The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s latest modern era class was announced live at the NFL Honors ceremony Thursday in New Orleans.
The Hall’s Class of 2025 is set to be enshrined in Canton, Ohio, this August and the four inductees were announced at the Saenger Theatre.
The four-man class includes Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, Vikings defensive end Jared Allen, Packers wide receiver Sterling Sharpe and former Saints cornerback Eric Allen.
Gates played the entirety of his 16-year NFL career with the Chargers organization, 14 years in San Diego and two in Los Angeles. The eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time First Team All-Pro finished with 116 career receiving touchdowns, which ranks seventh all-time and is first among tight ends.
A defensive end known for his pass rushing skills, Jared Allen played 12 seasons and recorded 136 career sacks, which ranks 16th all time. The majority of his career was with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings, and he led the NFL with a career-best 22 sacks in 2011.
Sharpe was selected as a senior candidate and had seven big seasons with the Packers from 1988-94, catching 595 passes for 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns. A neck injury that required surgery forced him to retire early.
