Last year, it was clear that Peyton Manning would be among those enshrined to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The all-time great quarterback’s status was never in doubt, and he was voted in during his first year on the ballot.
The 2022 Pro Football Hall of fame ballot doesn’t have a shoo-in of Manning’s caliber among its ranks. It may not even have candidates like Charles Woodson and Calvin Johnson, who were enshrined in the Hall of Fame as part of last year’s ceremony.
Still, there are plenty of talented players that will — and should — be inducted. There just aren’t as many clear cut-and-dry cases among the 15 finalists for 2022.
IYER: The 7 worst narratives for Super Bowl 56
There are three first-time nominees among the final 15 this year. Andre Johnson, DeMarcus Ware and Devin Hester are all hoping to make it to Canton during their first years on the ballot. All have a good case, but Hester’s will be one to watch closely, as no return specialist has ever made the Hall of Fame on those merits alone.
Nine of the nominees on the 2022 ballot were also on the 2021 ballot. They just weren’t among the candidates that got into the Hall of Fame. Of last year’s final 15, only Clay Matthews Jr. failed to both be enshrined in Canton and wasn’t a finalist again in 2022.
MORE: Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees, finalists for 2021
Which players are next to join the Pro Football Hall of Fame? Sporting News is tracking the institution’s induction announcement. Below is a full list of the honorees:
Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees 2022
Modern-era players (in order of announcement)
- LeRoy Butler, S, 1990-2001
- Bryant Young, DL, 1994-2007
- Sam Mills, LB, 1986-1997
- Richard Seymour, DL, 2001-2012
- Tony Boselli, OT, 1995-2002
Coaches
- Dick Vermeil, Eagles (1976-82), Rams (1997-99) and Chiefs (2001-05)
Contributors (non-coach, non-player)
- Art McNally, former director of officiating
Seniors (last played more than 25 years ago)
- Cliff Branch, WR, 1972-86
SUPER BOWL: Rams vs. Bengals picks, predictions from SN experts
Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists
Modern-era players
- Jared Allen, DE, 2004-15
- Willie Anderson, OT, 1996-2008
- Ronde Barber, DB, 1997-2012
- Tony Boselli, OT, 1995-2002
- LeRoy Butler, S, 1990-2001
- Devin Hester, KR/PR, 2006-16
- Torry Holt, WR, 1999-2009
- Andre Johnson, WR, 2003-16
- Sam Mills, LB, 1986-1997
- Richard Seymour, DL, 2001-2012
- Zach Thomas, LB, 1996-2008
- DeMarcus Ware, DE, 2005-16
- Reggie Wayne, WR, 2001-14
- Patrick Willis, LB, 2007-14
- Bryant Young, DL, 1994-2007