Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, along with former Defensive Players of the Year Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs, and outstanding tight end Antonio Gates are notable finalists for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
The Hall revealed on Saturday the 15 modern-era candidates who have progressed from an initial pool of 25, culminating in the final voting stage. Among this diverse collection of players, five are experiencing their first year of eligibility, while nine had been finalists in the previous year. Notably, wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. is also included, marking his initial appearance as a finalist after four years of eligibility.
Next month, the selection committee will convene to determine a class of three to five modern-era players, with the announcement set to occur during the week of the Super Bowl.
In addition to the modern-era finalists, five other candidates are also being evaluated for potential induction. These candidates include Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe, and Jim Tyrer in the seniors category, Mike Holmgren representing the coaches category, and contributor Ralph Hay. The Hall can induct between one to three of these nominees as well.
Manning, Kuechly, and Suggs are highlighted as first-time eligibility finalists, joined by postseason kicking legend Adam Vinatieri and former Baltimore guard Marshal Yanda. Gates, who was a finalist for the 2024 class, returns for consideration alongside defensive end Jared Allen, receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne, offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans, defensive backs Darren Woodson, Eric Allen, and Rodney Harrison, as well as running back Fred Taylor.
Manning aims to join his brother Peyton in the Hall of Fame following a celebrated tenure with the New York Giants. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, Manning devoted his entire career to New York. He famously led the Giants to a stunning victory over the undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl after the 2007 season, concluding the game with a winning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress in the dying moments.
He also orchestrated another memorable touchdown drive to secure victory against Tom Brady and the Patriots four years later. Manning is one of only 13 quarterbacks to win multiple Super Bowls, with eight of the nine eligible for the Hall having already been inducted.
Although Manning was named a four-time Pro Bowler, he never earned an All-Pro title or led a league in a significant statistical category during any season. Throughout his career, he amassed a total of 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdown passes. Many of his most outstanding performances occurred during those two Super Bowl runs, where he joined elite company with other multiple Super Bowl MVP recipients such as Brady, Mahomes, Montana, Starr, and Bradshaw.
Kuechly and Suggs earned recognition as some of the leading defensive talents of their generation, with Kuechly being named the top defensive player in 2013 and Suggs receiving the award in 2011.
Even though Kuechly’s career was relatively short, it was undeniably impactful. The first-round selection by Carolina in 2012 became a five-time All-Pro, a seven-time Pro Bowler, and the recipient of the Defensive Rookie of the Year honor. Over his eight-year career, Kuechly commanded the league in several statistics for linebackers, including tackles, takeaways, interceptions, and passes defensed.
Suggs established himself as a formidable pass rusher throughout his 17-year career, ranking eighth all-time with 139 sacks since the statistic became official in 1982. During his tenure with Baltimore, Suggs recorded seven seasons with double-digit sack totals, highlighted by a standout 2011 campaign where he secured the top defensive player accolade while leading the NFL in forced fumbles.
Gates transitioned from a college basketball player to one of the NFL’s most proficient tight ends after being drafted by the Chargers. He earned his initial All-Pro designation during his second season in 2004, securing the title twice more in subsequent years. Gates concluded his impressive 16-year career with 955 receptions for 11,841 receiving yards and set an NFL record for tight ends with 116 touchdown catches.
Vinatieri gained a reputation as one of the most dependable kickers in NFL history, known for making clutch game-winning field goals during New England’s dynastic Super Bowl victories. He is particularly remembered for his remarkable 45-yard kick in snowy conditions that forced overtime in the “Tuck Rule” game in 2001, followed by a game-winner in that OT. He also secured a 48-yarder to seal a narrow victory in the Super Bowl against the Rams.
Across his extensive 24-year career with New England and Indianapolis, Vinatieri holds the record for career points scored (2,673) and field goals made (599). He also tops the list for postseason records with 56 field goals and 238 points.
