In a significant update for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, an impressive lineup of nominees has emerged following the latest round of voting. Among the notable figures advancing are Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, acclaimed defensive stalwarts Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs, as well as tight end Antonio Gates. This announcement was made by the Hall of Fame on Wednesday, revealing 50 modern-era candidates who moved forward from an original pool of 167 through a newly established screening committee.
The initial nominees include eight players entering their first year of eligibility, alongside ten previous finalists who did not garner enough support last year. The selection process will continue, as the full committee is set to narrow the candidates down to 25 semifinalists in approximately four weeks. This will subsequently lead to the selection of 15 finalists who will be voted on at the annual meeting prior to the Super Bowl. To secure a place in the Hall, players need to obtain 80% of the votes, with a range of three to five modern-era players expected to be inducted.
Additionally, the voting process will include three senior candidates, one contributor, and one coach, with one to three individuals from this group also earning a spot in the Hall.
Among the first-time candidates, Manning, Kuechly, Suggs, and renowned kicker Adam Vinatieri are leading the pack. Other significant names include running back Marshawn Lynch and safety Earl Thomas from the 2013 Seattle Seahawks championship team, as well as two-time All-Pro guard Marshal Yanda and retired left tackle Joe Staley from San Francisco.
Gates and defensive lineman Jared Allen are among last year’s returning finalists, joined by wide receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne, along with offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans, and defensive players such as Darren Woodson, Eric Allen, Rodney Harrison, and Fred Taylor.
Eli Manning, known for his illustrious career with the New York Giants, is now looking to follow his brother Peyton into the Hall of Fame. Selected first overall in the 2004 draft, Manning dedicated his entire career to the Giants. He famously led his team to a shocking victory over the undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl after the 2007 season, throwing a game-winning pass to Plaxico Burress in the final minutes. Four years later, he orchestrated another critical drive that resulted in an upset over Tom Brady’s Patriots.
Manning is among the 13 quarterbacks to have won multiple Super Bowls, with eight of the nine eligible for the Hall having already been inducted. The only exception is Jim Plunkett, alongside more recent stars like Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, and Patrick Mahomes who are not yet eligible. Notably, Plunkett has advanced in the voting for senior candidates.
Despite being a four-time Pro Bowler, Manning did not achieve All-Pro honors or lead the league in major statistics during any season. Nevertheless, he concluded his career with impressive totals of 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdowns. His post-season success is particularly noteworthy, as he joined the ranks of multiple Super Bowl MVP winners, including Brady and Mahomes.
Meanwhile, Kuechly and Suggs stood out as exceptional defensive players in their time, with Kuechly recognized as the league’s top defensive player in 2013 and Suggs achieving that status in 2011. Kuechly’s career was impactful despite its brevity, as he was a first-round pick by Carolina in 2012, earning five All-Pro selections, seven Pro Bowl appearances, and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Throughout his eight seasons, Kuechly recorded the highest number of tackles (1,090), interceptions (18), takeaways (26), and passes defensed (66) among linebackers across the NFL. On the other hand, Suggs was renowned for his pass-rushing prowess, finishing his 17-year career with 139 sacks, which ranks eighth since these statistics became official in 1982. Suggs delivered seven seasons with double-digit sacks during his tenure with the Ravens, with a career-high of 14 in 2011, earning him Defensive Player of the Year honors. He also contributed to the Ravens’ Super Bowl win in the 2012 season.
Adam Vinatieri, one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, had a significant role in the early victories of the New England Patriots, famously making the game-winning field goals in their first two Super Bowl championships. He is remembered for his crucial kicks in playoff situations, including a remarkable 45-yarder in snowy conditions and the 48-yarder that sealed victory in the Super Bowl against the Rams.
Vinatieri’s career stats are outstanding, making him the all-time leader in points (2,673) and field goals made (599) over his 24-year career split between New England and Indianapolis. His playoff contributions are equally noteworthy, leading all players with 56 field goals and 238 points.
Finally, Gates is a three-time All-Pro whose career ended with 955 receptions for 11,841 yards and a record 116 touchdown catches for tight ends. Meanwhile, Allen concluded his successful career with 136 sacks, including a league-high of 22 in 2011, solidifying his status as one of the premier defensive players of his generation.