The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its list of 15 modern-era finalists, narrowed down from the 25 semifinalists announced in November, for the Class of 2021. There is one name on the list with ties to the San Francisco 49ers — current Niners general manager and former hard-hitting safety, John Lynch.
This is Lynch's eighth consecutive year as a finalist. The former safety was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection throughout his 15-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos. During that time, he registered 1,051 combined tackles, 26 interceptions, 13 sacks, and 16 forced fumbles, according to ESPN.
The 49ers named Lynch as their general manager in January of 2017, and he helped build a roster that competed for a Super Bowl in his third year with the team.
Absent from the list are two former 49ers defenders who were part of the 25 semifinalists — Patrick Willis and Bryant Young. This is the second consecutive year that saw Willis fail to make the cut down to 15 finalists. Young was among the finalists last year.
The following is the list of 2021 modern-era finalists, including their positions, years in the league, and teams.
- Jared Allen, DE – 2004-2007 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-2015 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers
- Ronde Barber, DB – 1997-2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Tony Boselli, T – 1995-2001 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2002 Houston Texans (injured reserve)
- LeRoy Butler, S – 1990-2001 Green Bay Packers
- Alan Faneca, G – 1998-2007 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2008-09 New York Jets, 2010 Arizona Cardinals
- Torry Holt, WR – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars
- Calvin Johnson, WR – 2007-2015 Detroit Lions
- John Lynch, FS – 1993-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2004-07 Denver Broncos
- Peyton Manning, QB – 1998-2011 Indianapolis Colts, 2012-2015 Denver Broncos
- Clay Matthews, LB – 1978-1993 Cleveland Browns, 1994-1996 Atlanta Falcons
- Sam Mills, LB – 1986-1994 New Orleans Saints, 1995-97 Carolina Panthers
- Richard Seymour, DE/DT – 2001-08 New England Patriots, 2009-2012 Oakland Raiders
- Zach Thomas, LB – 1996-2007 Miami Dolphins, 2008 Dallas Cowboys
- Reggie Wayne, WR – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts
- Charles Woodson, DB – 1998-2005, 2013-2015 Oakland Raiders, 2006-2012 Green Bay Packers