Four players have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jared Allen, Antonio Gates, Sterling Sharpe, and Eric Allen will be honored in Canton this year.
Jared Allen, a former edge rusher, recorded 136 sacks over his 12-year career, ranking 12th all-time. He led the NFL in sacks twice, achieving a career-high of 22 in 2011, just one sack shy of breaking Michael Strahan’s single-season record. Allen was named to four All-Pro teams during his tenure with the Chiefs, Vikings, Bears, and back with the Vikings.
Antonio Gates is regarded as one of the greatest tight ends of his time, significantly influencing the evolution of the position. He holds the record for the most touchdowns by a tight end with 116, and his 955 receptions and 11,841 receiving yards rank fourth among tight ends. Gates spent his entire 16-year career with the Chargers, earning eight consecutive Pro Bowl selections and will be inducted after narrowly missing out last year.
Sterling Sharpe had a brief but impactful seven-season career with the Green Bay Packers. He was selected to five Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors three times. Sharpe led the NFL in receptions three times and in touchdowns twice, including a remarkable 18 touchdowns in his final season. Over his career, he amassed 595 catches for 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns, with five seasons exceeding 1,100 receiving yards.
Eric Allen played 14 seasons in the NFL, representing the Eagles, Raiders, and Saints. He led the league in pick-sixes twice, recording four in 1993 and three in 2000. Allen was selected to six Pro Bowls after being drafted 30th overall in 1988.
Notable players who were not selected this year include Adam Vinatieri, Eli Manning, Terrell Suggs, Reggie Wayne, Steve Smith Sr., and Marshal Yanda.
The induction ceremony for this new class will take place on August 3.