2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ballot Narrowed to 25 Semifinalists
By Mark Powell
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has narrowed its decision-making process, albeit by just one stage.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Hall announced 25 semifinalists, all of whom made it to the next round of voting. Among those player are three first-time nominees, including longtime Colts WR Reggie Wayne, Steelers S Troy Polamalu and 49ers LB Patrick Willis.
Hall of Fame’s 2020 class cut to 25 semifinalists https://t.co/aosK4ZQuOJ
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 26, 2019
Polamalu arguably has the best chance of first-time admission of any, considering his status as one of the best safeties of his era. His personal rivalry with Ravens safety and 2019 inductee Ed Reed defined the AFC North for a decade.
Along with these three, there are four other first-time semifinalists, despite being eligible in years past. Carl Banks, Fred Taylor, Bryant Young and Ricky Waters will hope for the call this time around.
BREAKING: 3 first-year eligible players are among the list of 25 Modern-Era Player Semifinalists for the Class of 2020. #PFHOF20
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 26, 2019
More on the semifinalists: https://t.co/gn5wGtyCVt pic.twitter.com/C1ViE4524c
This tally will be voted down to 15 finalists, all of which will be announced in January. The likes of Alan Faneca, Tony Boselli, Steve Atwater, Edgerrin James and Steve Hutchinson all made the top-10 last year, and will be anxiously waiting for their induction in Canton this time around.