This year’s NFL Honors ceremony revealed the 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Class to the world. After narrowing down the potential inductees from 15, a select group of guys will now get their busts added to Canton. And for some, they’ll get their long-awaited entrance into the Hall.
2024 HOF Class Revealed
The 2024 Hall of Fame Class was officially revealed during the NFL Honors ceremony. Here is who will be honored this year.
- Dwight Freeney, DE: Once considered “undersized” for his position, all the 6’1″ defensive end did was rewrite the narrative of teams needing size on the edge. Freeney spun and powered his way to seven Pro Bowls, 125.5 career sacks, and a Super Bowl win with the Indianapolis Colts.
- Andre Johnson, WR: One of the original Houston Texans, Johnson emerged as a seven-time Pro Bowler and the franchise’s all-time receiving leader. He’s officially the first member of the Texans to enter the HOF.
- Randy Gradishar, LB: Gradishar was an integral part of the famed “Orange Crush” defenses belonging to the Denver Broncos. He earned seven Pro Bowl trips while also intercepting 20 passes from his linebacker spot.
- Patrick Willis, LB: Considered one of the more dominating players of the late 2000s/2010s era, Willis made the Pro Bowl in all but one season — his final one of 2014. He collected 950 tackles and 60 stops behind the line of scrimmage for the San Francisco 49ers.
- Steve McMichael, DL: McMichael was considered a beloved figure for the famed 1985 Chicago Bears, dominating the trenches for one of the NFL’s greatest defenses. “Mongo” earned two All-Pro nods and two Pro Bowls.
- Devin Hester, KR: Hester will be remembered as the man who changed the way fans view kick returners. He racked up 14,455 total yards and led the league twice in punt returns and kickoff returns. Hester spent eight seasons with the Bears before having stops with the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, and Seattle Seahawks.
- Julius Peppers, DE: Peppers brought uncanny athleticism to the field with his combination of pass-rushing skills and past basketball background from his North Carolina Tar Heel days. He produced 10 double-digit sack seasons and nine Pro Bowl trips. He also helped turn around a Carolina Panthers team that was 1-15 in 2001 to NFC champs in two years.
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2024 Finalists
Now that the 2024 NFL HOF Class has officially been revealed, let’s take a look at the entire list of finalists that could have entered this year. Remember, the Selection Committee’s rules stipulate that between four and eight new members will be selected each year.
MORE: 2024 NFL Awards Winners — List of 2023-2024 NFL Honors Results
Every candidate must receive approval from at least 80% of the full committee to be elected. So, even though we saw some new names enter this year, there were still a ton of talented players left out.
Modern-Era Players
- Eric Allen, DB, 1988-2001
- Jared Allen, DE, 2004-15
- Willie Anderson, OT, 1996-2008
- Jahri Evans, OL, 2006-2017
- Antonio Gates, TE, 2003-18
- Torry Holt, WR, 2009-19
- Fred Taylor, RB, 1998-2010
- Reggie Wayne, WR, 2001-14
- Darren Woodson, DB, 1992-2003
- Tiki Barber, RB, 1997-2006
- Anquan Boldin, WR, 2003-2016
- London Fletcher, LB, 1998-2013
- Eddie George, RB, 1994-2004
- James Harrison, LB, 2002-2017
- Robert Mathis, DE, 2003-2016
- Steve Smith Sr., WR, 2001-2016
- Hines Ward, WR, 1998-2011
- Ricky Watters, RB, 1992-2001
- Vince Wilfork, NT, 2004-2016
Seniors (Last Played More Than 25 Years Ago)
- Art Powell, WR, 1959-68
Coach/Contributor
- Buddy Parker, Chicago Cardinals (1949), Detroit Lions (1951-1956), Pittsburgh Steelers (1957-64).
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!