We’re one step closer to having a Hall of Famer in our on-air lineup, as Tiki Barber is one of 50 who made the October cut-down to be a modern-era candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Also among the finalists are Tiki’s QB, Eli Manning, who is eligible for the first time this year, as well as some stiff running back competition including ex-Seahawks Marshawn Lynch and Shaun Alexander, and 2024 finalist Fred Taylor.
Tiki is the last WFAN man standing for this year, as unfortunately, Boomer Esiason was not one of the 31 selected to pass the recent cut-down for the Senior era finalist group.
The Hall of Fame selection committee will now vote on the group of 50, with each member of the panel casting votes for 25. The top 25 vote-getters plus ties will advance to the semifinals, and that vote will be announced in mid-November.
Per NFL media, reduction votes also are occurring in the Seniors, Coach and Contributor categories, and eventually, 20 Finalists will be presented at the Selection Committee's annual meeting next year in advance of Super Bowl LIX: 15 Modern-Era Players, three Seniors, one Coach and one Contributor.
The Hall of Fame class, which per bylaws must include four to eight enshrines, will be announced at the NFL Honors ceremony next February in New Orleans, and enshrined in Canton next August.