The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 25 semifinalists for the Class of 2025, and fans of the Indianapolis Colts have reason to celebrate. Two former Colts players, Robert Mathis and Reggie Wayne, are competing for a place in Canton, OH.
This year’s list, reduced from 173 initial nominees, represents a combination of first-time contenders and repeat semifinalists.
Wayne, a legendary wide receiver, and Mathis, a dominant defensive end, are no strangers to Hall of Fame consideration. Wayne has been a semifinalist for five consecutive years, emphasizing his enduring impact as one of the league’s most reliable and productive receivers.
Playing his entire career (2001-2014) with the Colts, Wayne accumulated 14,345 receiving yards, ranking 10th all-time. He was vital to Indianapolis’ Super Bowl XLI victory over the Chicago Bears.
Mathis is up for consideration for the third time. Known for his intense pass rush and strip-sack mastery, Mathis played his entire career (2003-2016) in Indy, recording 123 sacks, the 17th on the all-time list.
His 47 forced fumbles remain an NFL record. Mathis also played a pivotal role in the Colts’ defensive success during their 2006 Super Bowl-winning campaign.
The 2025 class features several first-time semifinalists, including Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates, both considered strong candidates for first-ballot induction. Peppers, a nine-time Pro Bowler, and Gates, the NFL’s all-time leader in touchdowns by a tight end, bring stiff competition to this year’s selection process.
Wide receiver Torry Holt, who briefly played for the Jacksonville Jaguars after a legendary career with the St. Louis Rams, is another name worth watching.
This marks Holt’s tenth year as a semifinalist, with many viewing him as overdue for enshrinement.
Similarly, defensive stallworths like James Harrison and Patrick Willis remain prominent on the list, each boasting accolades that make them strong contenders.
The Hall of Fame Selection Committee will narrow the field to 15 finalists before announcing the inductees ahead of Super Bowl LIX in Las Vegas.
The Class of 2025 joins the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August. Hopefully, Wayne and Mathis will be among the class.
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more Colts Hall of Fame Class 2025 news, click here.
