Former Minnesota Vikings standout defensive tackle Kevin Williams has been named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The 15 finalists were announced Tuesday and also include Minneapolis native Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, Reggie Wayne, Jason Witten, Frank Gore, Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Jahri Evans, Eli Manning, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, Marshall Yanda, Terrell Suggs and Darren Woodson.
This is Williams’ sixth year of eligibility and first time being named a finalist.
The Vikings drafted Williams No. 9 overall in 2003 out of Oklahoma State. He spent the first 11 years of his 13 NFL seasons in Minnesota, playing a key role in several top-notch defenses.
His 171 starts rank third by a defensive lineman in team history, and his 60 career sacks also place him third all-time by a Vikings defensive tackle. He also recorded four defensive touchdowns, the most ever by a Minnesota defensive lineman.
His play earned him numerous honors throughout his career, including AP 1st-Team All-Pro recognition five times and Pro Bowl appearances six times, the second-most by a Vikings defensive tackle.
The 50-person selection committee will vote on the 15 finalists next month with the results announced Feb. 5 at “NFL Honors.” Between three and five of the finalists will be inducted in the second year of this current format.
In addition to the modern era finalists, the selection committee will also consider seniors candidates Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood, coaching candidate Bill Belichick and contributor Robert Kraft. Between one and three of those finalists will make it into the Hall.
Only four people got in last year for the smallest class in 20 years.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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