James Harrison and Hines Ward have been announced as two semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2023.
The NFL announced 28 modern-era semifinalists, narrowed down from 129 players.
This is Harrison's first time being named as a semifinalist. He's a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Steelers, and was named the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year. Harrison was a four-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, and finished his career with 84.5 sacks and 34 forced fumbles.
Harrison is known for his tough yet quiet demeanor. Most of all, he's remembered for sacking the quarterback. However, he is forever immortalized as the central figure in one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history, returning an interception 100 yards for a touchdown in the closing seconds of the first half in Super Bowl XLIII.
Ward was also a two-time champion and was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XL, becoming the fourth receiver in history to earn that honor. In addition to three All-Pro selections, the four-time Pro Bowler is also a member of the Steelers' All-Time team and Hall of Honor.
This is Ward's seventh time as a Hall of Fame semifinalist, despite being one of 14 receivers with at least 1,000 catches while ranking 27th all time with 12,083 receiving yards.
In addition to Harrison and Ward, the list of modern-era semifinalists are:
• Eric Allen, cornerback
• Jared Allen, defensive end
• Willie Anderson, offensive tackle
• Ronde Barber, cornerback
• Anquan Boldin, wide receiver
• Henry Ellard, wide receiver
• Jahri Evans, offensive guard
• London Fletcher, linebacker
• Dwight Freeney, defensive end
• Rodney Harrison, safety
• Devin Hester, kick returner/wide receiver
• Torry Holt, wide receiver
• Andre Johnson, wide receiver
• Albert Lewis, cornerback
• Robert Mathis, defensive end/linebacker
• Darrelle Revis, cornerback
• Steve Smith Sr., wide receiver
• Fred Taylor, running back
• Joe Thomas, offensive tackle
• Zach Thomas, linebacker
• DeMarcus Ware, linebacker/defensive end
• Ricky Watters, running back
• Reggie Wayne, wide receiver
• Vince Wilfork, defensive tackle
• Patrick Willis, linebacker
• Darren Woodson, safety
This group of 28 players will be cut to 15 finalists in January. The Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2023 will be enshrined next August in Canton, Ohio.
