The NFL announced their 15 modern-era Hall of Finalists Friday, and the list included a few surprises.
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise among them was former coach Don Coryell, who became a finalist for the first time in his career.
Three other men were first time finalists: Rickey Jackson, Charles Haley, and Roger Craig. Jackson’s candidacy seems to be gaining momentum of late.
The other 11 men to make the modern-era cut: Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, Cris Carter, Andre Reed, Cortez Kennedy, Richard Dent, John Randle, Shannon Sharpe, Roger Craig, Emmitt Smith, Dermonti Dawson, and Russ Grimm.
The 15 modern-era finalists join Dick Lebeau and Floyd Little, who were selected as the two senior candidates by the Hall of Fame’s senior committee.
A maximum of five men can make the Hall of Fame out of the 15 modern-era finalists.
The election results will be announced at 5ET on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at the Broward County Convention Center. PFT plans to be in the house.
Congratulations to all the men who made it this far.