CANTON, OH (SNN-TV) – Seven first-year eligible players – including former Miami Hurricane stars Vince Wilfork, Devin Hester and Andre Johnson – are among the 26 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame’s modern-era Class of 2022. Also included, is former 1998 Florida Mr. Football Anquan Boldin, along with, Robert Mathis, Steve Smith and DeMarcus Ware.
All seven were chosen by the Hall’s board of 49 selectors from a group of 123 preliminary candidates and move forward to the next cut — with the list reduced to 15 finalists, expected to be announced in early January.
11 players were chosen for offense and 13 for defense. Only two candidates – kick returner Devin Hester and Steve Tasker – belong to special teams.
The Hall’s board of selectors will choose the modern-era Class of 2022 prior to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles, with an announcement live on the “NFL Honors” broadcast on Thursday, Feb. 10th.
The Class of 2022 will be enshrined in Canton in early August, with Aug. 6 as the anticipated date.
