On February 6, 2025, the NFL announced the four former players who will enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025.
DE Jared Allen spent the bulk of his career with the Chiefs and Vikings. He earned four first team all pro honors and led the league in sacks twice.
An old timer, Eric Allen retired way back in 2001. Playing mostly for the Eagles, but also the Saints and Raiders, Allen made six pro bowls and returned 8 interceptions for a touchdown in his career.
Another old timer, Sterling Sharpe retired in 1994 after just a seven year career. However, he made a huge impact in his short time in the NFL. Sharpe made 5 Pro Bowls, earned three first-team all pro honors, led the league in receptions three times and touchdowns twice.
A consensus top five tight end of all time, Antonio Gates should have been inducted last year when he was first eligible. That wrong was corrected this year, as the all time leader in TE touchdown receptions (116) got his well earned spot. Gates played for 16 years, dominating the late 2000s with 8 straight Pro Bowl selections from 2004-2011, as well as three first team all pro honors, and two second team all pro honors.
