In the past, the announcement of the 25 semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame induction consisted of a simple list distributed to members of the media.
This year, the announcement will become an hour-long TV special.
NFL Network will show the announcement of the 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2010 on Saturday at 1 p.m. Eastern, with host Paul Burmeister, Hall of Fame voter Rick Gosselin, NFL Films writer-producer Ray Didinger and Hall of Fame executive Joe Horrigan participating in a panel discussion to go over the merits of each of the candidates.
The show will also include a feature from NFL Films president Steve Sabol comparing the career of former Broncos running back Terrell Davis with three Hall of Fame running backs who had similarly short careers: Ernie Nevers, Gale Sayers, and Doak Walker. And NFL Network’s Rod Woodson, the great defensive back who was inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, will break down next year’s defensive back and wide receiver candidates.
The 25 semifinalists will come from a preliminary list of 131 candidates. That preliminary list is available on the Hall of Fame’s web site.