Fans of the NFL already know who’ll soon get honored in Canton, Ohio, for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 3. There are fans, though, already thinking about the next class.
Unfortunately for five league superstars of the past, their chances of hearing the knock on the door are slim.
5 NFL Legends Who Won’t Make the Pro Football Hall of Fame
While names like Super Bowl winners Eli Manning and Terrell Suggs are officially eligible for next year’s class, these five names are facing the odds of getting in as a part of the 2025 class.
A.J. Green
There’s no disputing the fact that A.J. Green delivered a decorated career. After all, he racked up 10,514 total career receiving yards while hauling in 70 career touchdowns.
However, the former Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals star last played in the league in 2022 — meaning he’s only been away from the game for three seasons ahead of the 2024 campaign.
By rule, players must be retired for five NFL seasons to officially become eligible for induction. Even if he’s eligible, he could get passed over by Seniors Committee choices and modern-era finalists waiting their turn. Green has to wait until 2028 to officially get a chance at hearing the knock on his door and HOF invite.
Chad Ochocinco
Staying with another Bengals star, Chad Ochocinco has been eligible for HOF induction for more than a decade.
The six-time Pro Bowl selection last played in the league in 2011. Many fans, especially those who cheer on the Bengals, recall how flashy he was on the field but also how electric he became as a route runner.
Unfortunately, a knock on Ochocinco for voters is that he only led the NFL once in receiving yards (1,369 in 2006). Even Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe playfully jabbed Ochocinco about his HOF case back in Sept. 2023.
Chad Johnson said he should be in the hall of fame and then Shannon Sharpe kept it real with him pic.twitter.com/wXFxg6LACC
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_)
Matt Ryan
“Matty Ice” is the lone QB with no true shot at the 2025 Hall of Fame induction on this list.
Despite producing four Pro Bowls, winning one NFC title, earning the 2016 Most Valuable Player award, and leading the league twice in completions, Matt Ryan is not immediately eligible for the ’25 class.
The reason: Ryan decided to officially retire from the league in April 2024. This means he’ll have to wait until 2029 to hear the potential knock. However, he’s not guaranteed to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer depending on who’s left from the modern era and senior selections.
From: Matt Ryan
To: Atlanta pic.twitter.com/JWhkNqHzdY— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons)
LeSean McCoy
LeSean “Shady” McCoy produced a stellar 12-season NFL run which saw half of his campaigns result in a Pro Bowl appearance. He’s also a regular season leader in rushing touchdowns (17 back in 2011) and yards (1,607 in 2013).
The former Philadelphia Eagles star McCoy last played in 2020 — meaning he’s cleared to possibly crack the 2025 list of HOF invitees. However, it won’t be easy hearing a knock at his door.
Notable star RBs who are eligible and yet to earn their own induction are Eddie George, Tiki Barber, and Ricky Watters — the latter becoming a semifinalist four times. One of those three could complicate McCoy’s chances of becoming a first-ballot Hall of Famer along with our last RB.
Marshawn Lynch
Despite delivering some of the league’s most legendary runs and winning a Super Bowl, the Hall of Fame may not welcome “Beast Mode” just yet. Not with the previously mentioned RBs still waiting on the knock, at least. But there’s more on why Marshawn Lynch may not get in right away.
Along with Manning and Suggs, other dominating players earning their first year of eligibility in ’25 include All-Pro linebackers Luke Kuechly and Clay Matthews, multiple Super Bowl-winning placekicker Adam Vinatieri, and standout left tackle Joe Staley.
Lynch was a driving, physical force during the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl appearances in 2013 and 2014. But the combination of modern-era finalists and a potentially deep ’25 list could get him to face a first-time snub for the HOF.