Several Former 49ers Crack NFL Hall of Fame Semifinalists List
Three San Francisco 49er greats have advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame class Monday.
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 5: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers fires the team up on the field prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi Stadium on October 5, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Chiefs 22-17. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Another year of NFL honors, and another year of 49er greats making the semifinals.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame whittled down their list to 28 members over the weekend for the 2023 Hall-of Fame induction. Among the players is ex-49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin, running back Ricky Watters and linebacker Patrick Willis.
Willis has reached this stage in the process four four straight yeas of eligibility, while Watters’ has made it thrice in four years of eligibility. Boldin is also a semifinalist for the second straight time of eligible years.
The former was a finalist in this year’s class, the same one that former 49ers’ defensive end Bryant Young successfully managed to get inducted in.
Some first-year eligible semifinalists include: Offensive linemen Jahri Evans and Joe Thomas, defensive lineman Dwight Freeney, linebacker James Harrison and defensive back Darrelle Revis.
The 2023 class will eventually be shrunk down to 15 modern-era finalists before it is announced on February 9th.
#49ers to advance to the semifinalist round for the Class of 2023:
WR Anquan Boldin
RB Ricky Watters
LB Patrick Willis https://t.co/beml13wOrd— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) November 22, 2022
Willis is the most recognized of the bunch, spending his entire career in San Francisco. The linebacker made five All-Pro selections before retiring at the age of 29, due to injuries. He finished his illustrious career with 733 tackles, 20.5 sacks and 16 forced fumbles.
Other Semifinalists:
Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Ronde Barber, Henry Ellard, London Fletcher, Rodney Harrison, Devin Hester, Torry Holt, Andre Johnson, Albert Lewis, Robert Mathis, Steve Smith Sr., Fred Taylor, Zach Thomas, Hines Ward, DeMarcus Ware, Reggie Wayne, Vince Wilfork and Darren Woodson.
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