The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its 25 modern-era semifinalists for the 2025 class and former Arizona State stars Terrell Suggs, Eric Allen and Darren Woodson were selected.
But those aren’t the only Arizona connections on the list.
Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin is also a semifinalist, as is Hines Ward, the current Arizona State wide receivers coach.
Last month, the Hall of Fame’s Modern Era Player Selection Committee narrowed the list of 167 Hall of Fame nominees to 50, with those 50 reduced to 25 with Wednesday’s announcement.
There will be 15 modern-era players named finalists for the award before the Super Bowl, with players needing at least 80 percent of the vote in the annual selection committee vote to enter the Hall of Fame.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2025 will be announced at the “NFL Honors” show in New Orleans in February and enshrined in August in Canton.
Arizona connections among Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalists
Terrell suggests: This is Suggs’ first year of eligibility after retiring following the 2019 season. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Suggs, an elite passer, had 11 seasons with 11 or more tackles for loss and seven seasons with 10 bags or more. He led the NFL with seven forced fumbles in 2011. He amassed 202 tackles for loss and 139 sacks during his 17-year career.
More: ASU icon Terrell Suggs is one of 16 first-time nominees eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Eric Allen: Allen, a cornerback, threw 54 interceptions during his career, which spanned from 1988 to 2001. He returned eight interceptions for touchdowns, including four in 1993 with the Eagles. He was selected to the Pro Bowl six times.
Darren Woodson: A safety, Woodson played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1992 to 2003, where he threw 23 interceptions. He is the Cowboys’ all-time leading tackler with 1,350. He helped the Cowboys win three Super Bowls and was a five-time Pro Bowler.
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Anquan Boldin: A receiver who began his career with the Cardinals in 2003, Boldin had 1,076 catches for 13,779 yards and 82 touchdowns during his career, which lasted until 2016. He also played for the Ravens, 49ers and the Lions.
Hines district: Ward, in his first season as ASU’s position coach, has shined for the Steelers over the course of his career, with 1,000 receptions (yes, he had exactly 1,000 catches in his career) for 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns in 14 seasons from 1998 to 2011.
More: Hines Ward has made millions and won 2 Super Bowls. So why is he coaching at ASU?
Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalists for 2025
Eli Manning, Fred Taylor, Ricky Watters, Anquan Boldin, Torry Holt, Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne, Antonio Gates, Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Richmond Webb, Steve Wisniewski, Marshal Yanda.
Defense: Rodney Harrison, Earl Thomas, Eric Allen, Darren Woodson, James Harrison, Terrell Suggs, Luke Kuechly, Jared Allen, Robert Mathis, Vince Woolfork.
Special teams: Adam Vinatieri.
Contact Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article was originally published on Arizona Republic: Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalists for 2025 include Terrell Suggs
