Roger Craig and Ken Anderson Named Senior Nominees for Pro Football HOF

In an exciting development for football enthusiasts, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced its list of nominees for the 2025 class. Among the players nominated in the Seniors category are versatile running back Roger Craig, former MVP Ken Anderson, and 2024 finalist Art Powell.

The Hall revealed a total of 183 nominees on Tuesday, which will be evaluated by a newly formed Seniors Screening Committee. This committee is tasked with narrowing the list down to 50 players over the coming weeks.

Following the initial reduction, a separate Seniors Blue Ribbon Committee will further whittle down the nominees to three finalists. These finalists will be presented to the full selection committee in early 2025. The three seniors will compete for induction alongside one coach and one contributor, with one to three of these finalists being selected based on the voting outcomes.

Craig, Anderson, and Powell stand out among the ten players who reached the earlier semifinal stage last year, when legends Steve McMichael and Randy Gradishar were inducted as seniors. Powell made it to the final cut last year but did not surpass the 80% threshold required for enshrinement.

The other returning semifinalists include Maxie Baughan, Joe Jacoby, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Sterling Sharpe, Otis Taylor, and Al Wistert.

Roger Craig played an essential role in the San Francisco 49ers’ dynasty during the 1980s, showcasing his skills as both a physical runner and a reliable receiver out of the backfield. In a groundbreaking achievement, he became the first player in NFL history to accumulate 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season, a feat he accomplished in 1985. Moreover, he led the league with an impressive 2,036 yards from scrimmage in 1988, contributing significantly to the 49ers’ Super Bowl victory that year.

Throughout his career, Craig was also part of the teams that claimed championship titles in 1984 and 1989. His performance in Super Bowl victories was notable as he racked up 410 yards from scrimmage, ranking third all time, surpassed only by Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Franco Harris.

Ken Anderson, a four-time Pro Bowler, made a significant impact with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was named the NFL MVP in 1981, a season that saw him guide the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance, although they fell to the 49ers in the championship game. Upon retiring after the 1986 season, Anderson ranked sixth in all-time passing yards with a total of 32,838 and held the 13th spot with 197 touchdown passes.

Art Powell made his mark as one of the most dynamic receivers during the high-scoring era of the American Football League (AFL). His impressive career boasts 81 touchdowns, ranking second in AFL history, and he amassed 8,015 receiving yards, placing him third behind other legends Don Maynard and Hall of Famer Lance Alworth.

This year’s nomination list not only highlights the impressive careers of Craig, Anderson, and Powell but also includes noteworthy contenders who have demonstrated excellence in the sport. The selection process for the Hall of Fame serves to honor the contributions of these players and ensure their legacies endure.

As the Seniors Screening Committee begins its work, football fans eagerly await the announcement of the finalists and ultimately the inductees into the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame. The journey to enshrinement is a testament to the enduring impact these players have had on the game of football.