Peppers, Gates, Andre Johnson among 15 HOF finalists
Defensive end Julius Peppers, tight end Antonio Gates, and wide receiver Andre Johnson are among the 15 modern-era finalists to make the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
This year's nominees started in a pool of 173 players in September. That list was trimmed to 25 semifinalists in November.
| Player | Position | Years Active | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Allen | CB | 1988-2001 | Eagles, Saints, Raiders |
| Jared Allen | DE | 2004-15 | Chiefs, Vikings, Bears, Panthers |
| Willie Anderson | OT | 1996-2008 | Bengals, Ravens |
| Jahri Evans | OG | 2006-17 | Saints, Packers |
| Dwight Freeney | DE | 2002-17 | Colts, Chargers, Cardinals, Lions, Seahawks |
| Antonio Gates | TE | 2003-18 | Chargers |
| Rodney Harrison | S | 1994-2008 | Chargers, Patriots |
| Devin Hester | PR/KR/WR | 2006-16 | Bears, Falcons, Ravens, Seahawks |
| Torry Holt | WR | 1999-2009 | Rams, Jaguars |
| Andre Johnson | WR | 2003-16 | Texans, Colts, Titans |
| Julius Peppers | DE | 2002-18 | Panthers, Bears, Packers |
| Fred Taylor | RB | 1998-2010 | Jaguars, Patriots |
| Reggie Wayne | WR | 2001-14 | Colts |
| Patrick Willis | LB | 2007-14 | 49ers |
| Darren Woodson | S | 1992-2003 | Cowboys |
Peppers ranks fifth all time with 159.5 sacks during his career with the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers. His 52 forced fumbles rank second in NFL history, trailing Robert Mathis' 54. Peppers was named to both the Hall of Fame's All-2000s and All-2010s teams in addition to being a three-time first-team All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowler.
Gates, who spent his entire 16-year career with the Chargers, hauled in 955 receptions for 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns. Those marks rank third, third, and first, respectively, in league history among tight ends. The undrafted Kent State product earned eight Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro nods. He made the All-2000s team.
Johnson, a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro member, was a mismatch for defensive backs for over a decade with the Houston Texans. The Miami product owns franchise records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Johnson finished his career with 14,185 yards and 70 touchdowns on 1,062 receptions.
Senior finalists Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael, and Art Powell will also be eligible for induction alongside the player finalists and contributor/coach finalist Buddy Parker.
The 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class will be announced Feb. 8.