Last Year)

Anquan Boldin:  ARI 2003-09, BAL 2010-12 & SFO 2014-15 & DET 2016.  A three-time Pro Bowl Selection and AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, Boldin had seven 1,000 Yard Receiving seasons, tallying 13,779 in total with 82 Touchdowns.  He is also a past winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year (2015) and Alan Page Community Award.  Ranked #83 on Notinhalloffame.com.

**Torry Holt: STL 1999-2008 & JAX 2009.  A Super Bowl Champion with the St. Louis Rams, Holt went to seven Pro Bowls and led the NFL in Receiving Yards twice (2000 & 2003).  The one-time First Team All-Pro finished his career with 13,382 Yards and 74 TDs.  Holt has been a multi-time Finalist.  Ranked #6 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jimmy Smith:  DAL 1992, JAX 1995-2005.  Smith was chosen for five consecutive Pro Bowls (1997-01), and in 1999, he led the NFL in Receptions (116).  He would retire with 12,287 Receiving Yards and 67 Touchdowns.  Ranked #165 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Steve Smith Sr.:  2001-16, CAR, BAL.  Smith led the NFL in Receptions (103), Receiving Yards (1,563), and Receiving Touchdowns (12) in 2005, and he was a two-time First Team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler.  Smith accumulated 14,731 Yards with 81 TDs and was a previous Semi-Finalist.  Ranked #24 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Hines Ward:  PIT 1998-2011.  Ward won two Super Bowls with the Steelers and was the MVP in one of them.  A multi-time Semi-Finalist, he has four consecutive Pro Bowls (2001-04), 85 Touchdowns, and 12,083 Yards on his resume.  Ranked #45 on Notinhalloffame.com.

**Reggie Wayne:  IND 2001-12.  Wayne was a career Colt, winning a Super Bowl there while earning six Pro Bowls and a First Team All-Pro.  He led the NFL in Receiving Yards in 2007 (1,510) and has significantly more Yards (14,345) than any other Preliminary candidate.  He also has 82 Touchdowns.  Ranked #11 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The 15 Wide Receivers eliminated are:

Donald Driver:  GNB 1999-12.  

Antonio Freeman:  GNB 1995-2001 & 2003 & PHI 2002.  

Irving Fryar: NWE 1984-92, MIA 1993-95, PHI 1996-97 & WAS 1999-2000.   Ranked #143 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Joe Horn: KAN 1996-99, NOR 2000-06 & ATL 2007.  

Chad Johnson:  CIN 2001-10, & NWE 2011.  Ranked #145 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Brandon Marshall:  DEN 2006-09, MIA 2010-11, CHI 2012-14, NYJ 2015-16, NYG 2017 & SEA 2018.  Ranked #172 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Derrick Mason:  TEN 1997-2004, BAL 2005-10, NYJ 2011 & HOU 2011.  Ranked #231 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Herman Moore:  DET 1991-2001 & NYG 2002.  Ranked #333 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Muhsin Muhammad:  CAR 1996-2004 & 2008-09 & CHI 2005-07.  

Jordy Nelson:  GNB: 2008-18. 

Andre Rison:  IND 1989, ATL 1990-94, CLE 1995, JAX 1996, GNB 1996, KAN 1997-99 & OAK 2000.  Ranked #202 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Rod Smith:  DEN 1995-2006.  Ranked #61 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Wes Welker:  SDG 2004, MIA 2004-06, NWE 2007-12, DEN 2013-14 & STL 2015.  Ranked #170 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Roddy White:  ATL 2005-15. 

The Chairman’s Wide Receiver Notes:

I have no issues with the six who advanced, and the only mild disappointment is Fryar’s omission, as his time is running out.

Tight Ends (6): (Up 3 from Last Year)

Ben Coates:  NWE 1991-99 & BAL 2000.  Coates was a Pro Bowler for five straight years from 1994 to 1998 and was a two-time First Team All-Pro.  He would accumulate 5,555 Yards with 50 Touchdowns.  Ranked #106 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Antonio Gates:  SDG 2003-16 & LAC 2017-18.  Gates went to the Pro Bowl every year from 2004 to 2011 and was a three-time First Team All-Pro.  A Finalist last year, he had 116 Touchdowns and 11,841 Yards.  It was a mild surprise that he was not inducted in the previous year.  Ranked #1 on Norinhalloffame.com.

The four Tight Ends eliminated were:

Vernon Davis: SFO 2006-15, DEN 2015 & WAS 2016-19. 

Jeremy Shockey:  NYG 2002-07, NOR 2009-10 & CAR 2011. 

Delanie Walker: SFO 2006-12 & TEN 2013-19.  

Wesley Walls:  1989-03, SFO, NOR, CAR, GNB.   Ranked #322 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The Chairman’s Tight End notes:

None.  These two belong, and Gates will enter this year.  Bank on it.

Offensive Lineman (12):

*Willie Anderson (T):  CIN 1996-2007 & BAL 2008.  Anderson was chosen for four Pro Bowls in a row (2003-06), with his last three being First Team All-Pro worthy.  Anderson has been a Finalist for the previous two years.  Ranked #115 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Lomas Brown (T): DET 1985-95 ARI 1996-98, CLE 1999, NYG 2000-01 & TAM 2002.  Brown had seven straight Pro Bowls (1990-96), and in his last season in the NFL, he would win a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay.  Ranked #152 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ruben Brown (G):  BUF 1995-2003 & CHI 2004-07.  Brown was a nine-time Pro Bowl Selection who started his 181 Games.  Ranked #119 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Jahri Evans (G):  NOR 2006-16 & GNB 2017.  Evans went to six consecutive Pro Bowls (2009-14) and was a First Team All-Pro in the first four.  He is also a Super Bowl Champion with the Saints.  Ranked #33 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Olin Kreutz (C):  CHI 1998-2010 & NOR 2011.  Kreutz went to six straight Pro Bowls (2001-06) and was a one-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #109 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Logan Mankins (G):  NWE 2005-13 & TAM.2014-15   A seven-time Pro Bowler, Mankins started all of his 161 Games at. Left Guard.  Ranked #78 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jeff Saturday (C):  IND 1999-2011 & GNB 2012.  Jeff Saturday won a Super Bowl with the Colts and was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #75 on Notinhalloffame.com.

**Joe Staley (T):  SFO 2007-19   Staley started all 181 Games as a Left Tackle with San Francisco, where he went to the Pro Bowls.    Ranked #111 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Richmond Webb (T):  MIA 1990-2000 & CIN 2001-02.  Webb was a Pro Bowl Selection in his first seven seasons, with two earning First Team All-Pro nods.  He was also named the Sporting News and the UPI Rookie of the Year.  Ranked #48 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Erik Williams (T):  DAL 1991-2000 & BAL 2001.  Williams won three Super Bowls with Dallas and went to four Pro Bowls.  He was also twice named a First Team All-Pro.

Steve Wisniewski (G):  EAI 1989-94 & OAK 1995-2001.  A previous Semi-Finalist, Wisniewski played his entire career with the Raiders, and he was an eight-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #21 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Marshal Yanda (G):  BAL 2007-19. A Super Bowl Champion with Baltimore, Yanda went to eight Pro Bowls with two First Team and five Second Team All-Pros.  Ranked #3 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The 14 Offensive Linemen eliminated were:

Bruce Armstrong (T/G):  1987-00, NWE.  Ranked #209 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Matt Birk (C):  MIN 1998-2007 & BAL 2009-12.  Ranked #137 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Travis Frederick (C): DAL 2012-17 & 2019. 

Jordan Gross (T):  CAR 2003-13  

Ryan Kalil (C):  CAR 2007-18 & NYJ 2019. 

Lincoln Kennedy (T-G):  ATL 1993-95 & OAK 1096-2003. 

