Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen, and Sterling Sharpe were voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the smallest induction class in 20 years, following new rules meant to make entry into the Hall more exclusive. Sharpe will join his brother Shannon as the first siblings ever inducted. Eli Manning did not make the cut this year, missing the chance to join his brother Peyton in Canton.
The new rules reduced the number of modern era candidates from 15 to seven in the final stage, with voters selecting five and those receiving 80% or finishing in the top three gaining entry. Previously, all five finalists automatically got in.
Gates, a former basketball player, was elected in his second year of eligibility and had a successful 16-year career with the Chargers, breaking records for tight ends. Jared Allen made the Hall with 136 sacks over his career, while Eric Allen had an impressive 14-year tenure as a top cornerback.
Sterling Sharpe, known for his short but productive career with the Green Bay Packers, broke records and was a three-time All-Pro. He joins his brother Shannon in the Hall, becoming one of three father-son tandems inducted.
Other players who fell short but will have another chance next year include Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, and Adam Vinatieri. Overall, the new rules and smaller induction class have made entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame more exclusive.
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