Antonio Gates and Julius Peppers lead the football Hall of Fame finalists.

Antonio Gates and Julius Peppers lead the football Hall of Fame finalists.

Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates, two first-time contenders, joined nine previous finalists who made it to the final round of voting to select the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2024.

On Wednesday, the selection committee declared Peppers and Gates as finalists in their first year of eligibility. Torry Holt or Reggie Wayne, wide receivers who have both been finalists five times, will make the 15-player roster.

Patrick Willis, Andre Johnson, Dwight Freeney, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Darren Woodson, and Devin Hester were among the seven other players that made a comeback as finalists.

Having previously placed in the semifinals, defensive backs Eric Allen, Rodney Harrison, running back Fred Taylor, and offensive lineman Jahri Evans made it to this point for the first time.

During the selection meeting early next year, the panel will reduce the 15 finalists to 10 and then to 5. To enter the hall, the final five finalists must receive 80% of the panel’s vote.

Buddy Parker in the coaching category and Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael, and Art Powell in the senior category are the four previously announced finalists. If at least 80% of voters endorse them, they will also be admitted.

The NFL Honors in Las Vegas on February 8 will reveal the class of 2024 along with the 2023 season awards from The Associated Press.

Prior to experiencing their greatest achievement in football, Peppers, like Gates, were also collegiate basketball players.

Peppers’s selection by the Carolina Panthers with the second overall choice in 2002 after a two-sport career at North Carolina made him one of the league’s most formidable linemen.

Throughout his 17-year career, which saw him play for the Panthers once more after stints in Chicago and Green Bay, he recorded 12 sacks as a rookie and never really slowed down. In 2004, 2006, and 2010, he was an All-Pro.

Peppers accumulated 159.5 sacks by the end of his career, ranking fourth on the all-time list since sacks were made official in 1982.

Only two Hall of Famers, Bruce Smith (13) or Reggie White (12), had more double-digit sack seasons than he did (12).

Gates became one of the best tight ends in the NFL after playing only basketball in college. Unable to secure a basketball draft, he transitioned to football.

Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates, two first-time contenders, joined nine repeat finalists who made it to the round of votes for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2024.

On Wednesday, the selection committee declared Peppers and Gates as finalists in their inaugural year of eligibility.

Receivers Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt, who have both been finalists five times, will be joining them on the 15-player roster.

Patrick Willis, Andre Johnson, Dwight Freeney, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Darren Woodson, and Devin Hester were among the seven other players who made it back to this round as finalists.

Having previously placed in the semifinals, defensive backs Eric Allen and Rodney Harrison, running back Fred Taylor, and offensive guard Jahri Evans made it to this point for the first time.

During the choice meeting early next year, the panel will reduce the 15 finalists to 10 and finally to 5. To enter the hall, the final five contenders must receive 80% of the panel’s vote.

Buddy Parker in the senior coaching category and Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael, and Art Powell in the senior category are the four previously announced finalists. They will also be admitted if at least 80% of voters support them.

The NFL Honors ceremony, which takes place in Las Vegas on February 8th, will reveal the class of 2024 along with the 2023 season honors, according to The Associated Press.

Prior to experiencing the most success in football, Peppers and Gates had been collegiate basketball players.

Carolina selected Peppers second overall in the 2002 draft after his two-sport career at North Carolina, making him one of the league’s most formidable linesmen.

Throughout his 17-year career, which began with the Panthers and ended with trips to Chicago and Green Bay, he recorded 12 sacks as a rookie and never really slowed down. In 2004, 2006, and 2010, he was an All-Pro.