Overview
- Five first-year eligibles advanced to the semifinals: Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Philip Rivers, Frank Gore and Jason Witten.
- Four candidates are already guaranteed finalist spots after reaching last year’s final seven: Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri.
- Two others reached this stage for the first time in their careers: offensive tackle Lomas Brown and defensive lineman Kevin Williams.
- Notable returning contenders include Eli Manning, Fred Taylor, Steve Smith Sr., Reggie Wayne, Jahri Evans, Marshal Yanda, Terrell Suggs, Darren Woodson, Hines Ward, Robert Mathis and Vince Wilfork.
- This year’s process moved from 128 nominees to 52 and now 26, with between four and eight enshrinees to be selected during final balloting before the Super Bowl.