The NFL announced on Thursday that former San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Bryant Young and current general manager John Lynch are among 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2020.
San Francisco made Young the No. 7 overall draft pick in 1994, and he spent 14 seasons with the team. He was named to the Pro Bowl four times and was a first-team All-Pro in 1996.
Young retired in 2007 and this is his first time as a finalist during his eight years of eligibility. He is the franchise leader in career sacks with 89.5.
I am humbled and blessed to be among this group of great men! Words can't express what I feel at this moment. Thank you to all my teammates and #49ers #Faithful #NFL #PFHOF20 #ND fans for allowing me the opportunity. Congrats to other 14 on this list. https://t.co/99a0R9gBjl
— Bryant Young (@Bgr8t) January 3, 2020
Lynch has been the 49ers general manager since 2017. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection throughout his 15-year NFL career. During that time, Lynch registered 1,051 combined tackles, 26 interceptions, 13 sacks, and 16 forced fumbles, according to ESPN.
This is Lynch's seventh time as a finalist.
The other finalists are Troy Polamalu, Reggie Wayne, Torry Holt, Edgerrin James, Richard Seymour, Steve Atwater, Zach Thomas, Isaac Bruce, Leroy Butler, Tony Boselli, Alan Faneca, Steve Hutchinson, and Sam Mills.
The finalist list will be trimmed down to 10, then five on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, in Miami, Florida, the sight of Super Bowl LIV. Ten seniors, three Contributors, and two coaches will join the five modern-era players.