T.J. Lang (G):  GNB 2009-16 & DET 2017-18. 

Nick Mangold (C):  NYJ 2008-16.  Ranked #92 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Tom Nalen (C): DEN 1994-07.  Ranked #132 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mark Schlereth (G/C):  WAS 1989-94 & DEN 1995-2000.  

Josh Sitton (G): GNB 2008-15, CHI 2016-17 & MIA 2018. 

Chris Snee (G):  NYG 2004-13.  

Dave Szott (G):  KAN 2990-3000, WAS 2001 & NYJ 2002-03. 

Brian Waters (G):  KAN 2000-10, NWE 2011 & DAL 2013.  Ranked #193 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The Chairman’s Offensive Line Notes:

It is nice to see the Browns here (Lomas and Ruben) and Webb and Wisniewski, who have limited time left and need to become a Finalist soon.  As for the Centers, while I have no issues with Kreutz and Saturday, Nalen and Mangold feel like better choices. 

Defensive Linemen: (8)

John Abraham (DE, also LB):  NYJ 2000-05, ATL 2006-12 & ARI 2013-14.  Recording 133.5 Sacks and 148 Tackles for Loss, Abraham was a five-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #62 on Notinhalloffame.com.

**Jared Allen (DE):  KAN 2004-07, MIN 2008-13, CHI 2014-15, CAR 2015.  Allen twice led the NFL in Sacks (2007 & 2011) and would have 136.0 in total.  Allen also was the 2011 runner-up for the AP Defensive Player of the Year, though he did win the Sporting News DPOY.  In his first four years of eligibility, Allen was a Finalist, a five-time Pro Bowler, and a First Team All-Pro in four of those years.  Ranked #18 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Robert Mathis (DE):  IND 2003-16.  Mathis won a Super Bowl with the Colts, thrice led the NFL in Forced Fumbles, and is the all-time leader in that category with 54.  He had 123 career Sacks, leading the NFL in that category in 2013 with 19, and also earning his only First-Team All-Pro with a second-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting.  Mathis went to five Pro Bowls.  Ranked #108 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Haloti Ngata (DT):  BAL 2006-14, DET 2015-17 &, PHI 2018.  Ngata won a Super Bowl with Baltimore, where he went to five straight Pro Bowls (2009-13) and earned two First Team All-Pro Selections.  Ranked #39 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Simeon Rice (DE):  ARI 1996-2000, TAM 2001-06, DEN 2007 & IND 2007.  Rice won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers and was a three-time Pro Bowler.  He would have 122.0 Sacks over his career.  Ranked #135 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Neil Smith (DE):  KAN 1988-96, DEN 1997-99 & SDG 2000.  Smith would go to six Pro Bowls and was also a First Team All-Pro in 1993 when he was the league leader in Sacks (15).  He would also win two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and had 104.5 career Sacks.  Ranked #32 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Vince Wilfork (DT/NT):  NWE 2002-14, HOU 2015-16.  A prior semi-finalist, Wilfork won two Super Bowls with the Patriots while individually earning five Pro Bowls and one First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #140 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Kevin Williams (DT/DE):  MIN 2003-13, SEA 2014 & NOR 2015.  Williams had six Pro Bowls and five First Team All-Pros in a career spent mainly in Minnesota.  He recorded 63 Sacks and 113 Tackles for Loss.  Ranked #25 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The 9 eliminated Defensive Lineman were:

La’Roi Glover (DT/NT):  OAK 1996, NOR 1997-2001, DAL 2002-05 & STL 2006-08.   Ranked #212 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Casey Hampton (DT/NT):  PIT 2001-12.   Ranked #314 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Chester McGlockton (DT):  RAI 1992-94, OAK 1995-97, KAN 1998-2000, DEN 2001-02 & NYJ 2003. 

Clyde Simmons: (DE/DT):  PHI 1986-92, ARI 1994-93, JAX 1996-97, CIN 1998 & CHI 1999-2000.   Ranked #330 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Henry Thomas (DT/NT):  MIN 1987-94, DET 1995-96 & NWE 1997-2000.  Ranked #266 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Justin Tuck (DE):  NYG 2005-13 & OAK 2014-15.  

Ted Washington (NT/DT):  SFO 1991-93, BUF 1995-2000, CHI 2001-02, NWE 2003, OAK 2004-05 & CLE. 2006-07.  Ranked #246 in Notinhalloffame.com.

Jamal Williams (DT/NT):  SDG 1998-2009 & DEN 2010. 

Pat Williams (DT):  BUF 1997-2004 & MIN 2005-10. 

The Chairman’s Defensive Lineman Notes:

Two names:  They got it right with Neil Smith and Kevin Williams, two Linemen who should have been Finalists years ago, both of whom have never been Semi-Finalists.  Hopefully, they both advance.

Linebackers: (5) (Down from 25 last year)

Cornelius Bennett:  1987-00, BUF, ATL, IND.  Bennett would go to five Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in 1988.  The two-time UPI Defensive Player of the Year helped Buffalo win four AFC Championships, and he had 71.5 Sacks and 1,190 Combined Tackles.  Ranked #95 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*London Fletcher:  STL 1998-2001, BUF 2002-06 & WAS 2007-13.  A previous Semi-Finalist. Fletcher would win a Super Bowl early in his career with the Rams, and later on in his career, he would make the Pro Bowl four years in a row (2009-12) as a Redskin. He accumulated 2,039 Combined Tackles over his career, 23 Interceptions, and 39 Sacks.  Ranked #55 on Notinhalloffame.com.

James Harrison:  PIT 2002, 2003-12 & 2017 -17, CIN 2013, NWE 2017.  Harrison won two Super Bowls with the Steelers and had a five-year streak of Pro Bowls from 2007 to 2011.  The two-time First Team All-Pro won the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year Award and is a previous Semi-Finalist.  Ranked #42 on Notinhalloffame.com.

**Luke Kucchly: CAR 2012-19.   Kuechly is a strong contender to enter Canton on his first year of eligibility as he is a former Defensive Rookie of the Year (2012) and Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.  A two-time leader in Combined Tackles, Kuechly was a seven-time Pro Bowl and five-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Terrell Suggs (Also DE):  BAL 2003-18, ARI 2019 & KAN 2019.  Suggs was the 2003 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, and eight years later, he was the consensus Defensive Player of the Year.  He went to seven Pro Bowls, was a one-time First Team All-Pro, and compiled 139 Sacks, 202 Tackles for Loss, and 200 Quarterback Hits.  He was also a huge part of Baltimore’s second Super Bowl, and as a veteran, he retired, winning a second one with Kansas City.  Ranked #13 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The 15 Linebackers eliminated were:

Jessie Armstead:  NYG 1992-2001 & WAS 2002-03.  Ranked #263 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Brendon Ayanbadejo:  MIA 2003-04, CHI 2005-07 &, BAL 2008-12. 

NaVorro Bowman:  SFO 2010-17 & OAK 2017.   Ranked #262 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Lance Briggs:  CHI 2003-14.   Ranked #123 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Keith Brooking:  ATL 1998-2012, DAL 2009-11 &, DEN.  Ranked #285 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Tedy Bruschi:  NWE 1996-2008.  

Donnie Edwards:  KAN 1996-2001 & 2007-08 & SDG 2002-06. 

James Farrior:  NYJ 1997-2001 & PIT 2002-11.  Ranked #271 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Willie McGinest (Also DE):  NWE 1994-2005 & CLE 2006-08.  

Ken Norton Jr.:  DAL 1988-93 & SFO 1994-2000.  

Julian Peterson:  SFO 2000-05, SEA 2006-08 & DET 2009-10.  Ranked #313 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bill Romanowski: SFO 1988-93, PHI 1994-95, DEN 1996-2001 & OAK 2002-03. 

