The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2025 on Thursday night during the NFL Honors at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. This year’s inductees form an exclusive group—the smallest class in 20 years.
Making history in this class are:
- Eric Allen (Cornerback)
- Jared Allen (Defensive End)
- Antonio Gates (Tight End)
- Sterling Sharpe (Wide Receiver)
One of the biggest surprises was Eli Manning, the two-time Super Bowl MVP, who was left out. Other notable first-ballot finalists, including Terrell Suggs, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, and Marshal Yanda, also did not make the cut.
Meet the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
Sterling Sharpe: Joining His Brother in Football History
Sharpe, a legendary Green Bay Packers wide receiver, has finally earned his Hall of Fame spot in his 26th year of eligibility. His induction makes history—he and his brother Shannon Sharpe are now the first pair of brothers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Despite playing just seven seasons due to a neck injury, Sharpe left a lasting impact:
- Led the NFL in receptions three times
- Set a then-NFL record with 112 catches in 1993
- Five seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards
- Named to the 1990s All-Decade Team
Antonio Gates: A Record-Setting Tight End
Antonio Gates, one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, finally gets his Hall of Fame moment after missing out last year. The former San Diego Chargers star holds the NFL record for most touchdown receptions (116) by a tight end.
His career highlights include:
- 16 seasons in the NFL
- Eight consecutive Pro Bowls (2004-2011)
- Five-time All-Pro selection
- Member of the 2000s All-Decade Team
Jared Allen: A Sack Machine
One of the most feared pass rushers of his era, Jared Allen finally makes it into the Hall of Fame after being a five-time finalist. Known for his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, Allen ranks 12th on the NFL’s all-time sack list with 136 sacks.
Key career highlights:
- Four-time First-Team All-Pro
- Led the league in sacks twice
- Tied for the NFL record with four career safeties
- Played for the Chiefs, Vikings, Bears, and Panthers
Eric Allen: A Lockdown Cornerback
After 19 years of eligibility, Eric Allen is finally a Hall of Famer. The former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback was a dominant force in the secondary, finishing his career with 54 interceptions, which ranks 21st all-time.
Notable achievements:
- Six-time Pro Bowler
- Eight interceptions returned for touchdowns
- Led the league with four pick-sixes in 1993
- Played seven seasons with the Eagles, followed by stints with the Saints and Raiders
Why Was the Class So Small?
This year’s four-player class is the smallest since 2005, when Dan Marino, Steve Young, Fritz Pollard, and Bennie Friedman were inducted.
The change in class size is due to a revised selection process:
- Finalists were reduced from seven to five before voting.
- Only candidates securing 80% of the vote were inducted.
- Seniors, coaches, and contributors were voted on separately.
This new process likely led to several big names, including Eli Manning and Luke Kuechly, missing out on induction this year.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is a small but remarkable group. From Antonio Gates’ touchdown records to Jared Allen’s dominance on defense, these four players have left a lasting impact on the NFL. Sterling Sharpe’s long-awaited recognition and Eric Allen’s shutdown defense complete a historic class.
While Eli Manning and other stars will have to wait, this year’s inductees will take their rightful place in Canton, Ohio, on August 2, 2025. This moment marks the ultimate honor for their contributions to the game, ensuring their legacies will live on forever.
