Former Vikings defensive end Jared Allen is a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist for the fifth time in his five years of eligibility.
Joining Allen on the list of 15 modern-era finalists that was released by the Hall of Fame on Saturday morning are five players in their first year of eligibility, a first-year finalist in his fourth year of eligibility and nine players who came up short as finalists a year ago.
A four-time first-team All-Pro, including three as a Viking, Allen has waited longer than all but two of this year’s finalists. Receivers Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt made the final 15 for the sixth straight year.
Finalists in their first year of eligibility are linebacker Luke Kuechly, a five-time first-team All-Pro and 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year; edge rusher Terrell Suggs, a Minneapolis native and a one-time first-team All-Pro and 2011 NFL Defensive Player of the Year; guard Marshal Yanda, a seven-time first-team All-Pro; quarterback Eli Manning, who will provide a spirited debate as a two-time Super Bowl winner with a 117-117 career record and no All-Pros; and kicker Adam Vinatieri, a three-time first-team All-Pro who played 24 seasons, won four Super Bowls with two teams, made the NFL’s all-time team for its first 100 years and holds its career records for points (2,673) and field goals made (599).
Also in his first year as a finalist is receiver Steve Smith Sr., a two-time first-team All-Pro who has been eligible for four years.
Re-joining Allen, Wayne and Holt from last year’s final 15 are defensive back Eric Allen, guard Jahri Evans, tight end Antonio Gates, running back Fred Taylor, safety Darren Woodson and offensive tackle Willie Anderson.
Allen’s frustration mounted last year when he made the cut from 15 to 10 for the second straight year but then failed again to reach the final five, all of whom ended up in the Class of 2024 after receiving yes votes from at least 80% of the selection committee. Making the Class of 2024 were two pass rushing contemporaries of Allen’s — Julius Peppers, who was expected to be a first-ballot selection, and Dwight Freeney, who made it in only his second year of eligibility after not making the final 10 the year before.
This came a year after DeMarcus Ware, another edge rusher with a résumé similar to Allen’s, made the Class of 2023 in his second year of eligibility.