Takeo Spikes:  CIN 1998-2003, BUF 2002-06, PHI 2007, SFO 2008-10 & SDG 2011-12.  

Jessie Tuggle:  ATL 1987-2000.  Ranked #126 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Vrabel:  PIT 1997-2000, NWE 2001-08 & KAN 2009-10. 

Lee Woodall:  SFO 1994-99, CAR 2000 & DEN 2001. 

The Chairman’s Linebackers Notes:

I am thrilled that Bennett is here, as he is also among my most wanted defensive players to at least get into the Finalist room to have a deep discussion.  Kuechly is no surprise, and I expect him to enter immediately.   If there were any other former players, I would have liked to see advance would be Jessie Tuggle and Lance Briggs.

Defensive Backs: (6)

*Eric Allen (CB):  1988-01, PHI, NOR, OAK.  Allen secured 54 Interceptions and 787 Tackles and would have six Pro Bowl Seasons, with one earning a First Team All-Pro Selection and a UPI Defensive Player of the Year Award.  He was a Finalist last year.  Ranked #46 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Kam Chancellor (S):  SEA 2010-17.  Chancellor won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks while going to do four Pro Bowls over his career.  He compiled 12 Interceptions with 607 Tackles.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Rodney Harrison (S):  SFG 1994-2002 & NWE 2003-08.  Harrison won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and was a Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro twice.  He would have 34 career Interceptions, 30.5 Sacks, and 1,206 Combined Tackles.  Ranked #150 on Notinhalloffame.com.

**Earl Thomas (S):  SEA 2010-18 & BAL 2019.  A seven-time Pro Bowler, Thomas was selected for three straight First Team All-Pros (2012-14) and won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks.  The Safety had 30 Interceptions and 713 Tackles.  Ranked #8 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Troy Vincent (CB):  MIA 1992-95, PHI 1996-2003, BUF 2004-05 & WAS 2006.   Vincent’s five Pro Bowls would all come consecutively (1999-2003) when he was with the Eagles. He earned First Team All-Pro honors in 2002 and had 47 Interceptions and 893 Combined Tackles.  In 2002 he also won the Walter Payton Man of the Year and Alan Page Community Award.  Ranked #259 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Darren Woodson (S):  DAL 1992-03.  Woodson was part of the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl Titles in the early 90s, a five-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro.  He has been a Semi-Finalist multiple times before and has 23 career Interceptions with 11 Sacks and 967 Combined Tackles.  Ranked #70 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The 12 Defensive Backs eliminated were:

Eric Berry (DB): KAN 2010-18.   Ranked #162 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Antoine Bethea (S): IND 2006-13, SFO 2013-16 & ARI 2017-19. 

Dre Bly (DB):  STL 1999-2002, DET 2003-06, DEN 2007-08 & SFO 2009. 

Nick Collins (S):  GNB 2005-11.  

Antonio Cromartie (CB):  2006-16, SDG, NYJ, ARI, IND.  

DeAngelo Hall (CB):  ATL 2004-07, OAK 2008 & WAS 2008-17

Eugene Robinson (DB):  Ranked #241 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Samari Rolle (CB):  TEN 1998-2004 & BAL 2005-08. 

Allen Rossum (CB):  PHI 1998-99, GNB 2000-01, ATL 2002-06, PIT 2007, SFO 2008-09 & DAL 2009.  

Bob Sanders (S):  IND 2004-10 & SDG 2011.  

Aqib Talib (CB): TB 2008-12, NEW 2012-13, DEN 2014-17 & LAR 2018-19.  Ranked #108 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Charles Tillman (CB):  CHI 2004-14 & CAR 2015.   Ranked #220 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The Chairman’s Defensive Backs Notes:

I was surprised to see Chancellor here, as I would have Eric Berry or Charles Tillman in this spot.  Thomas has had his past issues, and despite being (in my opinion) the best DB on the list, they could hold him back in favor of Allen.

Special Teams: (3)

Gary Anderson PK:  PIT 1982-94, PHI 1995-06, SFO 1997, MIN 1998-2002 & TEN 2003-04.  Anderson went to four Pro Bowls and was the all-time leader in Points Scored and Field Goals Made at the time of his retirement.  A member of the 1980s and 1990s All-Decade Team, Anderson is currently third all-time in Points (2,434).  Ranked #206 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Brian Mitchell (Also RB): WAS 1990-99, PHI 2000-02, NYG 2003.  Mitchell was a one-time Pro Bowl recipient and a four-time leader in All-Purpose Yards. He totaled 23,330 in APY and is second all-time in that statistic.  He also won a Super Bowl with Washington.  Ranked #151 on Notinhalloffame.com.

**Adam Vinatieri PK: NWE 1996-2005 & IND 2006-19.  Entering his first year on the ballot, Vinatieri was a clutch performer who won four Super Bowls and was a three-time First Team All-Pro.  He is the all-time leader in Points Scored (2,673) and Field Goals Made (599). Ranked #93 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The 18 Special Teams players eliminated were:

David Akers PK:  WAS 1998, PHI 1999-2010, SFO 2011-12 & DET 2013.  Ranked #280 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Darren Bennett P:  SDG 1995-2003 & MIN 2004-05. 

Jason Elam PK:  DEN 1993-2007 & ATL 2008-09.  

Jeff Feagles P:  NWE 1988-89, PHI 1989-93, ARI 1994-97, SEA 1998-2002 & NYG 2004-09.  

Jason Hanson PK:  DET 1992-12.

Sean Landeta P:  NYG 1985-93, RAM 1993-94, STL 1995-9 & 2003-046, TAM 1997, GNB 1998 & PHI 2000-01 & 05.  

Shane Lechler P:   Ranked #110 on Notinhalloffame.com.

John Kasay PK:  SEA, 1991-94, CAR 1995-2010 & NOR 2011.  

Pat McAfee P:  IND 2009-16.  

Josh Cribbs PR/KRWR:  CLE 2005-12, NYJ 2013 & IND 2014.  

Brian Moorman P: BUF 2001-13 & DAL 2012. 

Matt Stover PK:  CLE 1991-95, BAL 1996-2008 & IND 2009. 

Matt Turk P:  WAS 1995-99, MIA 2000-01 & 2003-03, NYJ 2002, STL 2006, HOU 2007-11, JAX 2011.  

Mike Vanderjadt PK:  IND 1998-2005 & DAL 2006. 

The Chairman’s Special Teams Notes:

Only one thing:  Will Vinatieri make it in year one? 

This group will be pared down to 25 in November and reduced to 15 in January.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate this group of former players who made it to this stage.

The problem with running a Hall of Fame-related website is that many of the big ones we cover all have announcements within months of each other.  The backbone of what we do is list-related, so this results in a long push to revise what we already have; specifically, now with our Football and Basketball Lists.

At present, we have a minor update as we have completed the third ten of the 2024 Football List, which you can comment on and vote on:

The new 31 to 40:

31. Bob Kuechenberg
32. Neil Smith
33. Jahri Evans
34. Bobby Boyd
35. Lee Roy Jordan
36. Verne Lewellen
37. Joe Jacoby
38. Al Wistert
39. Haloti Ngata
40. Jimmy Patton

Rankings are impacted annually based on your comments and votes.

Thank you all for your patience. We will soon unveil more changes to the football and basketball lists.

For us at Notinhalloffame.com, this is our march toward our Christmas.  The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the Modern-Era Preliminary Nominees for the Class of 2024, a total of 173 former players, which we believe has to be a record.

To qualify, a player must have retired less than 25 years ago and at least 5 years ago:

*means they were a preliminary candidate last year.

**means they are eligible for the first time.

Quarterbacks (10): (up from 6 last year)

Marc Bulger: 2002-09: STL.  Bulger went to two Pro Bowls and threw for over 22,000 Yards.

