In exciting news for football fans, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the first-time nominees for its Class of 2025. Among the notable names on the list are two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, former Defensive Players of the Year Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs, and postseason kicking hero Adam Vinatieri.

The Hall of Fame revealed a total of 167 modern era candidates for consideration, including 16 players nominated for the first time. Alongside Manning, Kuechly, Suggs, and Vinatieri, All-Pro guard Marshal Yanda also made his debut on the nominee list.

The selection process involves a thorough screening committee, which will narrow down the list of nominees to 50 players next month. From there, the full 50-person selection committee will further trim the list to 25 semifinalists and, ultimately, 15 finalists. To earn induction, players must secure 80% of the votes.

Under the Hall of Fame's rules, between three and five modern era candidates can be inducted each year. Additionally, there will be three senior candidates, along with one coach and one contributor. The voting will determine the inclusion of at least one and up to three finalists from these categories.

Joining the list of first-time nominees are offensive linemen Travis Frederick, Ryan Kalil, and Joe Staley; running backs Marshawn Lynch and Darren Sproles; receiver Demaryius Thomas; tight ends Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker; and defensive backs Antoine Bethea, Aqib Talib, and Earl Thomas.

Among those back under consideration are tight end Antonio Gates, receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne, offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans, defensive backs Darren Woodson, Eric Allen, and Rodney Harrison, defensive lineman Jared Allen, and running back Fred Taylor.

Eli Manning, who aims to follow in the footsteps of his brother Peyton Manning, hopes to be among the inductees. Over his career with the New York Giants, Manning demonstrated his prowess by leading the team to two Super Bowl victories. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the Giants' stunning upset of the undefeated New England Patriots in 2007 and later led them to victory once again over the Patriots in 2011.

Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs were recognized as defensive stalwarts during their respective eras. Kuechly, a first-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2012, made his mark with five All-Pro selections, seven Pro Bowl nods, and the title of Defensive Rookie of the Year. With 1,090 tackles, 26 takeaways, 18 interceptions, and 66 passes defensed, Kuechly proved his dominance among linebackers.

Suggs, on the other hand, showcased his pass-rushing skills over his impressive 17-year career, primarily with the Baltimore Ravens. With 139 sacks, he ranks among the top ten players in this statistic since its official recording in 1982. Suggs also boasts a former Defensive Player of the Year title and played a vital role in the Ravens winning Super Bowl XLVII in the 2012 season. He concluded his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, helping them secure a Super Bowl victory in the 2019 season.

Adam Vinatieri, widely regarded as one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, stands out for his remarkable playoff performances. Vinatieri made significant contributions to the New England Patriots' early Super Bowl triumphs and later secured another Super Bowl victory with the Indianapolis Colts. As the NFL's all-time leader in points, made field goals, and postseason points and field goals, Vinatieri's achievements speak volumes about his impact on the sport.

Marshal Yanda, an offensive guard for the Baltimore Ravens and a member of the 2010s all-decade team, also received his first nomination for the Hall of Fame. Yanda's consistent excellence, reflected in his numerous All-Pro selections and Pro Bowl appearances, played a crucial role in the Ravens' success.

Football enthusiasts now eagerly await the next steps in the selection process. In the coming months, the names of the semifinalists and finalists will be unveiled, leading up to the final announcement of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.