link The fifteen finalists for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame have been named.
Four players in their first year of eligibility have made the cut — Bills defensive end Bruce Smith, Steelers cornerback Rod Woodson, Broncos/Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe, and Vikings defensive John Randle.
The other finalists are Steelers center Dermontti Dawson, Seahawks defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, Vikings receiver Cris Carter, Bills receiver Andre Reed, Bears defensive end Richard Dent, Redskins guard Russ Grimm, Dolphins guard Bob Kuechenberg, Vikings guard Randall McDaniel, Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas, former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, and Bills owner Ralph Wilson.
Falcons defensive end Claude Humprhey and Cowboys receiver Bob Hayes are the Senior Committe finalists.
A minimum of four and a maximum of seven men will be voted into the Hall of Fame at a selection meeting to be held on January 31, one day before Super Bowl XLIII.
