NFL · 1 year ago

Recapping the Biggest Snubs From the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Class

Grant White

Host · Writer

Eli Manning - Quarterback, New York Giants
Best known as Tom Brady's kryptonite, Eli Manning's resume is made for the Hall of Fame. The younger Manning won two Super Bowls and was named MVP in both contests. His 366 touchdowns and 57,023 passing yards put him among the top 11 quarterbacks all-time in both categories. Given the uproar this year, Eli Manning is a virtual lock to be included in the 2026 Hall of Fame class.
Willie Anderson - Offensive Tackle, Cincinnati Bengals
Willie Anderson presided over some of the most fruitful years for the Cincinnati Bengals. The offensive tackle helped Carson Palmer establish himself in the league and seemingly got better with age. All three of his All-Pro selections came in the final five years of his career.
Jahri Evans - Guard, New Orleans Saints
All but one of Jahri Evans' 12 seasons in the NFL came with the New Orleans Saints. Over that stretch, Evans was named a first-team All-Pro four times, went to the Pro Bowl six times, and helped the Saints win Super Bowl XLIV. The cherry on top was getting named to the 2010's Hall of Fame team.
Darren Woodson - Safety, Dallas Cowbooys
Darren Woodson, one of the most prolific defenders of the 1990s, seemed like a lock for the 2025 Hall of Fame Class. The Arizona State product was a key contributor to the Dallas Cowboys dynasty, earning three straight All-Pro nods and five straight Pro Bowl nods.
Marshal Yanda - Guard, Baltimore Ravens
Marshal Yanda was the embodiment of the Baltimore Ravens. The former third-round pick spent most of his career as a right guard but also played on the left side and spent time as a tackle. His versatility and toughness resulted in eight Pro Bowl selections and seven inclusions on the First or Second All-Pro teams. Like Evans, he was named to the 2010s Hall of Fame team.
Terrell Suggs - Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Another Ravens' snub, Terrell Suggs, was one of the most decorated linebackers when he decided to call it a career. Suggs spent an astounding 17 seasons in the NFL, with all but one of those coming with the Ravens. Suggs earned Defensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and seven Pro Bowl appearances throughout his career. His resume is capped off with two Super Bowls and an All-Pro nomination.
Fred Taylor - Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars
Few modern-day running backs can hold a candle to some of Fred Taylor's accomplishments. The Jacksonville Jaguars running back had seven 1,000-yard campaigns, netting him 11,695 career yards. That puts him 17th on the all-time rushing list, making him the only eligible running back in the top 17 not to make the Hall of Fame.
Luke Kuechly - Linebacker, Carolina Panthers
Only a handful of players can say they went out on their own terms. But Luke Kuechly is one of those prestigious few. The Carolina Panthers linebacker played eight seasons in the NFL, being named to an All-Pro team in all but one of those campaigns. His accolades include Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, and 1,092 career tackles.
Reggie Wayne - Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts
Reggie Wayne's ascent as a Hall of Fame-worthy wide receiver was made possible by the Peyton Manning glory days. The Indianapolis Colts wide receiver caught 1,070 passes throughout his 14-year career. Wayne had seven straight 1,000-yard seasons, yielding 14,345 career receiving yards.
Torry Holt - Wide Receiver, St. Louis Rams
Peak Torry Holt was a menace. The St. Louis Rams wideout led the league in receiving yards twice and was an integral part of the Rams' "Greatest Show on Turf" era. By the end of his career, Holt had a Super Bowl ring and seven Pro Bowl selections and was part of the 2000s Hall of Fame team.
Steve Smith Sr. - Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith Sr. was the original mercurial receiver. Generations of players continue to try and emulate his productiveness and confidence. Smith Sr. tallied 14,731 career receiving yards, two All-Pro selections, and five Pro Bowl nods.
Adam Vinatieri - Kicker, Indianapolis Colts
Only five kickers have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And it's a damn travesty that Adam Vinatieri wasn't included in this year's Class. The NFL's all-time leading scorer, Vinatieri, kicked his way to four Super Bowls, three All-Pro teams, and the 2000s Hall of Fame team.
Eli Manning - Quarterback, New York Giants
Best known as Tom Brady's kryptonite, Eli Manning's resume is made for the Hall of Fame. The younger Manning won two Super Bowls and was named MVP in both contests. His 366 touchdowns and 57,023 passing yards put him among the top 11 quarterbacks all-time in both categories. Given the uproar this year, Eli Manning is a virtual lock to be included in the 2026 Hall of Fame class.
Willie Anderson - Offensive Tackle, Cincinnati Bengals
Willie Anderson presided over some of the most fruitful years for the Cincinnati Bengals. The offensive tackle helped Carson Palmer establish himself in the league and seemingly got better with age. All three of his All-Pro selections came in the final five years of his career.

Recapping the Biggest Snubs From the 2025 NFL Hall of Fame Class

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