The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s modern-era candidate list for the Class of 2006 has been reduced from 128 to 52.
First-ballot candidates Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Frank Gore, and Jason Witten advanced to the next round.
The list will be further cut to 25 semifinalists in December, and then to 15 finalists.
And then there were 52.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday, Oct. 22, announced results of the first cutdown of modern-era candidates for the Class of 2006, as its screening committee reduced an initial list of 128 former players to 52 candidates to be considered by the full selection committee.
As expected, Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Frank Gore and Jason Witten were among first-ballot candidates to advance as the process ramps up. The screening committee aimed to reduce to ballot to 50 modern-era candidates, yet the number was slightly expanded due to ties.
The next round of voting will reduce the list to 25 semifinalists by early December, followed by a reduction to 15 finalists. The final voting in January will include three finalists from the seniors category, plus one coach finalist and one finalist as a contributor.
Four modern-era candidates – Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri – have automatically advanced to the group of 15 finalists because, as stipulated by the Hall’s bylaws, they finished among the final seven in last year’s voting.
Pro Football Hall of Fame modern-era candidates by position
Quarterbacks: Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers.
Running Backs: Warrick Dunn, Eddie George, Frank Gore, Marshawn Lynch, LeSean McCoy, Lorenzo Neal, Fred Taylor, Ricky Watters.
Wide Receivers: Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Torry Holt, Jimmy Smith, Steve Smith, Sr., Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne.
Tight Ends: Greg Olsen, Jason Witten.
Offensive Linemen: Willie Anderson, Lomas Brown, Ruben Brown, Jahri Evans, Olin Kreutz, Nick Mangold, Logan Mankins, Maurkice Pouncey, Richmond Webb, Erik Williams, Steve Wisniewski, Marshal Yanda.
Defensive Linemen: John Abraham, Robert Mathis, Haloti Ngata, Simeon Rice, Vince Wilfork, Kevin Williams.
Linebackers: London Fletcher, James Harrison, Kuechly Kuechly, Terrell Suggs.
Defensive Backs: Rodney Harrison, Asante Samuel, Earl Thomas, Charles Tillman, Troy Vincent, Darren Woodson.
Punters/Kickers: Gary Anderson, Shane Lechler, Adam Vinatieri.
Special Teams: Brian Mitchell.
Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on X: @JarrettBell