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

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Modern era finalist (18th year of eligibility)

Resume: Philadelphia Eagles (1988–1994); New Orleans Saints (1995–97); Oakland Raiders (1998–2001)

Selected in the 1988 NFL draft out of Arizona State, Allen spent the first seven years of his career in Philadelphia, logging 34 of his 54 career interceptions during his seven seasons with the Eagles. Allen shares the franchise record in interceptions with Bill Bradley and Brian Dawkins. The cornerback is most remembered for a pick-six in the Eagles’ 1992 playoff win over the Saints, and Allen’s ten career interception returns for touchdowns are fifth-most in NFL history. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire

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Modern era finalist (4th year of eligibility)

Resume: Kansas City Chiefs (2004–07); Minnesota Vikings (2008–2013); Chicago Bears (2014–15); Carolina Panthers (2015)

The Minnesota Vikings have a long and storied history at defensive end and Jared Allen is the latest example of that. This summer, he should join Carl Eller, Chris Doleman and John Randle in Canton. When the Vikings traded a first and two third round picks to acquire the rights to Allen, it was arguably the most important decision the franchise had made during the Brad Childress era. Allen came in right away and made an impact on the Vikings with 85.5 of his 136.0 sacks coming during his six seasons in Minnesota with a 22.0 sack season in 2011 one of just five players in NFL history to achieve that. He was also a first-team All-Pro on four occasions and a Pro Bowler five times, making those teams only during his six year stint with the Vikings. The mullet rocking defensive end was a truly dominant force for the Vikings and deserves to be the latest great Vikings defender to make the Hall of Fame. – Tyler Forness, Vikings Wire

Brett Hansbauer-USA TODAY Sports

Modern era finalist (11th year of eligibility)

Resume: Cincinnati Bengals (1996–2007); Baltimore Ravens (2008)

Now is the time for Anderson, one of the best right tackles of his generation. A first-team All-Pro three times with four Pro Bowls on his resume, the 10th overall pick from 1996 was ahead of his time, routinely shuttering some of the game’s best pass-rushers at a time when the gap of importance between left and right tackles shrunk by the year. Depending on where one goes for stats, over 195 games and 13 seasons, he allowed just 16 sacks. Not bad considering he had head-to-head matchups with the likes of Bruce Smith, Julius Peppers, Jevon Kearse, etc. Plus, the historic Corey Dillon rushing performances, to boot. He’s already entered the team’s Ring of Honor and is now in his 11th year of eligibility and a finalist for the third consecutive year, with only three players reaching finalist status more times than him. With Joe Thomas out of the way and the logjam seemingly clear, this is the year for Anderson to become the franchise’s third player enshrined. – Chris Roling, Bengals Wire

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Modern era finalist (2nd year of eligibility)

Resume: New Orleans Saints (2006–16); Green Bay Packers (2017)

Everyone thinks of Drew Brees whenever the record-setting New Orleans Saints offenses are discussed, but Brees wouldn’t haven’t enjoyed half as much success in black and gold without his offensive line — and there wasn’t a better or more consistent blocker up front than Evans during his 11-year run with the team. Respected as much for his reliability in pass protection as his ferocity on the run, Evans earned six consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 2009 to 2014 and regularly won recognition on the All-Pro team. You can put his peak years up against any guard in the history of the game. – John Sigler, Saints Wire

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Modern era finalist (2nd year of eligibility)

Resume: Indianapolis Colts (2002–12); San Diego Chargers (2013–14); Arizona Cardinals (2015); Atlanta Falcons (2016); Seattle Seahawks (2017); Detroit Lions (2017)

A finalist in each of his first two years on the ballot, Freeney’s 125.5 sacks rank 18th on the official list. He was a three-time All-Pro First Team selection (2004-2005, 2009) and a seven-time Pro Bowler (2003-2005, 2008-2011). Of the 17 players ahead of Freeney on the all-time sacks list, 12 of them have already been enshrined. Two of the five remaining include Julius Peppers and Jared Allen, who join Freeney on the list of finalists. Thanks in large part to his legendary spin move, Freeney recorded double-digit sacks in seven seasons. He led the NFL with 16 sacks in 2004 and was named to the All-Decade Team of the 2000s. – Kevin Hickey, Colts Wire

