JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars legendary running back Fred Taylor was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame (HOF) Class of 2024 Wednesday, moving one step closer to football immortality.
The former running back, drafted as the No. 9 overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft, rushed for 11,695 yards, scored a total of 74 touchdowns over the course of his 13-year career, and is the Jaguars' all-time leading rusher. Taylor earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2007.
Taylor was named a semifinalist for the Hall of Fame for the fifth time in November, but this is the first time he's been named a finalist. On Wednesday, he was one of 15 finalists named.
Two first-year eligible players were announced as part of the finalists Wednesday: Defensive end Julius Peppers and tight end Antonio Gates.
Here are the other 12 modern-era finalists for the 2024 class:
- Wide receiver Reggie Wayne
- Wide receiver Andre Johnson
- Wide receiver Tory Holt
- Offensive tackle Willie Anderson
- Offensive guard Jahri Evans
- Kick returner Devin Hester
- Defensive end Jared Allen
- Defensive end Dwight Freeney
- Linebacker Patrick Willis
- Safety Rodney Harrison
- Safety Darren Woodson
- Cornerback Eric Allen
No more than five modern-era players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame for this class. The Pro Football HOF Class of 2024 will be announced Feb. 8, 2024 at the NFL Honors award show in Phoenix, Ariz.