*Randall Cunningham: 1985-01, PHI, MIN, DAL, BAL. Cunningham is a three-time Bert Bell Award winner a four-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #26 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Jake Delhomme: 1999-11, NOR, CAR, HOU. Delhomme went to the Pro Bowl in 2005 and he would throw for over 20,000 Yards.

Doug Flutie: 1986-89 & 1998-05.  Flutie played many years in the CFL and went to the Pro Bowl in his return year in 1998.

Rich Gannon:  1987-04, MIN, WAS, KAN, OAK.  Gannon was a four-time Pro Bowler who won the 2002 AP MVP.  The two-time First Team All-Pro threw for 28,743 Yards and 180 Touchdowns.  Ranked #291 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Jeff Garcia:  1999-09, SFO, CLE, DET, PHI, TAM.  Garcia was a four-time Pro Bowler and would throw for over 25,000 Passing Yards.

*Donovan McNabb:  1999-01, PHI, WAS, MIN.  McNabb took the Eagles to the Super Bowl and was a six-time Pro Bowler.  He threw for 37,276 Yards with 234 Touchdowns and ran for another 3,459 Yards and 29 TDs.  Ranked #80 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Steve McNair:  1995-2007, HOU, TEN, BAL.  McNair was a three-time Pro Bowl and former MVP.  He threw for 31,204 Yards and 174 Touchdowns.  Ranked #121 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Tony Romo:  2004-16, DAL.  Romo went to four Pro Bowls and amassed 34,183 Passing Yards and 248 Touchdown Passes.

Michael Vick:  2001-06 & 2009-15, ATL, PHI.  Vick went to four Pro Bowls and won the 2010 Bert Bell Award.  He threw for 22,464 Yards and 133 Touchdowns, and rushed for 6,109 Yards and 36 Touchdowns.  Ranked #269 on Notinhalloffame.com.

(Quarterbacks added: Marc Bulger, Doug Flutie, Rich Gannon, Tony Romo & Michael Vick.  Quarterbacks removed: Dave Krieg.)

Running Backs (33): (Up from 17 last year)

*Shaun Alexander:  2000-08, SEA, PHI.  Alexander went to three straight Pro Bowls and in the last one he won the Rushing Title and was named the AP MVP.  Alexander retired with 10,973 Yards From Scrimmage and 112 Touchdowns.  Ranked #79 on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Terry Allen:  1991-01, MIN, WAS, NEW, NOR, BAL.  Allen went to one Pro Bowl and compiled 10,215 Yards From Scrimmage and 79 Touchdowns.

Jamal Anderson:  1994-01, ATL.  In 1998, Anderson was a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl Selection who had 5,336 career Rushing Yards.

*Mike Alstott (FB):  1996-06, TAM.  Alstott won a Super Bowl with the Bucs and was a six-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro.  He would total 7,373 Yards From Scrimmage with 71 Touchdowns.  Ranked #150 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Tiki Barber:  1997-06, NYG.  Barber rushed for over 10,000 Yards and was a three-time Pro Bowler.  He also caught another 5,000 Yards and was a two-time leader in Yards From Scrimmage.  Ranked #165 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Michael Bates (KR):  1993-03, SEA, CLE, CAR, WAS, DAL, NYJ.  Bates went to five Pro Bowls as a Kick Returner and compiled 9,348 All-Purpose Yards.

*Larry Centers:  1990-03, PHO, ARI, WAS, BUF, NWE.  Centers was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection and totalled 8,985 Yards From Scrimmage.

**Jamaal Charles:  2008-18, KAN, DEN, JAX.  Charles went to four Pro Bowls, was a two-time First Team All-Pro and in a career spent mostly in Kansas City, would net 10,156 Yards From Scrimmage.

Stephen Davis:  1996-06, WAS, CAR, STL.  Davis rushed for just over 8,000 Yards and 65 Touchdowns while going to three Pro Bowls.

*Corey Dillon:  1997-06, CIN, NWE.  Dillon won the Super Bowl with the Patriots and was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Dillon accumulated 13,335 All-Purpose Yards over his career.

Warrick Dunn:  1997-08, TAM, ATL.  Dunn was the 1997 Offensive Rookie of the Year and was a three-time Pro Bowler who rushed for 10,957 Yards and 49 Touchdowns.

Charlie Garner:  1994-04, PHI, SFO, OAK, TAM.  Garner was a one-time Pro Bowl honoree and would rush for 7,097 Yards with 39 Touchdowns. 

*Eddie George:  1996-04, HOU, TEN, DAL.  George went to four straight Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in 2000.  He would rush for 10,441 Yards.  Ranked #171 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ahman Green:  1998-08, GB, HOU.  Green went to four consecutive Pro Bowls (2001-04) and accrued 12,088 Yards From Scrimmage with 74 Touchdowns.

*Priest Holmes:  1997-07, BAL, KC.  Winning the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, Holmes had greater individual success with the Chiefs where he was a three-time First Team All-Pro.  He would tabulate 11,134 Yards From Scrimmage.  Ranked #130 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Steven Jackson:  2004-15, STL, ATL, NWE.  Jackson accrued 15,121 Yards From Scrimmage and 78 Touchdowns.  He is the Rams’ all-time leading rusher.  Ranked #193 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Chris Johnson:  2008-17, TEN, NYJ, ARI.  Johnson won the 2009 Offensive Player of the Year Award in a campaign where he set the single-season record for Yards From Scrimmage (2,509).  He rushed for 9,651 Yards over his career.

Daryl Johnston (FB):  1998-98, DAL.  Johnston was the Fullback for the three Super Bowl Championship Teams in Dallas, and he also went to two Pro Bowls.

Thomas Jones:  2000-11, ARI, TAM, CHI, NYJ, KAN.  Jones is a member of the 10,000 Yard Rushing Club (10,591) and also had 68 TDs on the ground.  He also went to one Pro Bowl.

John Kuhn (FB):  2006-17, PIT, GNB, NOR.  Kuhn was a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time First Team All-Pro who won a Super Bowl with the Packers.

*Vonta Leach (FB): 2004-13, GNB, NO, HOU, BAL.  Leach won a Super Bowl with the Ravens and was a three-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro at Fullback.

Dorsey Levens: 1994-04, GNB, PHI, NYG.  Levens won a Super Bowl and went to a Pro Bowl as a Packer.  He would also accumulate 7,288 All-Purpose Yards with 53 Touchdowns.

*Jamal Lewis:  2000-09, BAL, CLE.  In 2003, Lewis entered rarified air as he entered the 2,000-Yard club when he went for 2,006.  He would rush for 10,607 Yards.  Ranked #227 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Eric Metcalf (Also WR/PR/KR):  1989-02, CLE, ATL, SDG, ARI, CAR, WAS, GNB.  Incredibly versatile, Metcalf was also used as a Wide Receiver and Returner and the three-time Pro Bowler would total 17,230 All-Purpose Yards.

Glyn Milburn (Also WR & KR):  1993-01, DET, CHI, SDG.  Milburn went to two Pro Bowls as a Kick Returner and had 14,911 All-Purpose Yards.

*Lorenzo Neal (FB):  1993-08, NOR, NYJ, TAM, TEN, CIN, SDG, BAL.  Playing at Fullback, Neal would go to four Pro Bowls and was named to two First Team All-Pros.

Tony Richardson (FB):  1995-10, KAN, MIN, NYJ.  Richardson was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection

Robert Smith: 1991-00, MIN.  Smith went to two Pro Bowls, retired in his prime, and had 6,818 Rushing Yards with 33 Touchdowns.

