On Wednesday, the modern-era finalists for the Class of 2023 were revealed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with three players who made the cut in their first year of eligibility standing out: Joe Thomas, a left tackle, Darrelle Revis, and defensive end Dwight Freeney
The NFL Network announcement of the 2023 modern-era player finalists, along with their positions, years, and teams:
- Jared Allen, DE – 2004-2007 Kansas City Bosses, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-2015 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina JaguarsWillie Anderson, OT – – 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens
- Ronde Hairdresser, DB – 1997-2012 Tampa Straight Pirates
- Dwight Freeney, DE – – 2002-2012 Indianapolis Foals, 2013-14 San Diego Chargers, 2015 Arizona Cardinals, 2016 Atlanta Birds of prey, 2017 Detroit Lions, 2017 Seattle Seahawks
- Devin Hester, PR/KR/WR – – 2006-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-2015 Atlanta Hawks, 2016 Baltimore Ravens, 2016 Seattle Seahawks
- Torry Holt, WR – – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Panthers
- Johnson, WR – – 2003-2014 Houston Texans, 2015 Indianapolis Yearlings, 2016 Tennessee Titans
- Albert Lewis, CB – – 1983-1993 Kansas City Bosses, 1994-1998 Los Angeles/Oakland Thieves
- Darrelle Revis, CB – – 2007-2012/2015-16 New York Planes, 2013 Tampa Sound Marauders, 2014 New Britain Nationalists, 2017 Kansas City Bosses
- Joe Thomas, LT – – 2007-2017 Cleveland Tans
- Zach Thomas, LB – – 1996-2007 Miami Dolphins, 2008 Dallas Cattle rustlers
- DeMarcus Product, LB – – 2005-2013 Dallas Cattle rustlers, 2014-2016 Denver Mustangs
- Reggie Wayne, WR – – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Foals
- Patrick Willis, LB – – 2007-2014 San Francisco 49ers
- Darren Woodson, S – – 1992-2003 Dallas Cattle rustlers
The cutting edge time player still up in the air by a vote of the Lobby’s Choice Board of trustees, a cycle that started with 129 candidates. In November, that group of nominees was reduced to 28 semifinalists.
Senior finalists Chuck Howley, Joe Klecko, and Ken Riley, as well as contributor/coach finalists Don Coryell, will join the modern-era finalists.
During NFL Honors, which takes place on Thursday, February 9 at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, the Class of 2023 of the Pro Football Hall of Fame will be inducted.