The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced its latest class, with tight end Antonio Gates, cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe becoming the newest members. The group, comprising four individuals for the first time since 2005, will be inducted on August 2 in Canton, Ohio.
The selection committee chose this year’s class from a pool of eligible players through a virtual meeting in January. Notable players such as Adam Vinatieri, Luke Kuechly, and Eli Manning were among those who did not make the cut for their first year of eligibility.
Gates, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, is the fourth-highest receiver in league history with 955 receptions and 116 touchdowns. He expressed gratitude to the Chargers for believing in him early in his career.
Allen, a two-time Pro Bowl player with 54 interceptions, was elected after being on the ballot for 19 years. He attributed his selection as a validation of his playing style and said it felt like a sigh of relief.
Jared Allen’s 136 sacks rank 12th all-time since the statistic began in 1982. He played for 12 seasons and holds an NFL-record four safeties. The 50-year-old linebacker praised the emphasis placed on being a Hall of Famer, saying his inclusion felt “special” but also acknowledged that it came after years of perseverance.
Sterling Sharpe’s seven-season career with the Green Bay Packers was marked by impressive statistics, including three league-high receptions and two touchdowns. He played with a neck condition that forced his early retirement, but remains humbled by the honor.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43727435/te-antonio-gates-smallest-hall-fame-class-2005