*Fred Taylor:  1998-10, JAX, NWE.  Taylor was a Pro Bowl Selection in 2007 and would accumulate 14,079 Yards From Scrimmage, 11,695 on the ground.  Ranked #186 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Chris Warren:  1990-00, SEA, DAL, PHI.  Warren went to three straight Pro Bowls (1993-95) and rushed for 7,696 Yards and 52 Touchdowns.

*Ricky Watters:  1992-01, SFO, PHI, SEA.  Watters was a Super Bowl Champion with the 49ers and he would go to the Pro Bowl in his first five years in the NFL.  He would lead the NFL in Yards From Scrimmage in 1996 and would have 14,891 in total.  Ranked #50 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Brian Westbrook:  2002-10, PHI, SFO.  Westbrook went to two Pro Bowls and led the NFL in Yards From Scrimmage in 2007.  He had over 11,000 All-Purpose Yards.   

Ricky Williams:  1999-11, NO, MIA, BAL.  Williams won the 2002 Rushing Title and went to the Pro Bowl and was named a First Team All-Pro that year.  He compiled 10,009 Rushing Yards with 66 Touchdowns.

(Running Backs added: Terry Allen, Jamal Anderson, Michael Bates, Jamaal Charles, Stephen Davis, Charlie Garner, Ahman Green, Daryl Johnston, Thomas Jones, John Kuhn, Dorsey Levens, Glyn Milburn, Tony Richardson, Robert Smith, Chris Warren and Ricky Williams.  Running Backs removed: None.)

Wide Receivers (23): (Up From 20 Last Year)

*Anquan Boldin:  2003-16, ARI, BAL, SFO.  A three-time Pro Bowl Selection, Boldin had seven 1,000 Yard Receiving seasons, tallying 13,779 in total with 82 Touchdowns.  Ranked #89 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Troy Brown (Also PR/KR):  1993-07, NWE.  A Pro Bowler in 2001, Brown had 6,366 Receiving Yards with another 4,487 Yards in the return game.  Brown won three Super Bowls with the Patriots.

*Donald Driver:  1999-12, GNB.  Driver was a Super Bowl Champion with the Packers where he would also go to three Pro Bowls.  He would accumulate 10,137 Receiving Yards.

Antonio Freeman:  1995-03, GNB, PHI.  Freeman won a Super Bowl with Green Bay and was leading receiver in 1998.  He amassed 7,251 Receiving Yards with 61 Touchdowns.

*Irving Fryar: 1984-00, NE, MIA, PHI, WAS.  Fryar was a five-time Pro Bowl Selection, and a former First Overall Pick.  He accumulated 12,785 Receiving Yards with 84 Touchdowns.  Ranked #141 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dante Hall (Also KR/PR):  2000-08, KAN, STL.  Hall was twice a Pro Bowler and a one-time First Team All-Pro as a Returner.  He compiled 14,386 All-Purpose Yards.

*Devin Hester (Also KR/PR):  2006-16, CHI, ATL BAL, SEA.  Hester might be listed first as a Wide Receiver, but his three First Team All-Pros and four Pro Bowls came as a Returner.  In his first year of eligibility, Hester had 14,455 All-Purpose Yards. He was a Finalist last year.  Ranked #34 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Torry Holt: 1999-09, STL, JAX.  A Super Bowl Champion with the St. Louis Rams, Holt went to seven Pro Bowls and led the NFL in Receiving Yards twice.  He finished his career with 13,382 Yards and 74 TDs.  Holt was a Finalist last year.  Ranked #6 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Joe Horn: 1996-07, KAN, NOR, ATL.  Horn was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Saints, and had 8,744 Receiving Yards with 58 Touchdowns.  

*Andre Johnson:  2003-16, HOU, IND, TEN.  Johnson led the NFL in Receiving Yards twice with 14,185 in total, 13,597 of which was as a Texan.  Johnson went to seven Pro Bowls, earned two First Team All-Pros, and is his in his first year of eligibility.  Ranked #18 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Chad Johnson:  2001-11, CIN, NWE.  Johnson went to six Pro Bowls as a Bengal and he would accumulate 11,059 Receiving Yards, punching 67 of them into the end zone.  “Ocho Cinco” was also a First Team All-Pro twice.  Ranked #146 on Notinhalloffame.com.

**Brandon Marshall:  2006-18.  Marshall was a six-time Pro Bowler and one was a First Team All-Pro.  He amassed 12,351 Yards with 83 Touchdowns.  Ranked #166 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Derrick Mason:  1997-11, TEN, BAL.  Mason would record 12,061 Receiving Yards and was chosen for the Pro Bowl twice.  Ranked #224 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Herman Moore:  1991-02, DET, NYG.  Moore went to four consecutive Pro Bowls (1994-97) and earned three straight First Team All-Pros (1995-97).  He twice led the NFL in Receptions, and had 9,174 Yards with 62 TDs.

*Muhsin Muhammad:  1996-09, CAR, CHI.  Muhammad led all NFL Wide Receivers in Yards in 2004, which was the season he was chosen as a First Team All-Pro.  He would net 11,438 Receiving Yards in total.

Jordy Nelson:  2008-18, GNB. Nelson had 72 Touchdowns, 8,587 Yards and a Super Bowl Ring with Green Bay.  He also went to one Pro Bowl.

*Andre Rison:  1989-00, ATL, CLE, GNB, JAX, KAN, OAK.  Rison went to the Pro Bowls five times, four with Atlanta, where he led the NFL Touchdown Receptions in 1993.  He had 84 Touchdowns with 10,205 career Receiving Yards. Ranked #195 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Jimmy Smith:  1992-05, DAL, JAX.  Smith was chosen for five consecutive Pro Bowls (1997-01) and in 1999 he led the NFL in Receptions.  He would retire with 12,287 Receiving Yards and 67 Touchdowns.  Ranked #179 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Rod Smith:  1995-06, DEN.  Smith would win two Super Bowls with the Broncos and was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection.  He recorded 11,389 Yards with 68 TDs.  Ranked #62 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Steve Smith:  2001-16, CAR, BAL.  Smith led the NFL in Receptions, Receiving Yards and Receiving Touchdowns in 2005, and he was a two-time First Team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler.  Smith accumulated 14,731 Yards with 81 TDs.  Ranked #24 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Hines Ward:  1998-11, PIT.  Ward won two Super Bowls with the Steelers and was the MVP in one of them.  A previous Semi-Finalist, he has four Pro Bowls, 85 Touchdowns and 12,083 Yards on his resume.  Ranked #43 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Reggie Wayne:  2001-12, IND.  Wayne was a career-Colt, winning a Super Bowl there, while earning six Pro Bowls and a First Team All-Pro.  He led the NFL in Receiving Yards in 2007, and has significantly more Yards (14,345) than any other Finalist.  He also has 82 Touchdowns.  Ranked #10 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Wes Welker:  2004-15, MIA, SDG, NEW, DEN, STL.  Welker led the NFL three times in Receptions and the five-time Pro Bowl Selection had 9,924 career Receiving Yards.  Ranked #161 on Notinhalloffame.com.

(Wide Receivers Added: Antonio Freeman, Dante Hall, Brandon Marshall, Herman Moore & Jordy Nelson, Wide Receivers Removed: Henry Ellard & Roddy White)

Tight Ends (3): (No Change from Last Year)

Antonio Gates:  2003-18, SDG, LAC.  Gates went to the Pro Bowl every year from 2004 to 2011, and was a three-time First Team All-Pro.  He had 116 Touchdowns and 11,841 Yards.  Ranked #4 on Norinhalloffame.com.

