Staley headlines 49ers’ list of 2025 Hall of Fame nominees

Three members of the 49ers' Super Bowl team of 2012 are among the 16 players who are first-time nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Offensive tackle Joe Staley and tight ends Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker are on the list of 167 modern-era players nominated for the Hall of Fame's Class of 2025. Staley, Davis and Walker all played their final NFL games during the 2019 season. After the five-year waiting period, each now are eligible for the Hall of Fame. Quarterback Eli Manning, running back Marshawn Lynch, guard Marshal Yanda, edge Terrell Suggs, safety Earl Thomas and kicker Adam Vinatieri are among the other first-time eligible candidates. The next step in the new Hall of Fame process is for a screening committee to reduce the list of 167 nominees to 50 in mid-October. The full 50-person Hall of Fame selection committee then will reduce that list to 25 semifinalists. Another vote will narrow the list to 15 finalists, who will be discussed at the annual meeting before Super Bowl LVIX. Under the Hall of Fame bylaws, the next Hall of Fame class will consist of three, four or five modern-era players. Each member of the selection committee will vote for five individuals...