Boldin, Allen, Woodson among HOF semifinalists
Three players with Arizona connections are among 26 semifinalists for the 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame class announced on Wednesday.
Receiver Anquan Boldin was selected in his first year of eligibility. Cornerback Eric Allen, who played at Arizona State and for the Eagles, Saints and Raiders, is a semifinalist for the sixth time. And safety Darren Woodson, who played at Maryvale High and Arizona State is a semifinalist for the sixth time.
The list will be reduced to 15 before the final vote is made in January.
Boldin was drafted by the Cardinals in the second round in 2003 and was the NFL's offensive rookie of the year. He stayed with the Cardinals through the 2009 season, after which he was traded to the Ravens for third and fourth-round picks. Boldin also played for the 49ers and the Lions.
In 14 NFL seasons, he was selected to three Pro Bowls and finished with 1,076 receptions, 13,779 yards and 82 receiving touchdowns.
The Eagles drafted Allen in the second round in 1988. He played 14 NFL seasons, was selected to six Pro Bowls and finished with 54 interceptions.
Woodson played linebacker at ASU, but played safety for the Cowboys, who drafted him in the second round in 1992. He was integral part in the Cowboys' turnaround under coach Jimmy Johnson has three Super Bowl rings.
Woodson made five Pro Bowls in 12
seasons, all with the Cowboys.
The list of 26 semifinalists: Cornerback Eric Allen
Defensive end Jared Allen Offensive tackle Willie Anderson Cornerback/safety Ronde Barber Wide receiver Anquan Boldin Offensive tackle Tony Boselli Safety LeRoy Butler
Running back Eddie George
Wide receiver/kick returner Devin Hester
Wide receiver Torry Holt
Wide receiver Andre Johnson Defensive end Robert Mathis Linebacker Sam Mills
Defensive tackle Richard Seymour Wide receiver Steve Smith
Wide receiver/special teams Steve Tasker
Running back Fred Taylor Linebacker Zach Thomas
Wide receiver Hines Ward Linebacker DeMarcus Ware Running back Ricky Watters
Wide receiver Reggie Wayne Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork Linebacker Patrick Willis
Safety Darren Woodson
Defensive tackle Bryant Young