The four-person Class of ’25 is the smallest to be inducted since 2005 when Dan Marino, Steve Young, Benny Friedman and Fritz Pollard were called to the Hall. Though unusual this century, this is the 19th class in the Hall’s 63-year history with four or three members. A four-member class is now the smallest allowed under the Hall’s current bylaws.
The selection committee may elect up to five Modern-Era Players for the Class of 2025; each must receive a minimum positive vote of 80% for election. Just three were selected this year.
Sharpe was the lone man from the five Seniors and Coach/Contributor finalists to be elected. Voting on these finalists is done separately as its own group distinct from the Modern-Era Players; a minimum of one person and a maximum of three from these combined categories may be elected under the Hall’s revised bylaws.