*Ben Coates:  1991-00, NWE, BAL.  Coates was a Pro Bowler in five straight years from 1994 to 1998 and was a two-time First Team All-Pro.  He would accumulate 5,555 Yards with 50 Touchdowns.  Ranked #101 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Wesley Walls:  1989-03, SFO, NOR, CAR, GNB.  Walls was named to the Pro Bowl five times when he was with the Carolina Panthers.  He would have 5,291 Yards with 54 TDs in his career.  Ranked #297 on Notinhalloffame.com.

(Tight Ends added: Antonio Gates, Tight Ends removed, Dallas Clark)

Offensive Lineman (25): (Up from 20 Last Year)

*Willie Anderson (T):  1996-08, CIN, BAL.  Anderson was chosen for four Pro Bowls in a row (2003-06), with his last three being First Team All-Pro worthy.  Anderson was a surprise Finalist last year.  Ranked #137 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bruce Armstrong (T):  1987-00, NWE.  Armstrong went to six Pro Bowls in a career spent entirely with the Patriots.  Ranked #202 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Matt Birk (C):  1998-12, MIN, BAL.  Birk is a Super Bowl Champion with the Baltimore Ravens and would prior have six Pro Bowls as a Minnesota Viking.  Ranked #144 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Lomas Brown (T):  1985-02, DET, ARI, CLE, NYG, TAM.  Brown had seven straight Pro Bowls (1990-96) and in his last season in the NFL, he would win a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay.  Ranked #162 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Ruben Brown (G):  1995-07, BUF, CHI.  Brown was a nine-time Pro Bowl Selection who started all of his 181 Games.  Ranked #111 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Jahri Evans (G): 2006-17.  Evans went to six Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in four of them.  He is also a Super Bowl Champion with the Saints and is in his first year of eligibility.  Ranked #31 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Kevin Glover (C/G):  1985-99, DET, SEA.  Glover was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection at Center with the Lions.

*Olin Kreutz (C):  1998-11, CHI, NOR.  Kreutz went to six Pro Bowls and was also a one-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #106 on Notinhalloffame.com.

**T.J Lang (T):  2009-18, GNB, DET.  Lang won a Super Bowl with Green Bay and was twice a Pro Bowler.

Matt Light (T):  2001-11, NWE.  Light won three Super Bowls with New England and was also a three-time Pro Bowl Selection.  He also has a First Team All-Pro on his ledger.

*Nick Mangold (C):  2008-16, NYJ.  Mangold played his entire career with the Jets, where he went to seven Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros.  Ranked #242 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Logan Mankins (G):  2005-15, NWE, TAM.  A seven-time Pro Bowler, Mankins started all of his 161 Games at. Left Guard.  Ranked #87 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Tom Nalen (C): 1994-07, DEN.  Nalen won two Super Bowls with the Broncos and was chosen for five Pro Bowls and was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #167 on Notinhalloffame.com.  Ranked #142 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Nate Newton (G/T): 1986-99 DAL.  Newton went to six Pro Bowls, two First Team All-Pros and won three Super Bowl Rings with the Cowboys.  Ranked #182 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Jeff Saturday (C):  1999-02, IND, GNB.  Saturday won a Super Bowl with the Colts and he was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #69 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Mark Schlereth (G/C):  1989-00, WAS, DEN.  Schlereth won three Super Bowls and went to two Pro Bowls.

**Josh Sitton (G):  2008-18, GNB, CHI, MIA.  Sitton went to four Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl with Green Bay.

*Chris Snee (G):  2004-13, NYG.  Snee was a two-time Super Bowl Champion who played all 141 of his Games starting at Right Guard.  He was also a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  

Mark Stepnoski (C):  1989-01, DAL, HOU, TEN.  Stepnoski won three Super Bowls with Dallas and had a five-year run of Pro Bowls (1992-96).  Ranked #181 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dave Szott (G):  1990-03, KAN, WAS, NYJ.  Szott was a First Team All-Pro in 1997.

Max Unger (C):  2009-18, SEA, NO.  Unger won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks and was a three-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  

*Brian Waters (G):  2000-13, KAN, NWE, DAL.  Waters would go to six Pro Bowls and was named to two First Team All-Pros.  Ranked #184 on Notinhalloffame.com

*Richmond Webb (T):  1990-02, MIA, CIN.  Webb was a Pro Bowl Selection in his first seven seasons with two of them earning First Team All-Pro nods.  Ranked #49 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Erik Williams (T):  1991-01, DAL, BAL.  Williams won three Super Bowls with Dallas and he went to four Pro Bowls.

*Steve Wisniewski (G):  1989-01, RAI, OAK.  A previous Semi-Finalist, Wisniewski played his entire career with the Raiders and he was an eight-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #20 on Notinhalloffame.com.

(Offensive Lineman added: Bruce Armstrong, T.J. Lang, Matt Light Josh Sitton, Mark Stepnoski, Dave Szott & Max Unger  Offensive Lineman removed: D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Jordan Gross & Joe Thomas)

Defensive Linemen: (20) (Up from 14 Last Year)

*John Abraham (DE, also LB):  2000-14, NYJ, ATL, ARI.  Recording 133.5 Sacks, Abraham was a five-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #64 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Jared Allen (DE):  2004-15, KAN, MIN, CHI, CAR.  Allen twice led the NFL in Sacks and would have 136.0 in total.  In his first three years of eligibility, Allen was a Finalist, and he was a five-time Pro Bowler, and was a First Team All-Pro in four of those years.  Ranked #17 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Dwight Freeney (DE):  2002-17, IND, SD, ARI, DET, SEA.  Freeney won a Super Bowl with Indianapolis, the team he went to all seven of his Pro Bowls with.  A three-time First Team All-Pro, Freeney had 125.5 Sacks.  Ranked #48 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*La’Roi Glover (DT/NT):  1996-08, OAK, NOR, DAL, STL.  Glover was a six-time Pro Bowl Selection and in 2000 he would lead the NFL in Sacks and was also a First Team All-Pro that year. He would have 83.5 career Sacks.  Ranked #208 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Casey Hampton (DT/NT):  2001-12, PIT.  Hampton played his entire career with the Steelers where he won two Super Bowls and was chosen for five Pro Bowls.  Ranked #270 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Robert Mathis (DE):  2003-16, IND.  Mathis won a Super Bowl with the Colts, and thrice led the NFL in Forced Fumbles.  He had 123 career Sacks, leading the NFL in that category in 2013, which was also his only First Team All-Pro.  Mathis went to five Pro Bowls.  Ranked #108 on Notinhalloffame.com.

**Haloti Ngata (DT):  2006-18, BAL, DET, PHI.  Ngata won a Super Bowl with Baltimore, where he went to five straight Pro Bowls (2009-13) and earned two First Team All-Pro Selections.  Ranked #44 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Leslie O’Neal (DE):  1986-99, SDG, STL, KAN.  O’Neal was a six-time Pro Bowler during his tenure with the Chargers and was the 1986 Defensive Rookie of the Year.  O’Neal had 132.5 career Sacks.  Ranked #93 on Notinhalloffame.com.

**Julius Peppers (DE):  2002-18, CAR, CHI, GNB.  Peppers had nine Pro Bowls, three First Team All-Pros and 159.5 Sacks over his stellar career.   Ranked #1 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Simeon Rice (DE):  1996-07, ARI, TAM, IND, DEN.  Rice won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers and was a three-time Pro Bowler.  He would have 122.0 Sacks over his career.  Ranked #133 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Justin Smith (DE):  2001-14, CIN, SFO.  Smith went on a five-year streak in the second half of his career of Pro Bowls (2009-14) and was a one-time First Team All-Pro in the middle of it.  He had 87.0 career Sacks.  Ranked #159 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Neil Smith (DE):  1988-00, KAN, DEN, SDG.  Smith would go to six Pro Bowls and was also a First Team All-Pro in 1993.  He would also win two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and had 104.5 career Sacks.  Ranked #41 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dana Stubblefield (DT):  1993-03, SFO, WAS, OAK.  Stubblefield won the 1997 Defensive Player of the Year, and was a three-time Pro Bowler while with San Francisco, the team he won a Super Bowl ring with. 

