Eric Williams
NFL Reporter
Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning headlines six first-year eligible candidates voted as semifinalists for election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2025, as announced on Wednesday.
Joining Manning as first-year semifinalists are linebacker Luke Kuechly, pass-rusher Terrell Suggs, safety Earl Thomas, kicker Adam Vinatieri and offensive lineman Marshal Yanda. Those six join offensive lineman Richmond Webb as players to reach the semifinalist stage for the first time.
The overall list of modern-era candidates also includes 18 players who have been semifinalists before: Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Anquan Boldin, Jahri Evans, Antonio Gates, James Harrison, Rodney Harrison, Torry Holt, Robert Mathis, Steve Smith Jr., Fred Taylor, Hines Ward, Ricky Watters, Reggie Wayne, Vince Wilfork, Steve Wisniewski and Darren Woodson.
