Pro Football Hall of Fame announces 2025 class, smallest in 20 years

• The Pro Football Hall of Fame has elected three new members. Eric Allen, Antonio Gates and Jared Allen will all be enshrined Aug. 2, 2025.
• The three-member class is the smallest since 2005.
• Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sterling Sharpe was elected in the senior category.

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As part of the NFL Honors Awards show in New Orleans Thursday night, Feb. 6, the league announced the 2025 members elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With only three players joining the prestigious group, it’s the smallest class since 2005.

Cornerback Eric Allen played 14 seasons in the league, half of those for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he went to six Pro Bowls. Allen finished his career with 54 interceptions and nine defensive touchdowns in 217 games played. He also played for the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders.

One of the greatest Chargers of all time and one of the greatest at his position, tight end Antonio Gates, played two decades –– both in San Diego and when the team moved to Los Angeles. Gates was one of the most reliable targets in the league during his tenure. He went to eight straight Pro Bowls from 2004 to 2011, catching at least seven touchdowns each season. He finished his career with 955 catches, over 11,000 receiving yards and 116 touchdowns.

Jared Allen is the final modern-day player elected to the Hall of Fame in 2025. Allen played 12 seasons, starting his career with the Kansas City Chiefs before moving to the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers. Allen, famous for his “calf-roping” sack celebration, was able to perform that move after nearly every one of his 136 sacks –– he ranks 12th all-time in that category. In 2011, his best season, he finished with 22 sacks, good for third in NFL history during a single season.

Former Packers wide receiver Sterling Sharpe was voted in from the seniors category. It’s the smallest Hall of Fame class since 2005. Some notables who didn’t make it this time include quarterback Eli Manning, kicker Adam Vinatieri, receiver Tory Holt and coach Mike Holmgren.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Aug. 2, 2025, in Canton, Ohio.