Jared Allen is a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist.
The Hall of Fame’s selection committee, which currently stands at 49 and could expand to 50 by the time it meets to select the Class of 2025, trimmed its list of 50 modern-era candidates to the 25 semifinalists who were announced Wednesday morning.
For Allen and Williams, former Vikings defensive linemen and teammates, it’s déjà vu so far. Allen, a four-time first-team All-Pro end, is a semifinalist for the fifth time in five years of eligibility and is expected to be among the 15 finalists for a fifth straight year. Williams, a five-time first-team All-Pro tackle, fell short one more time.
Players joining Allen as semifinalists in their first year of eligibility are linebacker Luke Kuechly, quarterback Eli Manning, edge rusher Terrell Suggs, safety Earl Thomas, kicker Adam Vinatieri and guard Marshal Yanda.
This list also includes 17 players who were semifinalists last year. Receiver Torry Holt is a semifinalist for an 11th time, while receiver Hines Ward (nine), safety Darren Woodson (nine), receiver Reggie Wayne (six) and running back Fred Taylor (six) follow. Players besides Allen who are semifinalists for a fifth time are cornerback Eric Allen, running back Ricky Watters and offensive tackle Willie Anderson.
