Written by Lindsey H. Jones at USAToday.com
Former San Diego Chargers and New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson headlines a group of three players selected as finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.
The full list of 15 modern-era finalists was announced Tuesday night.
Joining Tomlinson in the group of first-year eligible finalists are former Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins and Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor. Of the three, Tomlinson, the 2006 MVP and a three-time first-team all-pro selection, likely has the best chance of becoming a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
The Hall of Fame’s 2017 class will be voted on and announced on Feb. 4, the day before Super Bowl LI in Houston.
Among the other notable names on the list of finalists are wide receiver Terrell Owens, who reached the same stage last year, Broncos running back Terrell Davis and quarterback Kurt Warner, who played for three teams. Both Davis and Warner are finalists for the third consecutive year.
The full list of finalists: kicker Morten Anderson, offensive tackle Tony Boselli, receiverIsaac Bruce, coach Don Coryell, Davis, Dawkins, guard Alan Faneca, tackle Joe Jacoby, cornerback Ty Law, safety John Lynch, center Kevin Mawae, Owens, Taylor, Tomlinson and Warner.
They join senior finalist Kenny Easley, a safety for the Seattle Seahawks, and two contributors in Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.
All finalists need a minimum positive vote of 80% to elected to the class of 2017.
Finalists
* Morten Andersen, Kicker – 1982-1994 New Orleans Saints, 1995-2000, 2006-07Atlanta Falcons, 2001 New York Giants, 2002-03 Kansas City Chiefs, 2004 Minnesota Vikings
* Tony Boselli, Tackle – 1995-2001 Jacksonville Jaguars
* Isaac Bruce, Wide Receiver – 1994-2007 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 2008-09 San Francisco 49ers
* Don Coryell, Coach – 1973-77 St. Louis Cardinals, 1978-1986 San Diego Chargers
* Terrell Davis, Running Back – 1995-2001 Denver Broncos
* Brian Dawkins, Safety – 1996-2008 Philadelphia Eagles, 2009-2011 Denver Broncos
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