Pro Football Hall of Fame announces 25 modern-era semifinalists for Class of 2024

First-Year Eligible Nominees Among Semifinalists

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the 25 modern-era player semifinalists for the Class of 2024. Among them are two first-year eligible nominees, tight end Antonio Gates and defensive end Julius Peppers. Both last played in the 2018 season. The list also includes 18 players who were semifinalists for the Class of 2023.

To be considered for election to the Hall of Fame, a nominated individual must not have participated as an active player for five consecutive seasons. Gates, Peppers, and the other semifinalists will now await the next stage of the selection process to determine the finalists for the Class of 2024.

New Semifinalist: Tiki Barber

One other player has reached the semifinalist stage for the first time: Tiki Barber. Barber, who retired following the 2006 season, is among the 25 semifinalists. This recognition highlights his impressive career as a running back for the New York Giants.

The 25 semifinalists will eventually be reduced to 15 finalists before the final voting process for the Class of 2024 takes place.

Selecting the Class of 2024

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's 50-person selection committee will determine the Class of 2024 in advance of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. The committee will select between four and nine new members to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

The next steps in the selection process involve trimming the list of semifinalists to 15 modern-era player finalists. Additionally, the Hall of Fame's Coach/Contributor and Seniors Committees will recommend nominees for inclusion as finalists. The final class of enshrinees will be announced on the NFL Honors telecast on February 8.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 will be officially enshrined in Canton next August, as part of the 2024 Enshrinement Week. The festivities will include the Hall of Fame Game and the Enshrinees' Gold Jacket Dinner.