ROAD TO CANTON: A look at today's process that ended with the eight-man class
The first order of business for the Selection Committee at today’s meeting was to discuss and debate the merits of the Senior Finalists, Robert Brazile and Jerry Kramer. Both former players were required to receive at least an 80 percent positive vote to earn election. They were elected. Next, the career of Bobby Beathard, this year’s Contributor Finalist, was reviewed. Like all other Finalists, the Contributor Finalist needed a minimum 80 percent positive vote to be elected. He was elected.
The Selection Committee then presented and reviewed the 15 Modern-Era Finalists that included two cut downs in the process. The first cut of finalists was from 15 to 10. The five eliminated from consideration at that point were Isaac Bruce, Joe Jacoby, Edgerrin James, John Lynch and Everson Walls. The final 10 finalists were reduced to five. Removed at that point were Tony Boselli, Alan Faneca, Steve Hutchinson, Ty Law and Kevin Mawae.
The five remaining finalists — Brian Dawkins, Ray Lewis, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens and Brian Urlacher – were then voted on individually and all five received the necessary 80 percent positive vote from the Selection Committee to be elected.