Joe Thomas, Dwight Freeney, and Darrelle Revis have been named finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility, headlining a list of 15 modern-era candidates.
The Hall of Fame's selection process began with 129 nominees that were reduced to 28 semifinalists in November.
Here's the full list of finalists:
| Player | Position | Years Active | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jared Allen | DE | 2004-15 | Chiefs/Vikings/Bears/Panthers |
| Willie Anderson | OT | 1996-2008 | Bengals/Ravens |
| Ronde Barber | CB | 1997-2012 | Buccaneers |
| Dwight Freeney | DE | 2002-17 | Colts/Chargers/Cardinals/Falcons/Lions/Seahawks |
| Devin Hester | KR/PR | 2006-16 | Bears/Falcons/Ravens/Seahawks |
| Torry Holt | WR | 1999-2009 | Rams/Jaguars |
| Andre Johnson | WR | 2003-16 | Texans/Colts/Titans |
| Albert Lewis | CB | 1983-98 | Chiefs/Raiders |
| Darrelle Revis | CB | 2007-17 | Jets/Buccaneers/Patriots/Chiefs |
| Joe Thomas | OT | 2007-17 | Browns |
| Zach Thomas | LB | 1996-2008 | Dolphins/Cowboys |
| DeMarcus Ware | LB | 2005-16 | Cowboys/Broncos |
| Reggie Wayne | WR | 2001-14 | Colts |
| Patrick Willis | LB | 2007-14 | 49ers |
| Darren Woodson | S | 1992-2003 | Cowboys |
Freeney was a force on the Indianapolis Colts' defensive line for over a decade, helping lead them to a pair of Super Bowl appearances during his career. A menace for opposing quarterbacks, his 47 forced fumbles rank third all time, while his 125.5 sacks place 18th. Freeney was a seven-time Pro Bowler and a three-time first-team All-Pro selection.
Revis is regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history and was always counted on to shut down some of the game's best receivers. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro, he recorded 29 interceptions in 11 seasons, primarily with the New York Jets.
Thomas was a rock for the Cleveland Browns, crafting one of the greatest careers ever for an offensive lineman. A model of consistency on Browns teams that never made the playoffs during his career, Thomas lined up for a record 10,363 consecutive snaps before finally missing a play in his final season. He was named to eight All-Pro teams, including six first-team selections, and 10 Pro Bowls and is a member of the Browns Ring of Honor.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2023 will be announced on Feb. 9.
