The Pro Football Hall of Fame has selected 25 semifinalists for the modern era class of 2025.

One of the prominent names on the list is tight end Antonio Gates, who has received this honor for the second consecutive year after being overlooked in the Class of 2024. He is joined by several distinguished players who are on the ballot for the first time, including linebacker Luke Kuechly, quarterback Eli Manning, outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, safety Earl Thomas, kicker Adam Vinatieri, and offensive lineman Marshal Yanda.

Later this year, the Hall of Fame will further narrow down the 25 semifinalists to 15 finalists. Following the voting process for these finalists, between four and eight new members will be welcomed into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2025.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 modern-era semifinalists

Below is the complete list of 25 modern-era semifinalists for the 2025 class. Players marked with an asterisk (*) are in their first year of eligibility.

• Eric Allen, CB
• Jared Allen, DE
• Willie Anderson, T
• Anquan Boldin, WR
• Jahri Evans, G
• Antonio Gates, TE
• James Harrison, LB
• Rodney Harrison, S
• Torry Holt, WR
• Luke Kuechly, LB*
• Eli Manning, QB*
• Robert Mathis, DE/LB
• Steve Smith Sr., WR
• Terrell Suggs, LB/DE*
• Fred Taylor, RB
• Earl Thomas, DB*
• Adam Vinatieri, PK*
• Hines Ward, WR
• Ricky Watters, RB
• Reggie Wayne, WR
• Richmond Webb, T
• Vince Wilfork, DT
• Steve Wisniewski, G
• Darren Woodson, S
• Marshal Yanda, G/T*

How does Pro Football Hall of Fame voting work?

Players or coaches who have been retired for at least five full seasons qualify for nomination to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and can be nominated by any fan.

The selection committee then conducts three rounds of voting to determine which candidates will officially become semifinalists, as explained on the Hall of Fame’s official website.

With the list of 25 semifinalists now established, the committee will proceed with additional voting to reduce this number to 15 finalists. Following that, the list will be shortened again to 10, then finally to 7. Each committee member is allowed to select five names from this group in the ultimate voting round.

Any player achieving more than 80% “affirmative votes” in this final stage will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.