JACKSONVILLE – Fred Taylor is one step closer – and it's an important step.
The Jaguars legend on Wednesday moved closer to football immortality, being named a modern-era finalist for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
Taylor, a Jaguars running back from 1998-2008, was named a finalist for the first time. He was among 15 finalists announced early Wednesday evening on the NFL Network.
Taylor had been named a Hall semifinalist for the fifth time in November.
Taylor, the No. 9 overall selection in the 1998 NFL Draft, rushed for 11,695 yards and 66 touchdowns in 13 NFL seasons. He rushed for 11,271 yards and 62 touchdowns with Jacksonville – and is the franchise's all-time rushing leader.
Taylor, a member of the Pride of the Jaguars, ranks No. 17 on the NFL's all-time rushing list and his 4.6-yards-per carry average ranks behind only Barry Sanders and Jim Brown among players with more career rushing yards.
Two first-year eligible players were among the finalists named Wednesday:
- Tight end Antonio Gates
- Defensive end Julius Peppers
To be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a nominated individual must not have participated as an active player for five consecutive seasons.
The other 12 modern-era finalists:
- Wide receiver Reggie Wayne
- Wide receiver Torry Holt
- Wide receiver Andre Johnson
- Returner Devin Hester
- Defensive end Jared Allen
- Safety Rodney Harrison
- Safety Darren Woodson
- Cornerback Eric Allen
- Offensive tackle Willie Anderson
- Guard Jahri Evans
- Defensive end Dwight Freeney
- Linebacker Patrick Willis
The list of finalists was reduced from a list of 25 semifinalists announced in November. That list was reduced from an initial group of 173 nominees announced in September. No more than five modern-era candidates make the hall each year.
The Class of 2024 will be announced February 8.