Henry Thomas (DT/NT):  1987-00, MIN, DET, NWE.  Thomas was in the Pro Bowl and had 93.5 Sacks.

*Justin Tuck (DE):  2005-15, NYG, OAK.  Tuck was a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl Champion as a Giant. 

Ted Washington (NT/DT):  1991-07, SFO, BUF, CHI, NWE, OAK, CLE.  Washington won a Super Bowl early in his career with San Francisco, and later was named to four Pro Bowls and a First Team All-Pro.

*Vince Wilfork (DT/NT):  2004-16, NE, HOU.  Wilfork won two Super Bowls with the Patriots while individually earning five Pro Bowls and one First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #140 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jamal Williams (DT/NT):  1998-10, SDG, DEN.  Williams had three Pro Bowls in his career, with two First Team All-Pros.

*Kevin Williams (DT/DE):  2003-15, MIN, SEA, NOR.  Williams had six Pro Bowls and five First Team All-Pros in a career spent mostly in Minnesota.  He is entering his first year of eligibility.  Ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Pat Williams (DT):  1997-10, BUF, MIN.  This Williams played with the above Williams to form the “Williams Wall” in Minnesota.  Williams was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection when he was a Viking.

(Defensive Lineman added: Haloti Ngata, Julius Peppers, Dana Stubblefield, Henry Thomas, Ted Washington, Jamal Williams & Pat Williams, Defensive Lineman removed: Clyde Simmons)

Linebackers: (25) (Up from 17 last year)

*Jessie Armstead:  1993-03, NYG, WAS.  Armstead went to five straight Pro Bowls and amassed 971 Tackles and 40.0 Sacks.

Brendon Ayanbadejo:  2003-12, MIA, CHI, BAL.  Ayanbadejo went to three straight Pro Bowls (2006-08).

*Cornelius Bennett:  1987-00, BUF, ATL, IND.  Bennett would go to five Pro Bowls and he was a First Team All-Pro in 1988.  He had 71.5 Sacks and 1,190 Combined Tackles.  Ranked #111 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*NaVorro Bowman:  2010-17, SF, OAK.  Bowman was a four-time First Team All-Pro with 798 career Tackles.  Ranked #241 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Lance Briggs:  2003-14, CHI.  Briggs went to seven straight Pro Bowls (2005-11) and he was a First Team All-Pro in the first year of that streak.  He had 1,181 career Combined Tackles, 16 Interceptions and 15.0 Sacks.  Ranked #118 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Keith Brooking:  1998-2012, ATL, DAL, DEN.  Brooking was a Pro Bowler in five straight years while playing for Atlanta (2001-05).  He had 1,440 Combined Tackles.  Ranked #261 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Tedy Bruschi:  1996-08, NWE.   Bruschi won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and was a Pro Bowler in 2004.

Karlos Dansby:  2004-17, ARI, CLE, CIN.  Dansby had 20 Interceptions and 43 Sacks over his long career.

Donnie Edwards:  1996-08, KAN, SDG.  Edwards went to one Pro Bowl and led the league in Tackles in 2004.  He had 1,501 career Tackles

*James Farrior:  1997-11, NYJ, PIT.  Farrior had 1,440 Tackles and 35.5 Sacks over his long career, and he was also a two-time Super Bowl winner with the Steelers.

*London Fletcher:  1998-13, STL, BUF, WAS.  Fletcher would win a Super Bowl early in his career with the Rams and late on his career, he would make the Pro Bowl four years in a row as a Redskin. He would accumulate over 2,000 Combined Tackles over his career.  Ranked #64 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*James Harrison:  2002-17, PIT, CIN, NEW.  Harrison won two Super Bowls with the Steelers, and had a five-year streak of Pro Bowls.  The two-time First Team All-Pro won the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year Award, and is in his first year of eligibility.  Ranked #52 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Izzo:  1996-08, MIA, NWE, NYJ.  Izzo went to three Pro Bowls as a Special Teams player and he won three Super Bowls with New England.

*Willie McGinest (Also DE):  1994-08, NWE, CLE.  Twice named to the Pro Bowl, McGinest won three Super Bowls with the Patriots.  He accumulated 86.0 Sacks over his career.

Hardy Nickerson: 1987-02, PIT, TAM, JAX, GNB.  Nickerson was at his best in Tampa, obtaining all five of his Pro Bowls and both of his First Team All-Pros there.  He had 1,586 Tackles over his career.  Ranked #139 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Ken Norton Jr.:  1988-00, DAL, SFO.   Norton Jr won three Super Bowls (two with Dallas and one with San Francisco), and he went to three Pro Bowls.  He also had a First Team All-Pro (1995), and recorded 1,272 Tackles.

Bryce Paup: 1990-00, GNB, BUF, JAX, MIN.  Paup was the Defensive Player of the Year in 1995, which was in the middle of his four consecutive Pro Bowls.  He had 75 Sacks over his career.

Julian Peterson:  2000-10, SFO, SEA, DET.  Peterson went to five Pro Bowls, secured a First Team All-Pro and had 51.5 Sacks   Ranked #286 on Notinhalloffame.com

Joey Porter:  1999-11, PIT, MIA, ARI.  A Four-time Pro Bowl, Porter added a First Team All-Pro and won a Super Bowl with the Steelers.  He had 98 Sacks over his career.  Ranked #194 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Takeo Spikes:  1998-12, CIN, BUF, PHI, SFO, SDG.  Spikes was chosen for two Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in 2004.  He was also one Interception shy of the 20-20 club and he accumulated 1,431 career Combined Tackles.

Jessie Tuggle:  1987-00, ATL.  A Falcon for his entire career, Tuggle led the NFL in Tackles four times, retiring with 1,805 in total.  He also went to five Pro Bowls.  Ranked #119 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Vrabel:  1997-10, PIT, NWE.  Vrabel won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and in one season, he was a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler.  He had 57 Sacks over his career.

*Patrick Willis:  2007-14, SFO.  Willis had a brief but potent career where in his eight seasons he went to seven Pro Bowls and earned six First Team All-Pros.  He led the NFL in Combined Tackles twice and had 950 in total.  He was a Finalist last year.  Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Al Wilson:   1996-06, DEN.  Wilson played his entire career with the Broncos where he was a five-time Pro Bowl Selection.  

Lee Woodall:  1994-01, SF, CAR, DEN.  Woodall won a Super Bowl with the 49ers where he was also a two-time Pro Bowl Selection.

(Linebackers added: Brendon Ayanbadejo, Keith Brooking, Karlos Dansby, Donnie Edwards, Larry Izzo, Hardy Nickerson, Ken Norton Jr., Bryce Paup, Julian Peterson, Joey Porter, Jessie Tuggle, Mike Vrabel & Lee Woodall.  Linebackers removed: Chad Brown, Seth Joyner, Pat Swilling, Zach Thomas & DeMarcus Ware)

Defensive Backs: (17) (Down from 19 Last Year)

*Eric Allen (CB):  1988-01, PHI, NOR, OAK.  Allen secured 54 Interceptions and would have six Pro Bowl Seasons, with one of them earning a First Team All-Pro Selection.  Ranked #49 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dre Bly (DB):  1999-09, ST, DET, DEN, SFO.  Bly won a Super Bowl with the Rams and was twice named to the Pro Bowl.  He had 43 career Interceptions.

*Kam Chancellor (S):  2010-17, SEA.  Chancellor is in his first year of eligibility, and the former Seahawk won a Super Bowl while going to do four Pro Bowls over his career.  

