Former Cowboys safety Darren Woodson is one of 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it was announced Saturday morning.
Woodson, the Cowboys’ all-time leading tackler and one of the first players at his position to cover wide receivers, is a finalist for the third time.
This is Woodson’s 17th year being eligible for the Hall of Fame. Players have 20 years of eligibility before moving to the senior category.
Woodson joins nine finalists from last year and five first-year eligible players, which includes former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame will announce the Class of 2025 on Feb. 6.
The selection committee may elect up to five players and each must receive 80% of the vote.
The seniors category finalists consist of Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer; along with coach finalist Mike Holmgren and contributor finalist Ralph Hay.
The voting for these five is done separately and a maximum of three must be picked from this group.
The Hall of Fame may induct anywhere from four to eight members.
Among the notable modern-era finalists are first-timers in a pair of Carolina Panthers in linebacker Luke Kuechly and wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs, New England kicker Adam Vinatieri, San Diego tight end Antonio Gates and St. Louis Rams receiver Torry Holt are also finalists. This is Suggs’ first time as a finalist.
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