Peppers, Hester headline 2024 Pro Football HOF class
The 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was announced Thursday at the NFL Honors award show.
Julius Peppers - a first-ballot inductee - headlines a group that also features Andre Johnson, Devin Hester, Patrick Willis, and Dwight Freeney. Antonio Gates missing the cut was this year's biggest surprise.
Randy Gradishar and Steve McMichael were also selected for enshrinement as part of the seniors category.
Julius Peppers
Defensive end, Carolina Panthers-Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers, 2002-18
No one should be surprised to see Peppers in the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. One of the most accomplished defenders of his era, Peppers retired with the fourth-most sacks (159.5) and second-most forced fumbles (52) in NFL history to go along with nine Pro Bowl selections and seven All-Pro nods. The 2002 Defensive Rookie of the Year's longevity helped him earn two NFL All-Decade Teams nods (2000s and 2010s). Peppers also had at least one double-digit sack season with each team he played for.
Andre Johnson
Wide receiver, Houston Texans-Indianapolis Colts-Tennessee Titans, 2003-16
Johnson's three-year wait may have been longer than many expected, but that doesn't mean he doesn't deserve a bust in Canton. Johnson, the Texans' all-time leader in every major receiving category, was one of the most productive pass-catchers of his era. His 1,062 career catches and 14,185 yards rank 11th all time. The former third overall pick led the NFL in receiving yards and receptions twice and retired with seven Pro Bowl berths and three first-team All-Pro nods under his belt.
Devin Hester
Kick returner/wide receiver, Chicago Bears-Atlanta Falcons-Baltimore Ravens-Seattle Seahawks, 2006-16
Hester's case was an intriguing one, given that the speedster didn't contribute much as a receiver throughout his career but retired as arguably the greatest return specialist the NFL has ever seen. At the end of the day, Hester's excellence on special teams spoke louder. Over his 11-year career, the four-time Pro Bowler amassed 20 return touchdowns (14 punts, five kickoffs, and one missed field goal). He was also responsible for the fastest touchdown in Super Bowl history after returning the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLI for a TD.
Dwight Freeney
Defensive end, Indianapolis Colts-San Diego Chargers-Arizona Cardinals-Atlanta Falcons-Seattle Seahawks-Detroit Lions, 2002-17
Freeney and his iconic spin move are finally going to Canton. Across 11 seasons with the Colts, Freeney earned seven Pro Bowl berths and three first-team All-Pro nods while helping Indianapolis win a Super Bowl title. Freeney, who led the NFL in sacks once, retired with 125.5 career sacks. He and Robert Mathis formed one of pro football's most dominant defensive duos, helping the Colts become perennial playoff contenders in the Peyton Manning era.
Patrick Willis
Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers, 2007-14
The 2007 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Willis had a relatively short career and abruptly retired at age 30. Still, his eight NFL seasons were enough to produce one of the most accomplished and dominant careers ever at linebacker. He led the league in tackles in two of his first three pro seasons. A member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, Willis retired with five first-team All-Pro selections and seven Pro Bowl berths under his belt.
Randy Gradishar (seniors category)
Linebacker, Denver Broncos, 1974-83
Gradishar was a cornerstone of the "Orange Crush Defense," one of the best defensive units in Broncos history that helped the franchise reach its first-ever Super Bowl during the 1977 season. He earned seven Pro Bowl nods and five All-Pro berths (two first-team selections) in 10 NFL seasons. Gradishar was the 1978 Defensive Player of the Year.
Steve McMichael (seniors category)
Defensive tackle, New England Patriots-Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers, 1980-94
McMichael is the sixth member of the 1985 Bears' historic defense to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a first-team All-Pro for Chicago that year. One of the most underrated defensive tackles in NFL history, the two-time Pro Bowler's 95 career sacks currently rank seventh all time among interior defensive linemen, according to Football Reference.