The finalists for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Class have been announced, and two former standouts who played the bulk of their careers in the state of Texas have made the cut.
Former Dallas Cowboys safety Darren Woodson and former Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson are among those still in consideration after a list of 25 modern-era semifinalists was trimmed to 15 finalists, advancing one step closer to football immortality.
Woodson spent his entire 12-year career with the Cowboys and was a member of all three of the franchise’s Super Bowl teams in the 1990s. He made five Pro Bowls, the 1992 All-Rookie team, was selected an All-Pro three times, and finished his career with the 11th-most interceptions in franchise history.
Johnson played 12 seasons with the Texans after being one of the franchise’s first draft picks (first-round pick in its second season) out of the University of Miami (FL) and set nearly every franchise receiving record. He is arguably the most well-known player in the team’s 21-year history and retired after signing a one-day contract with the club in 2017 following brief stints with the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans.
Other modern-era finalists include former tight end Antonio Gates, wide receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne, running back Fred Taylor, offensive linemen Jahri Evans and Willie Anderson, pass rushers Dwight Freeney, Jared Allen, and Julius Peppers, linebacker Patrick Willis, defensive backs Eric Allen and Rodney Harrison, and kick and punt returner Devin Hester.
There are also three senior finalists in linebacker Randy Gradishar, defensive tackle Steve McMichael, wide receiver Art Powell, and one coach/contributor finalist in former head coach Buddy Parker.
The inductees will be announced during the annual NFL Honors ceremony on February 8, and an official enshrinement ceremony will be held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on August 3.
