Two former Green Bay Packers defenders are among the 15 finalists of the modern era for the 2021 Professional Football Hall of Fame.
LeRoy Butler and Charles Woodson were both named finalists on Tuesday.
Butler and Woodson join Jared Allen, Ronde Barber, Tony Boselli, Alan Faneca, Torry Holt, Calvin Johnson, John Lynch, Peyton Manning, Clay Matthews Jr., Sam Mills, Richard Seymour, Zach Thomas and Reggie Wayne as the 15 modern finalist years.
Butler, now in his 15th qualifying season, is a finalist for the second year in a row. Woodson is one of the finalists for the first time in his first year of eligibility.
Up to five players from the 15 finalists will be elected to the Hall of Fame. Players need 80 percent of the votes to be entered.
Butler played for the Packers from 1990 to 2001. Woodson played for the Packers from 2006 to 2012.
Butler Hall of Fame profile:
One of the most prolific quarterbacks in the history of the Packers and among the top security guards of his time … He led the team in interceptions five times … A key member of this team’s defense guided the resurgence that included seven playoff appearances in nine seasons. .. Helped Packers lead for three consecutive division titles (1995-97) and two appearances in the Super Bowl … Started with strong confidence in three consecutive NFC games and Super Bowls XXXI and XXXII … He had seven tackles and a sack in the Packers’ 35-21 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI… Intercepted a pass all seasons, but his last… Career statistics: 38 interceptions for 533 yards… Only choice six came on the return of 90 yards against San Diego Chargers, September 15, 1996 … Recorded 20.5 career sacks and a fumble recovery for a TD … Selected for four Pro Bowls … All-Pro four times (1993, 1996, 1997 , 1998) … Name for the 1990s NFL Team All-Decade.
Hall of Fame profile for Woodson:
It made an immediate impact for the Raiders after being chosen fourth overall in 1998, winning the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award and a Pro Bowl spot … Intercepted at least one pass in each of its 18 seasons (one year) before Darrell Green’s record in the NFL 19)… Totaled 65 career interceptions, tied for fifth in league history… Fourth in NFL history for passes saved with 183… Twice led the NFL in interceptions (nine in 2009; seven in 2011)… In 2014, he became the first player in NFL history with 50 career interceptions and 20 sacks… He forced 33 fumbles and recovered 18… AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2009… NFL All-Decade team member 1990s … First-Team All-Pro three times … Elected to nine Pro Bowls … Appeared in Super Bowl XXXVII with Oakland, contributing five tackles and an interception in the 48-21 loss to Tampa Bay … Contributing two tackles in Green Bay’s 31-25 win over P ittsburgh in the Super Bowl XLV … Co-holder of the NFL record with 13 defensive touchdowns in his career … One of just two games (with Hall of Famer Marcus Allen) to win the Heisman Trophy, AP Rookie of the Year, AP Player of the Year and a Super Bowl title in his career.
The Hall of Fame Selection Committee will meet on January 19 to vote. The 2021 Hall of Fame class will be announced during the “NFL Honors” on the eve of Super Bowl LV.