That nod to the past is made through the announcement of a new class of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees. The 2021 group will be the traditional size (eight inductees total); last year, the HOF greatly expanded the list of enshrinees in conjunction with the NFL’s centennial celebration.
One member of the ‘21 class — the most obvious inductee — was unofficially announced about a week early. Hall of Fame voters agreed on Peyton Manning, who will enter Canton in his first year on the ballot.
Sporting News tracked the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction announcement. Below is a full list of the honorees:
NFL HONORS: NFL’s 2020 award winners
Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees 2021
Modern-era players (in order of announcement)
Charles Woodson, CB/S, 1998-2015 Calvin Johnson, 2017-15 Alan Faneca, G, 1998-2010 John Lynch, S, 1993-2007 Peyton Manning, QB, 1998-2015
Coaches
Tom Flores, Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders and Seattle Seahawks
Contributors (non-coach, non-player)
Bill Nunn, Steelers scout and executive, 1970-2014
Seniors (last played more than 25 years ago)
Drew Pearson, WR, Cowboys, 1973-83
Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists
Modern-era players
Jared Allen, DE, 2004-15 Ronde Barber, CB/S, 1997-2012 Tony Boselli, OT, 1995-2002 LeRoy Butler, S, 1990-2001 Alan Faneca, G, 1998-2010 Torry Holt, WR, 1999-2009 Calvin Johnson, WR, 2007-15 John Lynch, S, 1993-2007 Peyton Manning, QB, 1998-2015 Clay Matthews Jr. , LB, 1978-96 Sam Mills, LB, 1986-97 Richard Seymour, DL, 2001-12 Zach Thomas, LB, 1996-2008 Reggie Wayne, WR, 2001-14 Charles Woodson, CB/S, 1998-2015
