Gonzalez, Bailey top list of HoF finalists

First-time eligibles Tony Gonzalez, Ed Reed and Champ Bailey are among 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2019.

They will be joined in balloting on Feb. 2 by Steve Atwater, Tony Boselli, Isaac Bruce, Don Coryell, Alan Faneca, Tom Flores, Steve Hutchinson, Edgerrin James, Ty Law, John Lynch, Kevin Mawae, and Richard Seymour. Although previously eligible, Flores — who coached two Raiders teams to Super Bowl titles — and longtime defensive lineman Seymour are finalists for the first time.

Also being considered for induction are senior committee nominee Johnny Robinson, a star safety for Dallas/Kansas City from 1960-71, and contributors finalists Gil Brandt, former personnel director for the Cowboys and now the NFL’s top draft consultant, and Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.

A maximum of eight new members can be elected, five from the modern-era group. Inductions are Aug. 3 in Canton, Ohio.

Gonzalez played 17 seasons with the Chiefs and Falcons, but never made a Super Bowl. No matter: he holds the career record for tight ends with 1,325, second only overall to Jerry Rice, and gained more than 15,127 yards while scoring 111 touchdowns. His string of 211 straight games with a catch lasted from 2000-13.

Reed spent 12 seasons with the Ravens, Texans and Jets, winning an NFL title in 2012. He’s one of two players to lead the NFL in interceptions three times (2-4, 2008, 2010) and was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.

Bailey, who played his high school football at Charlton County, played 15 seasons with Washington and Denver and was a three-time All-Pro. Considered one of the game’s best cover cornerbacks, he had a career-high 10 interceptions in 2006.

Lynch, a standout safety for Tampa Bay and Denver, becomes a finalist for the sixth straight year. Coryell, who coached the high-powered offenses of the Cardinals and Chargers in the 1970s and ’80s, is a five-time finalist.

In all there, are three safeties, two cornerbacks, two offensive tackles, two coaches, one guard, one center, one tight end, one running back, one wide receiver and one defensive lineman as finalists.

Local News

Incident Reports & Arrests 03-12

Local News

FLOST Referendum early voting wraps up this week

Education

Rotary Club helps fund CyberStingers’ trip to World Championship

Local News

City of Thomasville’s Family Movie Night returns to Ritz on March 15

Local News

Unlocking financial freedom: How to protect and grow your wealth in uncertain times

Local News

Reps. Cannon and Taylor help pass 75 bills on Crossover Day

Local News

Continue to enjoy portable plants in the landscape!

Education

SRTC names Amy Carter Davis Vice President for Economic Development

Education

Second Graders complete 10th Annual “Ikidarod” Relay

Education

Brookwood School earns top honors at Region Literary Competition

Education

Shawn Diaz graduates from Georgia State University

Local News

Senators condemn closure of Thomasville SSA Office

Local News

Simmons, Webb recognized as Rotary Students of the Month

Local News

Thomasville Fire & Rescue trains at The Mitchell House

Local News

Senior Life Insurance Company named 7th fastest-growing life insurer in America

Local News

Southwest Georgia Farm Credit names Tom Griffin Risk Manager

Local News

MNW Boys & Girls Club names Brian Flemming as CEO

Education

SRTC Foundation recognizes 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award winners

Education

Student Government Association hosts memorable events for Lower School families

Education

TCMS students named local winners in Fair Bear Writing Competition

Local News

South Georgia Ballet presents FUSE: Fierce

Local News

Unique Chamber Ensemble set for TEF’s Tuesday Concert

Local News

Brooks Co. Sheriff’s Office investigating Pavo PD officer

Local News

TFR’s Honor Guard presents colors at Georgia’s Firefighters Recognition Day