Zach Thomas
FILE -Kansas City Chiefs Jared Allen (69) celebrates a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter of a football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007 in Kansas City, Mo. Jared Allen is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2022.(AP Photo/Dick Whipple, File)
Hester, Ware, Andre Johnson 1st-year Hall of Fame finalists

By Barry Wilner Dec. 30, 2021 05:50 PM EST

Former Chicago Bears returner Devin Hester smiles during a retirement ceremony Monday, April 23, 2018 at Halas Hall. Seven first-time eligible former players, including wide receivers Andre Johnson, Steve Smith and Anquan Boldin, are among 26 modern day semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2022. Joining them as candidates for induction next year are outstanding kick returner Devin Hester; pass-rushing standouts Robert Mathis and DeMarcus Ware; and run-stuffing defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. Each last played in the 2016 season. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune via AP)
Andre Johnson, Steve Smith among Hall of Fame semifinalists

By Barry Wilner Nov. 24, 2021 01:04 PM EST

FILE - This Oct. 30, 2016, file photo shows Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) smiling prior to an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers in Denver. Ten first-year eligible players, including defensive standout DeMarcus Ware, are among 122 nominees for the 2022 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, announced Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021.(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
Ware, Mathis among 1st-year eligibles for Pro Football Hall

Sep. 22, 2021 01:01 PM EDT

FILE - Former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton manning talks prior to an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans in Denver, in this Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, file photo. More than two decades ago Charles Woodson beat out Peyton Manning for a prestigious college award. Something called the Heisman Trophy. On Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, they likely will share an even more impressive football honor: entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
Game changers: Manning, Woodson, Megatron headed to Hall

By Eddie Pells Feb. 06, 2021 10:52 PM EST

FILE - Minnesota Vikings' Jared Allen reacts after sacking Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers during the second half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis, in this Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, file photo. The Vikings won 30-23. Allen is a 2021 finalist for entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid, File)
Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson top Hall of Fame candidates

By Barry Wilner Feb. 05, 2021 11:46 AM EST

FILE - Former Miami Dolphins player Zach Thomas is honored by managing general partner, Stephen Ross, left, during half time of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams in Miami, in this Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, file photo. Zach Thomas is a 2021 finalist for entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
Rams-Dolphins 10/14/2012

Feb. 05, 2021 10:16 AM EST

FILE - In this Feb. 7, 2016, file photo, Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in NFL football's Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif. Manning, in his first-year of eligibility, was selected as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2021 on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)
No surprise: Peyton Manning a Hall of Fame finalist

By Barry Wilner Jan. 05, 2021 06:02 PM EST

FILE - In this Nov. 15, 2009, file photo, Green Bay Packers' Charles Woodson reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Green Bay, Wis. Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, Jared Allen and Calvin Johnson are first-year eligible players to make the list of 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2021. (AP Photo/Jim Prisching, File)
Manning, Woodson, Megatron are Hall of Fame semifinalists

By Barry Wilner Nov. 24, 2020 01:00 PM EST

FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2013, file photo, Oakland Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson (24) talks with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) after an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif. Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson are among 14 first-year eligible candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson 2021 Hall of Fame candidates

By Barry Wilner Sep. 16, 2020 01:03 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2013, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers' Troy Polamalu follows the action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Pittsburgh. John Lynch, now the general manager of the 49ers who will play the Chiefs in Sunday's Super Bowl, is up for the seventh time. Steve Atwater is a finalist for the third time. LeRoy Butler and first-year eligible Troy Polamalu complete the quartet of safeties among the 15 final candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
4 safeties vying for Hall of Fame spot, 3 WRs and OLs

By Barry Wilner Jan. 31, 2020 12:53 PM EST

FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2014, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu watches from the bench in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Brownsin Cleveland. First-time eligibles Reggie Wayne and Polamalu are among 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's modern-day 2020 class. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
Wayne, Polamalu finalists for HOF 2020 in 1st year eligible

By Barry Wilner Jan. 02, 2020 07:04 PM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 13, 2009, file photo, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne, right, reaches out while attempting a catch under the defense of Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Derek Cox in the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis. Safety Troy Polamalu, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and linebacker Patrick Willis are first-year eligible players among the 25 semifinalists of the modern era for the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File)
Polamalu, Wayne, Willis 1st year eligible for Hall of Fame

By Barry Wilner Nov. 26, 2019 01:03 PM EST