Former Packers QB Brett Favre has officially made it to the next stage, being named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2016 on Thursday.
Favre is one of 15 modern-era finalists whose credentials will be debated by the Hall of Fame selection committee on Super Bowl weekend. Two senior nominees and one contributor candidate will also be considered.
No more than five modern-era finalists can be inducted in a given year. The senior nominees and contributor candidate are considered separately. The full class of inductees for the summer of 2016 will be announced the night before Super Bowl 50.
This is the first year Favre is eligible for the Hall of Fame, having retired five years ago. He retired with virtually every major NFL career passing record. His marks for TD passes and passing yards have since been surpassed by Peyton Manning.
Favre was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame this past summer. He also became the sixth player in franchise history to have his jersey number retired and placed on the Lambeau Field facade in the north end zone.
Modern-era semifinalists (15)
QB - Brett Favre, Kurt Warner
RB - Terrell Davis, Edgerrin James
WR - Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens
OL - Alan Faneca, Joe Jacoby, Orlando Pace
LB - Kevin Greene
DB - Steve Atwater, John Lynch
K - Morten Andersen
Coach - Don Coryell, Tony Dungy
Senior nominees (2)
QB Ken Stabler
G Dick Stanfel
Contributor candidate (1)
Edward DeBartolo, Jr.
