SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Several Former 49ers Crack NFL Hall of Fame Semifinalists List

Nov 22, 2022, 3:00 PM

Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers fires the team up on the field prior to the game agai...

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.

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.

Newsletter

San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a touchdown pass during the third quarter a...

Amiliano Fragoso

Shanahan raves about Brock Purdy as 49ers prepare for extension after 2024

The 49ers appear to be preparing for a massive Brock Purdy contract extension, something SF isn't shy about paying for the right guy.

17 hours ago

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball after a...

Amiliano Fragoso

Shanahan looking to get Brandon Aiyuk extension done ‘sooner than later’

Kyle Shanahan seemed optimistic about a long-term extension for Brandon Aiyuk, hoping to get pen to paper done as a soon as possible.

20 hours ago

Arik Armstead #91 looks on during San Francisco 49ers practice ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Fertitt...

Amiliano Fragoso

49ers GM John Lynch says Arik Armstead departure was a tough decision

John Lynch went through the Arik Armstead process with the media this week, explaining how happy he is that one of their own got a new deal.

24 hours ago

Fans in Christmas costumes watch from the stands prior to the game between the Denver Broncos and t...

Amiliano Fragoso

NFL plans for Wednesday Christmas DoubleHeader in 2024

The NFL will reportedly have two games on Christmas Day, despite the holiday falling on a Wednesday, in 2024.

2 days ago

Denver Broncos punter Riley Dixon (9) kicks off on a drop kick kickoff after a safety in the first ...

Amiliano Fragoso

NFL approves hybrid kickoff method for 2024 season

The NFL is implementing a variety of league changes, including a new kickoff method, for the 2024 regular season.

2 days ago

General manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at...

Joseph Jarosz

John Lynch on offseason surgeries, Brandon Aiyuk rumors and more at NFL meeting

At the annual NFL owner's meeting, 49ers GM John Lynch spoke to media about extending Brandon Aiyuk, gave injury updates and more.

3 days ago

Several Former 49ers Crack NFL Hall of Fame Semifinalists List