*Nick Collins (S):  2005-11, GNB.  Collins won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers and was a Pro Bowler three times. He would lead the NFL in Interception Return Yards in 2008 and had 21 career Interceptions.

*Antonio Cromartie (CB):  2006-16, SDG, NYJ, ARI, IND.  Cromartie went to four Pro Bowls, going to the First Team All-Pro in 2007, the same season he led the NFL in Interceptions with 10.  Cromartie had 31 picks over his career and is Hall of Fame eligible for the first time.

*Merton Hanks (S):  1991-98, SFO, SEA.  Hanks won a Super Bowl with the Niners and was also a Pro Bowl Selection four times.  He recorded 33 career Interceptions.

*Rodney Harrison (S):  1994-08, SDG, NWE.  Harrison won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and he was a Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro twice.  He would have 34 career Interceptions and 1,206 Combined Tackles.

Carnell Lake (S).  1988-01, PIT, BAL.   Lake was a five-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #211 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Tim McDonald (S):  1987-99, STL, PHO, SFO.  McDonald recorded 40 Interceptions and was a six-time Pro Bowler.  He would win a Super Bowl with the 49ers and had 40 Interceptions and 1,139 Combined Tackles.  Ranked #271 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Eugene Robinson (DB):  1985-00 SEA, GNB, ATL, CAR.  Robinson had 57 Interceptions, 1,413 Tackles, and a Super Bowl Ring with Green Bay.  He also went to three Pro Bowls.

Samari Rolle (DB):  1998-08 TEN, BAL.  Rolle went to the Pro Bowl and had a First Team All-Pro in 2000, and had 31 Interceptions.

*Allen Rossum (CB):  1998-09, PHI, GNB, ATL, PIT, SFO. DAL.  Rossum is listed as a Cornerback, but he was more of a Returner.  He was a Pro Bowler in 2004 and had 15,046 All-Purpose Yards.

*Bob Sanders (S):  2004-11, IND, SDG.  Sanders only played 50 Games but was the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year and is the owner of a Super Bowl Ring with the Colts.

*Charles Tillman (CB):  2004-11, CHI, CAR.  Tillman is in his first year of eligibility and he was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection.  He would have 38 career Interceptions with 930 Combined Tackles.

*Troy Vincent (CB):  1992-06, MIA, PHI, BUF, WAS.   Vincent’s five Pro Bowls would all come consecutively when he was with the Eagles. He would earn First Team All-Pro honors in 2002 and had 47 Interceptions and 893 Combined Tackles.  Ranked #259 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Antoine Winfield (DB):  1999-12, BUF, MIN.  Winfield went to three straight Pro Bowls (2008-10) and had 27 Interceptions with 1,094 Combined Tackles.

*Darren Woodson (S):  1992-03, DAL.  A part of the Cowboys three Super Bowl Titles in the early 90s, Woodson was a five-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro.  He has been a Semi-Finalist before and has 23 career Interceptions with 11 Sacks and 967 Combined Tackles.  Ranked #77 on Notinhalloffame.com.

(Defensive Backs added: Dre Bly, Carnell Lake, Eugene Robinson, Samari Rolle & Antoine Winfield  Defensive Backs removed: Ronde Barber, Albert Lewis, Terry McDaniel, Darrelle Revis, Asante Samuel &Adrian Wilson)

Place Kickers: (7) (Up from 5 Last Year)

David Akers:  1998-13 WAS, PHI, SFO, DET.  Akers was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro Selection.  Ranked #246 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Gary Anderson:  1982-04, PIT, PHI, SFO, MIN, TEN.  Anderson went to four Pro Bowls and at the time of his retirement, he was the all-time leader in Points Scored and Field Goals Made.  Ranked #169 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jason Elam:  1993-09 DEN, ATL.  Elam went to three Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowl Rings with the Broncos.

*Jason Hanson:  1992-12, DET.  The longest tenured Lion in franchise history, Hanson went to two Pro Bowls and is fourth All-Time in Points Scored. 

*John Kasay:  1991-11, SEA, CAR, NOR.  Kasay was a 19-year veteran, who went to one Pro Bowl.  Kasay kicked 461 Field Goals over his career, and is ninth all-time in Points Scored.

Matt Stover:  1991-09, CLE, BAL.  Stover won a Super Bowl with the Ravens, and was twice the league leader in Field Goal Percentage.  He is sixth all-time in Field Goals Made and Points Scored.

Mike Vanderjadt:  1998-06, IND, DAL.  Vanderjadt was selected as a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2003.

(Place Kickers added: David Akers, Matt Stover & Mike Vanderjadt. Place Kickers removed: Ryan Longwell)

Punters: (8) (Up from 5 last year)

Darren Bennett:   1995-05, SDG, MIN.  Bennett was a First Team All-Pro as a rookie and was twice named to the Pro Bowl.

*Jeff Feagles:  1988-09, NEW, PHI, ARI, SEA, NYG.  Feagles was a two-time Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl with the Giants.

*Sean Landeta:  1985-05, NYG, LAR, STL, TAM, GNB, PHI.  Landeta won two Super Bowls with the Giants and was chosen for three First Team All-Pros.  He is currently third all-time in Punting Yards.

*Shane Lechler:  2000-17, OAK, HOU.  Lechler went to seven Pro Bowls and was an All-Decade Selecion in both the 2000s and 2010s.  Ranked #102 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Brad Maynard:  1997-11, NYG, CHI, CLE.  Maynard led the NFL in Punting Yards three times.

*Pat McAfee:  2009-16. IND.  McAfee went to two Pro Bowls and is a one-time leader in Yards per Punt.

Brian Moorman: 2001-13, BUF, DAL.  Moorman was chosen for two Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros.

*Matt Turk:  1995-11, WAS, MIA, NYJ, STL, HOU, JAX.  Turk’s three Pro Bowls were consecutive from 1996 to 1998.  He was a First Team All-Pro in ’95.

(Punters added, Brian Moorman, Brad Maynard & Darren Bennett.  Punters removed, Nons.)

Special Teams (2): (No Change from last year)

Josh Cribbs (Also WR):  2005-14, CLE, NYJ, IND.  Cribbs was a three-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro and collected 15,453 All-Purpose Yards.  

Brian Mitchell (Also RB): 1990-03, WAS, PHI, NYG.  Mitchell was a one-time Pro Bowl recipient and a four-time leader in All-Purpose Yards. He totaled 23,330 in APY, and is second all-time in that statistic.  Ranked #134 on Notinhalloffame.com.

With all due respect to many of these candidates, there are several of these Preliminary Nominees that have no realistic chance for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but it is a phenomenal process to test the waters overall on a player’s career.

This group will be pared down to 25 in November and reduced to 15 in January.

Whomever those 15 Modern Era Finalists are, they will be joined by Senior Finalists, Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael, Art Powell and Contributor/Coach Finalist, Buddy Parker.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the 173 former players who made it to this stage.

Neil Smith was the second overall pick in the 1988 Draft and the former Nebraska Cornhusker would emerge as the star Defensive End for the Chiefs for years.  Smith was a Pro Bowler from 1991 to 1995 and in those last four years, he finished double digits in the Sack department.  His best total was in 1993 when he finished atop the National Football League with 15 and he would have 85.5 Sacks for the Chiefs.

Very few players could be viewed as the total athletic package. Neil Smith may have been one of those rare exceptions as scouts felt with his skills there was little he couldn’t do on the football field.  Those scouts would be right.

Neil Smith was a multi-faceted Defensive End who was equally adept at stuffing the run as defending against the pass.  His true gift may have been sacking the Quarterback as he led the NFL in that category in 1993.  Smith was a six-time Pro Bowler and though his skills were slightly diminished in the second half of his career, he was able to aid the Denver Broncos in their two consecutive Super Bowl wins in the late 90’s.