Randy Moss, Ray Lewis Among Hall Of Fame Semifinalists

CANTON, OH — Retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss — who also played with the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots — are among 27 semifinalists for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This the first year they are eligible.

The hall said Tuesday that all ties for the 25th spot in the semifinals also advance. Others in their initial year of eligibility who made this cut are linebacker Brian Urlacher, defensive lineman Richard Seymour, offensive lineman Steve Hutchinson and defensive back Ronde Barber.

Four previously eligible players made the semifinals for the first time: LeRoy Butler, Leslie O'Neal, Simeon Rice and Everson Walls. All others on the 2018 list have reached the semifinals in previous years.

Already chosen as finalists are Bobby Beathard as a contributor, and Robert Brazile and Jerry Kramer as senior candidates.

The other semifinalists are Steve Atwater, Tony Boselli, Isaac Bruce, Don Coryell, Roger Craig, Brian Dawkins, Alan Faneca, Torry Holt, Joe Jacoby, Edgerrin James, Jimmy Johnson, Ty Law, John Lynch, Kevin Mawae, Karl Mecklenburg, Terrell Owens and Hines Ward.

The election for the class of 2018 will be held Feb. 3, the day before the Super Bowl, in Minneapolis. Induction ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, will be in August.

Two coaches, Coryell and Johnson, made the cut. In all, there are 12 offensive players (five linemen, five receivers, two running backs) and 13 on defense (seven backs, three linebackers, three linemen).

Photo credit: Evan Vucci/Associated Press