The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced its newest members: Jared Allen, Antonio Gates, Sterling Sharpe, and Eric Allen. These four football icons will be enshrined in Canton, Ohio, later this year.
Jared Allen, a dominant force on the defensive line, amassed 136 sacks throughout his 12-season career, placing him 12th on the all-time list. He led the league in sacks twice, with a career-high of 22 in 2011, nearly breaking Michael Strahan's single-season record. Allen earned four All-Pro selections while playing for the Chiefs, Vikings, Bears, and Panthers.
Antonio Gates revolutionized the tight end position. His 116 touchdowns are unmatched by any other tight end in NFL history. He also ranks fourth all-time at the position with 955 receptions and 11,841 receiving yards. Gates dedicated his entire 16-year career to the Chargers, earning eight consecutive Pro Bowl selections. After narrowly missing induction last year, he finally receives his well-deserved recognition.
Sterling Sharpe, despite a shorter seven-season career spent entirely with the Green Bay Packers, left an indelible mark on the league. He earned five Pro Bowl nods and three All-Pro selections. Sharpe led the NFL in receptions three times and in touchdowns twice, including an impressive 18 in his final season. He amassed 595 catches for 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns, with five seasons exceeding 1,100 receiving yards.
Eric Allen, a standout cornerback for 14 seasons with the Eagles, Raiders, and Saints, twice led the NFL in interceptions returned for touchdowns, achieving this feat with four in 1993 and three in 2000. A six-time Pro Bowler, Allen was the 30th overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft.
Several notable players did not make the cut this year, including Adam Vinatieri, Eli Manning, Terrell Suggs, Reggie Wayne, Steve Smith Sr., and Marshal Yanda.
The induction ceremony for this distinguished class will take place on August 3rd.
