LAS VEGAS — Former Dallas Cowboys safety Darren Woodson, who many say is a sure-fire Hall of Famer, was not selected to be part of the 2024 class.
Instead, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 included:
- Dwight Freeney
- Devin Hester
- Andre Johnson
- Julius Peppers
- Patrick Willis
- Randy Gradishar (senior)
- Steve McMichael (senior)
Every year, more than 100 potential candidates are whittled down to 25 semifinalists, then 15 finalists. That finalist list of 15 players is reduced by Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee to 10 players and then once again to five. Those five are then voted on by the 50-person committee, needing 80% "yes" votes to be enshrined. Coach/Contributor and Seniors Finalists are also voted on for election independent of all other finalists. Like all nominees, Coach/Contributor and Seniors Nominees must receive 80% approval for election.
Woodson has been announced as a round of 15 finalist two years in a row. And for the second straight year, he missed the cut. The 2023 class included Ronde Barber, Darrelle Revis, Joe Thomas, Zach Thomas and DeMarcus Ware.
"I'm happy for the guys that got nominated. They're much deserving of that," Woodson said on the Dallas Cowboys website. "I'd be lying if I told you I'm not disappointed. I'm disappointed that I'm not going into the Hall of Fame. I can't control the outcome. My entire life has been that way. I've always had to work myself back up. Thing were hard sometimes in my life, but they eventually just worked out. And I'm banking that at some point, this will work out."
Woodson played 12 seasons and is the Cowboys' all-time leading tackler with 1,350. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro and helped lead Dallas to its three Super Bowls in the 90s. This year was Woodson's 16th year of eligibility.
Other notable finalists who were not selected for the Hall of Fame were: Eric Allen, Antonio Gates, Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne and Fred Taylor. In 2025, there are even more notable names entering their first year of eligibility, including Eli Manning, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, Marshawn Lynch and Clay Matthews.
Despite the pool of names growing, Woodson's unwavering confidence shines gold.
"My confidence is that it's going to happen," Woodson said. "Again, it's never been the easy road for me – in anything in my life. Nothing has been easy for me. I'm an owner of two businesses. In those businesses, we have our ups and downs. But I'm a firm believer that I'm deserving of it. And I still believe one day it's going to happen."
Maybe third time's the charm?
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