The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was officially announced last NFL Honors ceremony, just days before Super Bowl LIX. The selection of new members is a meticulous process that honors those who have left a significant mark on NFL history, whether through their performance on the field, leadership, or contributions to the sport’s development. Each year, this announcement generates great anticipation among fans, analysts, and former players, who debate the merits of the finalists before the final vote.
This year’s list includes figures who stood out for their impact in different positions and eras of the league. Some of the inductees were key players on Super Bowl-winning teams, while others accumulated individual records that place them among the best of all time in their respective positions. Additionally, the Hall of Fame recognizes players whose legacy goes beyond statistics, influencing the evolution of the game and inspiring future generations.
NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025: Full list of inductees
Eric Allen
One of the most prolific defensive backs in NFL history, Eric Allen enters the Hall of Fame in his 19th year of eligibility and second as a finalist. Allen played 14 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders, amassing 54 career interceptions and nine defensive touchdowns. He remains the only player in league history with at least three interceptions returned for touchdowns in two separate seasons. A six-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 1989, Allen was a dominant force in the secondary, excelling in both coverage and playmaking.
Jared Allen
Known for his signature calf-roping celebration, Jared Allen is finally heading to Canton in his fifth year of eligibility. The four-time first-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl defensive end finished his 12-year career with 136 sacks, ranking 12th all-time. Allen made his mark with the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers. In 2011, he recorded 22 sacks, the second most in a single season in NFL history. Additionally, Allen holds a unique record, being tied for the most safeties in league history (4). His relentless motor and colorful personality made him one of the league’s most memorable pass rushers of the 21st century.
Antonio Gates
One of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, Antonio Gates goes from an undrafted free agent to a Hall of Famer. The former basketball player from Kent State became a three-time first-team All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowler over his 16-year career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. Gates finished his career with 955 receptions, 11,841 receiving yards, and 116 touchdowns-the most by a tight end in NFL history. His ability to box out defenders in the red zone made him a nightmare matchup throughout his career. In just his second year of eligibility, Gates rightfully earns his place among the game’s all-time greats.
Sterling Sharpe
The only finalist from the Seniors, Coach, and Contributor categories to make the Hall in 2025, Sterling Sharpe joins his brother, Shannon, as a Hall of Famer. Despite playing only seven seasons due to a career-ending neck injury, Sharpe’s impact on the game was undeniable. A three-time first-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, Sharpe led the NFL in receptions three times and was a dominant force for the Green Bay Packers. His best season came in 1992 when he led the league in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Though he missed out on a Super Bowl ring with Green Bay’s 1996 championship, his legacy remains cemented as one of the most talented receivers of his era.
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