Woodson a finalist for Hall of Fame
49ers LB Willis, DL Young miss cut
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.
Others who were named finalist in their first year of eligibility were 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 (Jag uars), safety LeRoy Butler (Packers), guard Alan Faneca (Steelers), wide receiver Torr y Holt ( Rams, Jaguars), safety John Lynch ( B u c c a n e e r s/ B r o n c o s) , linebacker Clay Matthews ( Browns, Falcons), linebacker Sam Mills (Saints, Panthers), defensive lineman Richard Seymour (Patriots, Raiders), linebacker Zach Thomas ( Dolphins) and wide receiver Reggie Wayne (Colts).
Woodson was the Raiders’ No. 4 overall pick as a cornerback after winning the Heisman Trophy at Michigan as a two-way player and was The Associated Press Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler in his first season. Although a standout with the Raiders, his best work was done in Green Bay after he left in free agency, where he won a Defensive Player of the Year award and a Super Bowl ring.
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 alltime co-leader for defensive touchdowns with 13. He was named to the Pro Bowl in his final season at age 39.
With Tom Flores up for a yes-or-no vote as a coaching finalist, along with Richard Seymour, who finished his career with the Raiders from 2009-12, the Raiders could add three more Hall of Famers to their total of 26.
— Jerry McDonald
49ers
WILLIS, YOUNG NOT AMONG
HALL OF FAME FINALISTS >> 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’ fourth-year 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.