### Cowboys Greats Edge Closer to Hall of Fame Recognition

The journey to Canton continues for several legendary Dallas Cowboys, as the Pro Football Hall of Fame has narrowed its list of Modern-Era nominees for the Class of 2025 from 167 to just 50 contenders. The Dallas Cowboys remain prominently represented, with two longtime fan favorites making the latest cut. One other notable nominee, who concluded his illustrious career in Dallas, is also still in the running.

Additionally, two former Cowboy stars have advanced in the Seniors category. This stage initially comprised 182 former players whose careers ended in 1999 or earlier, and the list was first reduced to 60 names before being trimmed to 31 for the most recent announcement. Next, the Modern-Era candidates will be further narrowed to 25 by the end of the next month, while the Seniors category will cut down to nine.

Among the standouts is Darren Woodson, a Hall of Fame nominee for the ninth time. Woodson's impressive record includes being the franchise's all-time tackles leader, a three-time Super Bowl champion, a five-time Pro Bowler, and a four-time first-team All-Pro. He has been a finalist for Canton twice and has been honored in the Cowboys Ring of Honor for nearly a decade.

Erik Williams is another noteworthy nominee. Once on track to be one of the greatest offensive linemen in Cowboys history, his career faced a significant setback due to a severe car accident during his fourth NFL season. Nevertheless, Williams returned to play six more seasons, earning four Pro Bowl selections, three first-team All-Pro nods, and winning three Super Bowls.

Eddie George also remains in contention. Although best known for his time with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, George concluded his career with a season in Dallas, where he filled in as an injury replacement for Julius Jones in 2004 and rushed for 432 yards out of his career total of 10,441.

In the Seniors category, Harvey Martin would hold the NFL's single-season record for sacks if the statistic had been officially recorded in 1977. Martin was a standout as a rookie that year, sacking 23 quarterbacks in just 14 games and earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. He also made four Pro Bowls and was co-MVP of Super Bowl XII.

Everson Walls, another Seniors category contender, is celebrated for his remarkable rookie season in 1981, where he recorded 11 interceptions. Walls led the league in interceptions in three of his nine seasons with the Cowboys, earned four Pro Bowl selections, and was a Hall of Fame semifinalist in 2023.

The next rounds of voting will determine if these Cowboys legends will receive the recognition that many fans and analysts believe they are due.