Johnson, Smith and Boldin Hall of Fame semifinalists

Seven eligible former players in their first year, including wide receivers Andre Johnson, Steve Smith and Anquan Boldin are among the 26 semifinalists in the Class 2022 of the Professional Football Hall of Fame.

On the list of candidates to become members next year are kicker Devin Hester, linebackers Robert Mathis and DeMarcus Ware, as well as tackle Vince Wilfork. They all last played in the 2016 season.

Other semifinalists include 17 former players who had already reached this stage this year, in addition to running backs Eddie George, who retired in 2004 and Ricky Watters, who retired in 2001 and appear for the second time on the list.

Recurring after semifinalists in 2021 include cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, offensive tackle Willie Anderson, cornerback Ronde Barber, tackle Tony Boselli, safety LeRoy Butler, catcher Torry Holt, linebacker Sam Mills, defensive tackle Richard Seymour, catcher Steve Tasker, running back Fred Taylor, linebacker Zach Thomas, catchers Hines Ward and Reggie Wayne, linebacker Patrick Willis, safety Darren Woodson and tackle Bryant Young.

The list of 26 will be narrowed to 15 finalists before the last voting process in January. The class will be announced on February 10 during the NFL Honors event, the awards show when The Associated Press reveals the individual winners of its 2021 NFL season awards, including Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year.

Three previously announced finalists are Dick Vermeil in the coach category, former referee Art McNally in the contributor category and former Raiders catcher Cliff Branch in the senior category.

The ceremony will take place in early August in Canton, Ohio.

Tasker, considered a stellar player on special teams in his day, is a semifinalist for the ninth time. Holt, who played for the Rams, has been a semifinalist eight times. Boselli, who stood out with Jacksonville, has been a seven-time semifinalist, while Ward, the dynamic Steelers wide receiver, appears for the sixth time, as has Woodson, the Dallas defensive back.

It is the fifth trip between the semifinalists for Barber, the Tampa Bay cornerback; Butler, who excelled in the Green Bay defense; the late Mills, who shined with the USFL and New Orleans and Carolina in the NFL; as well as Seymour, the versatile defensive lineman for New England and Oakland.

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Johnson, Smith and Boldin Hall of Fame semifinalists