USA TODAY Sports
The Professional Football Hall of Fame has announced the 15 finalists of the modern era for the Class of 2021.
Six of the 15 are finalists for the first time.
Jared Allen, Calvin Johnson, Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson are one vote away from Canton in his first year of eligibility.
In addition, Ronde Barber and Clay Matthews Jr., who were previously eligible, made the list for the first time. Matthews, who played for the 1978-93 Browns and the 1994-96 Falcons, is in his 20th qualifying year. Barber, who played for Bucs from 1997 to 2012, is in his fourth season of eligibility.
The selection committee will consider the 15 finalists of the modern era for the Hall of Fame election during the annual meeting. The meeting is usually held in person the day before the Super Bowl, but this year, the selectors will meet virtually on January 19.
The committee will elect a maximum of five players from the modern era, who must receive a positive vote of at least 80 percent for the election.
Coach Tom Flores, contributor Bill Nunn and senior candidate Drew Pearson are also running for election in the Class of 2021.
Finalists of players from the Modern Era of 2021 with their positions, years and teams:
• Jared Allen, Defensive End – 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
• Ronde Barber, Cornerback / Safety – 1997-2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Tony Boselli, Tackle – 1995-2001 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2002 Houston Texans (wounded reserve)
• LeRoy Butler, Security – 1990-2001 Green Bay Packers
• Alan pout, Guard – 1998-2007 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2008-09 New York Jets, 2010 Arizona Cardinals
• Torry Holt, Wide Receiver – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars 2009
• Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver – 2007-2015 Detroit Lions
• John Lynch, Security – 1993-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos 2004-07
• Peyton Manning, Quarterback – 1998-2011 Indianapolis Colts (injured reserve 2011), Denver Broncos 2012-15
• Clay Matthews Jr., Linebacker – 1978-1993 Cleveland Browns, 1994-96 Atlanta Falcons
• Sam Mills, Linebacker – 1986-1994 New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers 1995-97
• Richard Seymour, Defensive End / Defensive Tackle – 2001-08 New England Patriots, 2009-2012 Oakland Raiders
• Zach Thomas, Linebacker – 1996-2007 Miami Dolphins, 2008 Dallas Cowboys
• Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver – Indianapolis Colts 2001-2014
• Charles Woodson, Cornerback / Safety – 1998-2005, 2013-15 Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers 2006-2012