The semifinalists for the Hall of Fame’s 2025 class have just been announced, which include six players in their first year of eligibility. Fans of the Seattle Seahawks will certainly recognize one name in particular, which is none other than a founding member of the Legion of Boom: safety Earl Thomas.
Thomas was announced as a nominee in late September, alongside running back Marshawn Lynch. While it is unfortunate Lynch did not progress this far, it is impressive Thomas has. Joining Thomas as semifinalists in their first year of elibility are quarterback Eli Manning, kicker Adam Vinatieri, guard Marshall Yanda, and linebackers Terrell Suggs and Luke Kuechly.
A member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s and a Super Bowl champion with the @Seahawks, Earl Thomas is now a Semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. #PFHOF25 pic.twitter.com/wI4jNV53g2
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 20, 2024
When Thomas was announced, I wrote about how from a football perspective it was a no-brainer he was a Hall of Fame caliber player. Overqualified, in fact. He was the best safety in the league during his prime, a Super Bowl champion, a member of the All-Decade team, and a key player on the best single season defense in NFL history.
I also mentioned his off the field/personal issues possibly could have hampered his first ballot status. So far, that does not seem to be the case. At least, as far as him making it to the semifinalists stage.
Like I said, the legacy of Thomas is complicated, especially since he has not reconciled with the franchise whatsoever after his departure prior to the 2019 season. Should Thomas make it to Canton, hopefully he and the Seahawks can mend fences, as it would be awkward to have a HOF’er who wants nothing to do with the team he built his career with.
The next step will be a finalists round, which will feature 15 total players and it will be announced later this year. Eventually, the Hall of Fame selection committee will make their decision on the 2025 class before Super Bowl LIX in February.