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Modern era finalist (1st year of eligibility)

Resume: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (2003–18)

Gates entered the league as a standout basketball player at Kent State University with no experience playing football. Little did people know he would go on to be one of the best to play the sport and revolutionize the tight end position. Gates finished his 16-year career, all with the Chargers, with 955 receptions for 11,841 yards (third all-time at his position) and 116 touchdowns. His 116 touchdown receptions are the most by a tight end in NFL history. Gates was a five-time All-Pro selection and made eight Pro Bowl teams. Additionally, he earned a spot on the NFL’s All-Decade Team for 2000-2009 and a spot on the Chargers’ 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire

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Modern era finalist (11th year of eligibility)

Resume: San Diego Chargers (1994–2002); New England Patriots (2003–08)

Rodney Harrison played the game with a chip on his shoulder the size of the state of Illinois, and it showed every time he was on the football field. The Markham native destroyed expectations as a fifth-round draft pick out of Western Illinois. He was drafted by the Chargers, but he was widely recognized as one of the key defensive cogs responsible for delivering two Super Bowls to the Patriots’ dynasty. There’s no question that Harrison is one of the toughest and most dominant safeties to ever play in the NFL. He was sticky in coverage and a threat to drop a hammer on ball-carriers with hits more powerful than Thor’s Hammer, Mjollnir. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire

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Modern era finalist (3rd year of eligibility)

Resume: Chicago Bears (2006–13); Atlanta Falcons (2014–15); Baltimore Ravens (2016); Seattle Seahawks (2016)

When you’re the greatest to ever play your position, you belong in the Hall of Fame. Devin Hester is not only the greatest return specialist in NFL history, but he had a significant impact that forever changed the game. Hester, a three-time first-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, has more punt returns than anyone in NFL history with 14, his 20 total non-offensive touchdowns are also the most in league history, and he has the highest average yards per punt return among those with at least 300 returns in NFL history. Hester was a threat to score every time he had the ball in his hands, and opposing teams understood that. It’s why they kicked away from him. Hester has an NFL-record 20 kick and punt return touchdowns in his impressive career. Just imagine how many he would’ve had if they actually kicked his way. Let’s be honest, Hester should’ve gotten in on his first try two years ago. Hester deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

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Modern era finalist (10th year of eligibility)

Resume: St. Louis Rams (1999–2008); Jacksonville Jaguars (2009)

When Torry Holt retired in 2009, he was 10th all-time in career receiving yards (13,382). Eight of the nine players who were ahead of him at the time are now in the Hall of Fame, with the only exception being Henry Ellard (13,777 yards). In other words, he retired as one of the most productive wide receivers in league history. He’s now 17th all-time in receiving yards but his candidacy goes beyond that. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler, had eight straight years with 1,000-plus yards and led the NFL in receiving yards twice: 2000 with 1,635 yards and 2003 with 1,696 yards. He also led the league with 117 receptions in 2003 when he was selected as a first-team All-Pro – an honor not even his teammate Isaac Bruce had on his resume. Holt was as consistent as any receiver, rarely missed any games and even won a Super Bowl. What’s the case against him at this point? – Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire

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Modern era finalist (3rd year of eligibility)

Resume: Houston Texans (2003–14); Indianapolis Colts (2015); Tennessee Titans (2016)

The Houston Texans were a firmly irrelevant franchise as the last to join the NFL in 2002 – Andre Johnson worked to change that. After he was drafted 3rd overall in 2003, he emerged as a dominant receiver for the Texans over 12 years with 7 1000-yard campaigns despite never truly playing with a franchise quarterback. His 14 seasons with 14,185 career yards and 70 touchdowns don’t fully describe the immense talent that was constrained for years in a lackluster Houston offense. He may no longer be the best player in franchise history after J.J. Watt, but he defined the expansion era of Houston football and his dominance deserves recognition in the Hall of Fame rather than erasure because of circumstance. He would be the first, and very well deserved, Houston Texan to enter Canton. – John Crumpler, Texans Wire

