Mannings’ “MNF” broadcast jumps 138%, averages 1.9 million
back Antonio Cromartie.
The list will be reduced to 25 semifinalists in November and to 15 finalists in January before the selection committee discusses and chooses the class of 2022 that will be enshrined in August.
The roster of nominees consists of 65 offensive players, 46 defensive players and 11 special teamers.
Finalists from 2021 re-nominated for next year are wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt; tackle Tony Boselli; defensive end Jared Allen; defensive tackle Richard Seymour; linebackers Sam Mills and Zach Thomas; and defensive backs Ronde Barber and Leroy Butler.
Recently selected as a senior finalist was receiver Cliff Branch. The contributor finalist is former referee and league officiating chief Art Mcnally. The coach finalist is Dick Vermeil, who won the Super Bowl in 2000 with the Rams.
NEW YORK – The “Monday Night
Football” presentation with Peyton and Eli Manning increased its viewership by 138% over last week’s debut, becoming the most-watched alternate telecast in ESPN history.
ESPN and Nielsen reported that the Mannings’ freewheeling telecast of the Green Bay Packers’ 35-17 victory over the Detroit Lions on ESPN2 averaged 1.9 million viewers. The Week 1 overtime thriller between the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders averaged 800,000.
– Wire reports