On Wednesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame advanced 50 Modern-Era Players out of a group of 167 as nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Included in the group of 50 were four San Francisco 49ers alumni, one being a first-year eligible player.
Former 49ers Modern-Era Players who remain eligible for election with the Class of 2025:
- K Gary Anderson
- WR Anquan Boldin
- T Joe Staley*
- RB Ricky Watters
* Indicates first-time eligible player
The final 50 includes the following individuals who return as finalists from the Class of 2024: defensive backs Eric Allen, Rodney Harrison and Darren Woodson, defensive linemen Jared Allen, offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans, tight end Antonio Gates, wide receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne and running back Fred Taylor.
Below are next steps as outlined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
"In the next step of the process, each member of the Hall of Fame's full Selection Committee will review the above list and cast a vote for the 25 nominees each believes should advance to the Semifinalist stage. The names of the 25 Semifinalists (plus ties if any for the 25th position) will be announced in about four weeks.
"Reduction votes also are occurring in the Seniors, Coach and Contributor categories. Eventually, 20 Finalists will be presented at the Selection Committee's annual meeting next year in advance of Super Bowl LIX: 15 Modern-Era Players, three Seniors, one Coach and one Contributor.
"While there is no set number for any class of Enshrinees, the Hall of Fame's selection process bylaws stipulate that between four and eight new members will be selected.
"This year's reduction voting is being completed via online platforms with oversight from the firm Ernst & Young LLP. EY's Agreed-Upon Procedures included validating the completeness of the ballots and tabulating the ballots in accordance with the bylaws established by the Hall of Fame's Board of Directors.
"EY has overseen the Hall's selection process since the Centennial Class of 2020.
"The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025 will be announced at "NFL Honors" in New Orleans, La., in February and enshrined in August in Canton."