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Modern era finalist (1st year of eligibility)

Resume: Carolina Panthers (2002–2009); Chicago Bears (2010–13); Green Bay Packers (2014–2016); Carolina Panthers (2017–18)

Why should Julius Peppers be enshrined into Canton in 2024? Well, because he’s Julius Peppers. The game’s fourth-leading sack artist of all-time is on the fast track to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and for good reason. Maybe it’s the four first-team All-Pro nods, the three second-team All-Pro nods and the nine Pro Bowl selections. Maybe it’s his spots on the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team and the 2010s All-Decade Team. And maybe it’s because he was an irresistible force and an absolute freak of nature for three different franchises over a spectacular 17-year career. Whichever of those tickles the voters’ fancies, and perhaps it’s just all of it, Peppers is certainly deserving of being a first-ballot Hall of Famer. – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire

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Modern era finalist (9th year of eligibility)

Resume: Jacksonville Jaguars (1998–2008); New England Patriots (2009–10)

There are only three running backs who have averaged at least 4.6 yards per carry over more than 2,500 career rushing attempts: Barry Sanders, Adrian Peterson, and Fred Taylor. So why hasn’t Taylor received his deserved recognition as one of the all-time greats? The only logical answer is that he spent the majority of his career in Jacksonville, a place where even 1,644 yards and 17 touchdowns earns you a grand total of one (ONE!) rookie of the year vote. Despite eclipsing 1,500 yards from scrimmage five times in his first seven seasons, Taylor didn’t get his first Pro Bowl nod until year 10. Now that the dust has cleared, only 16 backs have racked up more career rushing yards than Taylor. All of them are Hall of Famers with the exception of Peterson and Frank Gore, who will probably be first-ballot selections as soon as they’re eligible. Taylor was overlooked plenty during his career, there’s no reason why he should still be dismissed now. – Adam Stites, Jaguars Wire

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Modern era finalist (5th year of eligibility)

Resume: Indianapolis Colts (2001–14)

A finalist in each of his first five years on the ballot (2020-2024), Wayne will get in sooner rather than later. His resume speaks for itself. His 1,070 career receptions and 14,345 receiving yards both rank 10th all-time among wide receivers in NFL history. Only 10 players in NFL history recorded at least 1,000 career receptions and 10,000 career receiving yards. Wayne was a six-time Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2010. He also holds the Colts’ franchise record for career games played (211). His 1,070 career receptions, 14,345 career yards and 82 career receiving touchdowns are all the second-most in franchise history behind Hall-of-Famer Marvin Harrison. Wayne was also notoriously clutch in the postseason as his 93 receptions rank fifth and his 1,254 yards rank seventh all-time. – Kevin Hickey, Colts Wire

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Modern era finalist (5th year of eligibility)

Resume: San Francisco 49ers (2007–14)

The Willis era wasn’t long, but it’s hard to be more impactful than he was during his eight seasons in the NFL. Not only did he help usher in the age of the do-everything athlete at his position, he was dominant in doing so right away. In eight years Willis racked up five First-Team All-Pro nods, one Second-Team All-Pro honor, seven Pro Bowls and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He also led the NFL in tackles twice and the only two years he didn’t have 100 were the two years he played fewer than 14 games. Willis finished his career with 950 tackles, 60 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, 53 pass breakups, 8 interceptions and 16 forced fumbles while spearheading one of the most ferocious defenses of the 2010s. The Pro Football Hall of Fame already named Willis to its All-Decade team for the 2010s, now it’s time for him to get a gold jacket to go along with it. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire

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Modern era finalist (16th year of eligibility)

