Six-time All-Pro offensive lineman Joe Thomas, shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis and speedy pass-rusher Dwight Freeney headline the list of nine first-year-eligible players picked among the 129 nominees for the 2023 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The other first-year-eligibles are running back Chris Johnson, offensive lineman Jahri Evans, linebackers NaVorro Bowman and James Harrison, defensive back Kam Chancellor and punter Shane Lechler.
Thomas was one of the top tackles in the league over a durable 11-year career that saw him selected first-team All-Pro six times and second-team two other times. He had a streak of 10,363 consecutive plays while playing for the Browns his entire career.
Revis, who also was selected in the 2007 draft, moved around much more, spending time with the Jets, Tampa Bay, New England and Kansas City.
The list will be reduced to 25 semifinalists in November and to 15 finalists in January before the selection committee discusses and chooses the class of 2023 that will be enshrined in August.
The 15 finalists will be trimmed to 10 and then five during the selection meeting early next year. The final five candidates will need to get 80% of the votes from the panel to get into the Hall.
The roster of nominees consists of 67 offensive players, 50 defensive players and 12 special teamers.