Brett Favre a semifinalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Alan Faneca, perhaps the greatest guard in Steelers history, is among the 25 semifinalists for the next Pro Football Hall of Fame class in his first year of eligibility.

The group of 25 semifinalists was announced Tuesday.

That list is topped by the players who were finalists past year, but just missed in the final vote from 10 spots to five: Linebacker Kevin Greene, quarterback Kurt Warner, tackle Orlando Pace, wide receiver Marvin Harrison and coach Tony Dungy. The 2016 contributor candidate is former 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo, Jr.

Those names will be dwindled to 15 finalists in early January before the committee meets Saturday, February 6 in San Francisco to decide on the next Pro Football Hall of Fame class. “He was an important part of three Super Bowl championship teams”.

Former Vikings defensive coordinator and Gophers quarterback Tony Dungy also is on the list.

Favre, of course, is the headliner. He was a fifth-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1985, and soared to success in his fourth National Football League season when he finished the year with 16.5 sacks.

Before Favre retired he held every career passing record – completions, passing yards, touchdowns and interceptions. He spent his rookie season as a backup in Atlanta before being dealt to the Packers, where he helped revitalize the franchise. He anchored Pittsburgh’s offensive line for a decade, winning a Super Bowl. First place takes home $100,000! He also was a semifinalist in 2015.

Boselli and Mills are semifinalists for the first time, although they have been eligible for the hall in the past.