Manning headlinesHall finalists
Not surprisingly, Peyton Manning was among15 finalists announced for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2021.
Joining the record fivetime MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion was one of the wide receivers he threw to, Reggie Wayne, a finalist for the second time. First-year eligible Calvin Johnson and second-time finalist TorryHolt also made the cut among receivers.
The other modern-day finalists were former Texas Tech and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Zach Thomas, defensive back Charles Woodson, defensive back Ronde Barber, safety LeRoy Butler, safety John Lynch, defensive end Jared Allen, defensive lineman RichardSeymour, linebacker Clay Matthews and linebacker Sam Mills.
Up to five modern-day players can be chosen, along with three previously announced candidates should they get the required votes: coach TomFlores, contributor Bill Nunn and senior DrewPearson, the legendary former Cowboys receiver.
In other pro football news:
• Add Philadelphia running back Miles Sanders to the list of those disappointed in the decision to pull quarterback JalenHurts for Nate Sudfeld during the Eagles’ 20-14 loss toWashington on Sunday. Hurts came out in the fourth quarter of a threepoint game in amove perceived bymany as tanking.
“If I’m being honest, nobody liked the decision. Nobody. That’s all I can say,” Sanders said during an appearance on a Philadelphia radio show.
Sanders’ comments came a day after the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that some players and coaches were angry about the move, with two defensive players having to be held back from confronting coach Doug Pederson. Center Jason Kelce and another offensive starter also approached Pederson to ask about the change.