Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2000 celebrates 25-year anniversary

Hall of Famers Published on : 7/28/2025

The five members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2000 are being celebrated for their 25-year anniversary.

By Ashley Veldheer
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Twenty-five years ago on July 29, 2000, five football legends were enshrined in their second home in Canton, Ohio. This year we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the enshrinement of defensive end HOWIE LONG, cornerback/safety RONNIE LOTT, quarterback JOE MONTANA, contributor DAN ROONEY and linebacker DAVE WILCOX.

Joining the Raiders in 1981, Howie Long started his career just after the Raiders claimed a Super Bowl victory. In 1984, Long helped the Raiders capture another title in Super Bowl XVIII. That year he was named NFL Defensive Lineman of the Year by the NFL Alumni Association. Long, known for being strong and explosive, was the second Raider defensive lineman to ever earn a Pro Bowl nod, earning eight over his 13-season career along with three All-Pro selections and named four times All-AFC. With 84 career sacks, Long is a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1980s.

Used at both the left and right cornerback positions and as a free and strong safety during his 14-year career, Ronnie Lott became the second rookie in the history of the NFL to return three interceptions for touchdowns. In his first NFL season, Lott helped the 49ers win Super Bowl XVI. Lott earned 10 Pro Bowl invitations during his 14-year career at three positions – cornerback, free safety and strong safety. Lott recorded 63 career interceptions, surpassed the 1,000-tackle mark and had five seasons of at least 100 tackles. Over his career, he helped lead the 49ers to four Super Bowl championships, received eight All-Pro recognitions, six All-NFC nods, one All-AFC honor and was named to the NFL’s 75th anniversary team.

Helping lead the 49ers to victories in Super Bowls XVI, XIX, XXIII and XXIX, quarterback Joe Montana earned Most Valuable Player honors in Super Bowl XVI, XIX and XXIV. Playing for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, Montana had a memorable 15-season career. In his last season, Montana became the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach 40,000 career passing yards. When he retired, he held the NFL’s career postseason records for passing attempts (734), passing completions (460), passing yards (5,772), touchdown passes in a season (45), wins as a starting quarterback (16) and Super Bowl championships (4). Montana was selected to eight Pro Bowls, named an All-Pro three times and was selected as one of the 10 quarterbacks listed for the NFL 100 All-Time Team.

Working for more than 45 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, Dan Rooney was the driving force behind much of the success for the Pittsburgh franchise. Rooney utilized both his football and business experience to modernize the Steelers through a management style to emphasize open, practical and efficient administration. After working with the Steelers for 20 years, in 1975 Rooney was appointed president of the franchise. From 1972 to his enshrinement in 2000, the Steelers were AFC Central Division champions 14 times, AFC champions five times and the team won four Super Bowls. Rooney also played a very active role in NFL operations through having membership on the board of directors for the NFL Trust Fund, NFL Films and the Scheduling Committee.

Linebacker Dave Wilcox was drafted by both the Houston Oilers in the AFL Draft and the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL Draft in 1964. Wilcox chose to sign with the established 49ers. Wilcox began to be known as “The Intimidator” because he was suited for the linebacker position mentally and physically. Known for his ability to disrupt plays, he was extremely tough on tight ends. Wilcox was the 49ers starter for his 11-season career, ensuring he was always prepared, being a true student of the game of football. Throughout his career he was named All-NFL five times, All-NFC three times and was selected to play in seven Pro Bowls.

2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame anniversary classes

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2005 celebrates 20-year anniversary

The four members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2005 being celebrated for their 20-year anniversary this year include quarterback/running back Benny Friedman, quarterback Dan Marino, head coach/running back/quarterback Fritz Pollard, and quarterback Steve Young.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1995 celebrates 30-year anniversary

The five members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 1995 being celebrated for their 30-year anniversary this year include executive Jim Finks, defensive tackle Henry Jordan, wide receiver Steve Largent, defensive tackle Lee Roy Selmon and tight end Kellen Winslow.