Willis and Young are not among finalists
Former Raider Woodson among four first-time eligible players
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.
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 FOR HALL OF FAME IN FIRST YEAR OF ELIGIBILITY » Charles Woodson, who left the Raiders as a cornerback, returned as a safety and built a Hall of Fame-worthy 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 fumWoodson was the Raid- bles and is the NFL allers’ No. 4 overall pick as time co-leader for defena cornerback after winsive touchdowns with 13. ning the Heisman Trophy He was named to the Pro at Michigan as a two-way Bowl in his final season at player and was The Assoage 39. ciated Press Rookie of the With Tom Flores up for a Year and a Pro Bowler in yes-or-no vote as a coaching his first season. Although a finalist, along with Richstandout with the Raiders, ard Seymour, who finished his best work was done in his career with the Raiders Green Bay after he left in from 2009-12, the Raiders free agency, where he won could add three more Hall a Defensive Player of the of Famers to their total of Year award and a Super 26.
Bowl ring.