Three of the 15 modern-era finalists made the Class of 2025: cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, and tight end Antonio Gates. (Wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, the fourth member of the class, was a senior candidate after previously not getting in as a modern-era candidate.)

The five years needed from retirement to eligibility will pass for these all-time great NFL players, who range from an all-time wide receiver in Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald to Super Bowl-winning New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. There are some possible first-time ballot Hall of Famers on this list on both sides of the ball.

Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne was not one of the four players a part of the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. This year’s class includes Jared Allen, Sterling Sharp, Antonio Gates, and Eric Allen.