49ers come up short in latest Hall of Fame
Former Raider Woodson makes cut
Patrick Willis and Bryant Young fail to advance to finals, however, Raider Charles Woodson does.
Linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive lineman Bryant Young won’t make the next Pro Football Hall of Fame class, and the 49ers legends didn’t even reach the finalist stage that was unveiled Tuesday.
Last fall, they were named semifinalists for a second straight year, with Willis in his second year of eligibility. Young was a first-time finalist last year, and the 49ers subsequently elected him to the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame.
John Lynch, the 49ers’ fourthyear general manager, is a finalist for the eighth consecutive year based on his excellence as a safety with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos.
Former Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson is among four finalists in their first year of eligibility, the others being quarterback Payton Manning (Colts, Broncos), wide receiver Calvin Johnson (Lions) and defensive end Jared Allen (Chiefs, Vikings).
The rest of the modern era finalists include cornerback/ safety Ronde Barber ( Buccaneers), tackle Tony Boselli (Jaguars), safety LeRoy Butler (Packers), guard Alan Faneca (Steelers), wide receiver Torry Holt ( Rams, Jaguars), linebacker Clay Mathews ( Browns, Falcons), linebacker Sam Mills (Saints, Panthers), defensive lineman Richard Seymour (Patriots, Raiders), linebacker Zach Thomas (Dolphins) and wide receiver Reggie Wayne (Colts).
— Cam Inman
Raiders
WOODSON A FINALIST >> Charles Woodson, who left the Raiders as a cornerback, returned as a safety and built a Hall of Fameworthy resume in between as a member of the Green Bay Packers, was among four first-time eligible players for enshrinement.
In 254 games covering 18 seasons, which included a return to the Raiders in 2013, Woodson intercepted 65 passes, forced 33 fumbles and is the NFL all-time co-leader for defensive touchdowns with 13.
With Tom Flores up for a yesor-no vote as a coaching finalist, along with Richard Seymour, the Raiders could add three more Hall of Famers to their total of 26.