JACKSONVILLE – Freddy T is again a step closer.
Former Jaguars running back Fred Taylor, the leading rusher in franchise history, on Wednesday was named a modern-era semifinalist for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. It's Taylor's sixth consecutive year as a semifinalist.
Taylor was among 25 semifinalists announced Wednesday morning.
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 from 1998-2008.
Six first-year eligible players were among the 25 semifinalists named Wednesday:
- Linebacker Luke Kuechly
- Quarterback Eli Manning
- Edge defender Terrell Suggs
- Safety Earl Thomas
- Kicker Adam Vinatieri
- Guard/tackle Marshal Yanda
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.
No more than five modern-era candidates make the hall each year.
The semifinalists next will be trimmed to 15 modern-era finalists. The Class of 2024 will be announced during the week leading to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
