After being named a finalist in 2016, Owens was not voted into the last year's class, which was his first year of eligibility. The 15 modern-era finalists this year will join three other finalists to make up the 18 under consideration for the class of 2017.
Owens, who was drafted by San Francisco in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft, was with the 49ers from 1996 until 2003. He also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.
The six-time Pro Bowler and five-time first team All-Star has 1,078 career receptions for 15,934 yards and 153 touchdowns. He ranks sixth all-time in receptions and is second only to Jerry Rice in all-time receiving yards. He also ranks third in all-time receiving touchdowns. In 2000, Owens broke to record for catches in a game. That record would later be broken in 2009 by Brandon Marshall.
Sadly, former 49ers great running back Roger Craig failed to make it to the list of 15 finalists. To most of the Niner Faithful, this has been a long-time snub that has infuriated the fanbase for many years. Craig is a three-time Super Bowl champion, was selected to the Pro Bowl four times, and a first-team All-Pro in 1988. In 1985, he had over 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving.
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