2006 Preliminary nominees announced
List includes 112 nominees for the Class of 2006
Defensive end Reggie White, quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Warren Moon are first-year eligible candidates among a list of 112 former players, coaches, and contributors who make up the preliminary list of modern-era nominees for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2006.
From this preliminary list, Hall of Fame selectors will choose 25 candidates who will advance as semi-finalist nominees. The list of 25 modern-era semi-finalists will be announced later next month.
The 25 modern-era semi-finalists list will be reduced by a mail ballot to 13 candidates. That list will increase to 15 finalists with the addition of two previously announced Senior Committee nominees, John Madden, who coached the Oakland Raiders from 1969-1978, and Rayfield Wright, a tackle with the Dallas Cowboys, 1967-1979.
Other first-year eligible candidates for the Class of 2006 include running back Thurman Thomas, center Dermontti Dawson, and wide receiver Andre Reed. Also on the impressive preliminary list are five former head coaches, and 11 contributors, including NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and longtime owners Art Modell and Ralph Wilson.
To be considered for Hall of Fame election, a nominated player must have been retired at least five years. For a non-player, there is no mandatory retirement period, but a coach must be retired before he may be considered. A contributor, who is a nominee who has made outstanding contributions to pro football in capacities other than playing or coaching, may still be active in his pro football career.
Class of 2006 Preliminary Nominees, Alphabetical
Class of 2006 Preliminary Nominees, By Position
Madden, Wright named senior candidates