Three of the 15 modern-era finalists made the Class of 2025: cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, and tight end Antonio Gates. (Wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, the fourth member of the class, was a senior candidate after previously not getting in as a modern-era candidate.)

Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Jason Witten, Frank Gore and Philip Rivers will be among the players who will be in their first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year. All played their final NFL seasons in 2020.

New York Giants legend Eli Manning may face an extended wait for his Hall of Fame enshrinement after being snubbed in 2025.