Once again, Dallas Cowboys defensive back Darren Woodson finds himself on the verge of NFL immortality as he was named a modern-era finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its modern-era finalists for the 2025 class Saturday. One former Dallas Cowboys defensive back has found himself in this same position of years past.
Darren Woodson was among the 15 finalists announced, reaching this stage for the third time. This is Woodson’s 17th year of eligibility in the modern-era category.
Woodson is the lone Cowboy remaining on the ballot though a strong candidate for selection. A three-time Super Bowl champion, Woodson is also Dallas’ all-time leading tackler.
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He finished his career with 702 solo tackles, 11 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries and 23 interceptions in 12 seasons, all spent with the Cowboys. Woodson played 178 games in his career.
Modern-era candidates are eligible for up to 20 years before transitioning to the senior category.
The finalists for the modern-era category were determined by the Hall of Fame’s independent Selection Committee from an original grouping of 167 players that has since been trimmed down to 50 and 25.
Joining Woodson as finalists are nine finalists from last year and five first-time finalists, headlined by New York Giants Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning.
The full list also includes Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Fred Taylor, Jahri Evans, Willie Anderson, Antonio Gates, Steve Smith Sr., Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs, Tory Holt, Reggie Wayne, Adam Vinatieri and Marshall Yanda.
The 2025 class will be announced on Thursday, February 6, ahead of Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9. The official enshrinement ceremony will take place in August.