Former Falcons kicker Morten Andersen and former University of Georgia running back Terrell Davis made the list of 15 Modern-Era Finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017, the hall announced on Tuesday.
In addition to Andersen and Davis, the list includes seven players who are finalists for the first time. The group includes three first-year eligible nominees – Brian Dawkins, Jason Taylor and LaDainian Tomlinson.
The 15 Modern-Era Finalists will be considered for election to the Hall of Fame when the Hall’s Selection Committee meets in Houston on the day before Super Bowl LI to elect the new class. The Modern-Era Finalists were determined by a vote of the Hall’s Selection Committee from a list of 94 nominees that earlier was reduced to 26 semifinalists, during the year-long selection process.
Andersen is a finalist for the fourth time (2014-17) and Davis for the third time (2015-17).
The 2017 Modern-Era Finalists with their positions, years and teams:
- Morten Andersen, Kicker – 1982-1994 New Orleans Saints, 1995-2000, 2006-07 Atlanta Falcons, 2001 New York Giants, 2002-03 Kansas City Chiefs, 2004 Minnesota Vikings
- Tony Boselli, Tackle – 1995-2001 Jacksonville Jaguars
- Isaac Bruce, Wide Receiver – 1994-2007 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 2008-09 San Francisco 49ers
- Don Coryell, Coach – 1973-77 St. Louis Cardinals, 1978-1986 San Diego Chargers
- Terrell Davis, Running Back – 1995-2001 Denver Broncos
- Brian Dawkins, Safety – 1996-2008 Philadelphia Eagles, 2009-2011 Denver Broncos
- Alan Faneca, Guard – 1998-2007 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2008-09 New York Jets, 2010 Arizona Cardinals
- Joe Jacoby, Tackle – 1981-1993 Washington Redskins
- Ty Law, Cornerback – 1995-2004 New England Patriots, 2005, 2008 New York Jets, 2006-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2009 Denver Broncos
- John Lynch, Free Safety – 1993-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2004-07 Denver Broncos
- Kevin Mawae, Center/Guard – 1994-97 Seattle Seahawks, 1998-2005 New York Jets, 2006-09 Tennessee Titans
- Terrell Owens, Wide Receiver – 1996-2003 San Francisco 49ers, 2004-05 Philadelphia Eagles, 2006-08 Dallas Cowboys, 2009 Buffalo Bills, 2010 Cincinnati Bengals
- Jason Taylor, Defensive End – 1997-2007, 2009, 2011 Miami Dolphins, 2008 Washington Redskins, 2010 New York Jets
- LaDainian Tomlinson, Running Back – 2001-09 San Diego Chargers, 2010-11 New York Jets
- Kurt Warner, Quarterback – 1998-2003 St. Louis Rams, 2004 New York Giants, 2005-09 Arizona Cardinals
The 15 Modern-Era Finalists join three other finalists to comprise 18 finalists under consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2017.
One Senior Finalist was announced in August 2016 by the Seniors Committee that reviews the qualifications of those players whose careers ended more than 25 years ago.
- Kenny Easley, Safety – 1981-87 Seattle Seahawks
Two Contributor Finalists, also announced in August, were selected by the Hall of Fame's Contributor Committee that considers persons who made outstanding contributions to professional football other than players and coaches.
- Jerry Jones, Owner, President & General Manager – 1989-present Dallas Cowboys
- Paul Tagliabue, Commissioner – 1989-2006 National Football League
To be elected, a finalist must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent during the annual selection meeting.
ANDERSEN BIO
Kicker … 6-2, 218 … Michigan State … 1982-1994 New Orleans Saints, 1995-2000, 2006-07 Atlanta Falcons, 2001 New York Giants, 2002-03 Kansas City Chiefs, 2004 Minnesota Vikings … 25 seasons, 382 games … Selected by Saints in 4th round (86th player overall) of 1982 draft … Began career in strike-shortened 1982 season … Scored more than 90 points in 22 seasons … Topped 100-point total 14 times in career … First 100-plus season, 1985, connected on 31 of 35 field goals, 27 extra point conversions, for 120 points, earning first of seven Pro Bowl selections … Also named All-Pro five times … After 13 years with Saints and ranking as team’s all-time leading scorer, joined the Falcons in 1995 … Became Falcons career scoring leader … Spectacular 1995 season, scored a career-high 122 points, including then NFL-record for most 50-yard field goals in season (8) … Dec. 10, 1995, became first kicker to convert three field goals of 50 yards or longer in single game … Set NFL records for career points (2,544), most field goals (565), games played (382) … His 40 field goals of 50-plus yards most in NFL history at retirement … Named to two NFL All-Decade Teams (1980s and 1990s) ... Converted 565 of 709 field goal attempts, 849 of 859 point-after-attempts … Led NFL in field goals, 1987 … Led NFC in scoring, 1992 and topped all conference kickers in most field goals in 1985, 1987, and 1995 … Born August 19, 1960 in Struer, Denmark.
DAVIS BIO
Running Back … 5-11, 206 … Long Beach State, Georgia … 1995-2001 Denver Broncos … 7 seasons, 78 games … Selected by Broncos in the sixth round, (196th player overall) of 1995 NFL Draft … Made big splash when he earned starting tailback position as rookie … Despite missing final two games of rookie campaign with hamstring tear, eclipsed 1,000-yard mark and added career-high 49 receptions for 367 yards ... In second year, gained 1,538 yards rushing, named Offensive Player of the Year ... Rushed for 1,750 yards and league-high 15 TDs in 1997 … In 1998 became fourth runner in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in season (2,008) and led NFL with 21 rushing TDs en route to Denver’s second straight Super Bowl title ... Set NFL playoff record seven straight 100-yard performances spanning 1997-98 postseasons ... Earned MVP honors in Super Bowl XXXII after rushing 157 yards, 3 TDs in victory over Packers ... Scored 8 rushing touchdowns in ’97 playoff run ... In 1998 playoffs, rushed for franchise postseason-record 199 yards against Dolphins in divisional playoff, 167 yards vs. Jets in the championship and 102 yards in Super Bowl XXXIII victory over Falcons … Devastating knee injury limited him to just 17 games over his final three seasons … Three-time All-Pro selection … Rushed for 7,607 yards, 60 TDs in just 78 career games … Added additional 1,280 yards on 169 career catches and five TD receptions … Selected to three Pro Bowls and named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s … Born October 28, 1972 in San Diego California.
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