Resume: Dallas Cowboys (1992-2004)

A vital part of the 90’s dynasty that captured three titles in four years, Woodson is the franchise’s all-time leader in terms of tackles. He joined the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2015. For his career Woodson totaled 23 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, 11 sacks and 967 total tackles. He started in 162 of 178 career games, and each of them was in a Cowboys uniform.Woodson converted from a collegiate linebacker to become one of the best secondary talents of his generation. Not only was he an intimidating hitter, but he excelled in coverage, often covering slot receivers and tight ends, allowing Dallas to remain in its base defense, redefining the modern safety. A member of three Super Bowl-winning teams, Woodson made three straight All-Pro teams (four total) and five straight Pro Bowls starting in 1994. – KD Drummond, Cowboys Wire

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Senior finalist

Resume: Denver Broncos (1974–1983)

Part of Gradishar’s career was played before the NFL officially tracked tackles as a stat, but the Broncos credit him with 2,049 career tackles, an impressive total. He also totaled 19.5 sacks (4.5 after the league started officially tracking sacks), 20 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries and four defensive touchdowns. Gradishar led Denver’s famous “Orange Crush” defense that helped the team reach their first Super Bowl in 1977. One year later, he was named Defensive Player of the Year (he got votes for that award in four seasons during his accomplished career). A seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, Gradishar was one of the best linebackers of his era. Gradishar is already a member of the Broncos’ Ring of Fame. The Hall of Fame should be next. – Jon Heath, Broncos Wire

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Senior finalist

Resume: New England Patriots (1980); Chicago Bears (1981–1993); Green Bay Packers (1994)

Steve McMichael is among the most underrated defensive tackles, which can happen when you play on the best defense in NFL history. McMichael spent 13 seasons with the Bears, where he was a member of the 1985 Super Bowl team. He was a two-time First Team All-Pro, three-time Second Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler. McMichael’s 95.0 career sacks rank second in franchise history, behind only Richard Dent (124.5). He was an absolute sack machine from the interior, and, when he retired, ranked first in sacks among defensive tackles in NFL history. McMichael was diagnosed with ALS a couple of years ago, and being dubbed a Senior Finalist has given him the inspiration to keep fighting to finally reach football’s pinnacle. McMichael’s resume is certainly Hall of Fame worthy, and if he gets in, he’d be the sixth member of the ’85 Bears to reach Canton. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Senior finalist

Resume: Philadelphia Eagles (1959); New York Titans (1960–62); Oakland Raiders (1963–66); Buffalo Bills (1967); Minnesota Vikings (1968)

There is a log jam at wide receiver for the Hall of Fame, but Powell should be one of the top candidates at the position. He led the NFL in receiving yards twice (1962, 1963) and receiving touchdowns (1960, 1963). From 1960 to 1966, Powell averaged 78.3 yards per game. If he would have played a 17-game schedule like receivers today, that would average out to 1,330 yards a year and 13 touchdowns for seven straight years. Powell was a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro selection in the 60s despite playing with two different teams. And what is even crazier is that he started his career out as a defensive back, recording three interceptions during his rookie season for the Eagles (1959). It’s going to be tough for Powell to get in, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t have a Hall of Fame worthy career. – Marcus Mosher, Raiders Wire

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Contributor/coach finalist

Resume: Chicago Cardinals (1949) Co-head coach; Detroit Lions (1951–56) Head coach; Pittsburgh Steelers (1957–1964) Head coach

Parker fits as both a contributor and a head coach. He led the Detroit Lions to three straight NFL Championship games, winning the title in 1952 and 1953. He’s one of only two coaches to win consecutive NFL championships that isn’t in the Hall of Fame. In 15 years as a head coach, Parker had winning records in 13. He led those Lions to titles by innovating the game with the hurry-up offense. In that era, going up-tempo and throwing the ball quickly on short passes was almost unheard of, but Parker used it as a primary scheme–one that is still used heavily 70 years later. That lasting legacy is worthy of enshrinement. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire