Unmasking the Next Generation's Hall of Fame
First Ballot Pro Football Hall of Famers
Players who are selected into the Hall of Fame in their first eligible year are a special group. A typical Hall of Famer was dominant at their position during their playing career, but First Ballot Hall of Famers separated themselves into the conversation for the best of all-time. Through individual accomplishments, and critically, elevating their teams, the players below each had a career that was deemed to be significant enough that the Selection Committee moved them to the front of the line.
Well over half of our list of the Top 100 Legends were enshrined on the first ballot (including the entire top 20, assuming Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are First Ballot).
Which positions are most often honored on the first ballot? As you might guess, big name offensive superstars get more attention than other positions. Just the Quarterback and Running Back positions account for 35% of First Ballot inductees.
Who will be the next first ballot Hall of Famers? Over the past 20 years, honorees in this group have averaged a Legends Score of 55, so looking at the best active players, you can get a pretty good sense of who will be in the conversation.Total: 92
First Ballot Semifinalists
Players who make the semifinalists stage (top 25) in their first eligible year almost always eventually get enshrined, even if it takes multiple years. The following is a list of players who immediately made the semifinals and their current Hall of Fame status.
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