Pro Football Hall of Fame 2023: Date, Start Time, TV Info and More

This year's list of modern-era players who are up for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame has been whittled down from 129 nominees to 28 semifinalists to 15 finalists. And the Class of 2023 will be announced on Thursday.

As many as nine people could be announced as Hall of Famers during the NFL Honors, which is set to air at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and NFL Network. The inductees will then be enshrined in Canton, Ohio, in August.

There are some notable names up for induction this year, so it could end up being a talented class.

Here's everything you need to know about this year's finalists.

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2023 Hall of Fame Finalists

Modern-Era Finalists

Jared Allen, DE, Kansas City Chiefs (2004-07), Minnesota Vikings (2008-13), Chicago Bears (2014-15), Carolina Panthers (2015)

Willie Anderson, OT, Cincinnati Bengals (1996-2007), Baltimore Ravens (2008)

Ronde Barber, DB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997-2012)

Dwight Freeney, DE/LB, Indianapolis Colts (2002-12), San Diego Chargers (2013-14), Arizona Cardinals (2015), Atlanta Falcons (2016), Seattle Seahawks (2017), Detroit Lions (2017)

Devin Hester, KR/PR/WR, Chicago Bears (2006-13), Atlanta Falcons (2014-15), Baltimore Ravens (2016), Seattle Seahawks (2016)

Torry Holt, WR, St. Louis Rams (1999-2008), Jacksonville Jaguars (2009)

Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans (2003-14), Indianapolis Colts (2015), Tennessee Titans (2016)

Albert Lewis, CB, Kansas City Chiefs (1983-93), Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders (1994-98)

Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets (2007-12, 2015-16), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2013), New England Patriots (2014), Kansas City Chiefs (2017)

Joe Thomas, OT, Cleveland Browns (2007-17)

Zach Thomas, LB, Miami Dolphins (1996-2007), Dallas Cowboys (2008)

DeMarcus Ware, LB/DE, Dallas Cowboys (2005-13), Denver Broncos (2014-16)

Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts (2001-14)

Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers (2007-14)

Darren Woodson, S, Dallas Cowboys (1992-2003)

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Senior Finalists

Chuck Howley, LB, Chicago Bears (1958-59), Dallas Cowboys (1961-73)

Joe Klecko, DL, New York Jets (1977-87), Indianapolis Colts (1988)

Ken Riley, CB, Cincinnati Bengals (1969-83)

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Contributor/Coach Finalist

Don Coryell, head coach, St. Louis Cardinals (1973-77), San Diego Chargers (1978-86)

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Preview

Five players are modern-era finalists for the first time this year. Of those, three are in their first year of Hall of Fame eligibility: Dwight Freeney, Darrelle Revis and Joe Thomas.

There's a decent chance that Revis and Thomas will end up as part of the Class of 2023. If not, it shouldn't take either too long to get inducted.

Revis was a four-time All-Pro cornerback and seven-time Pro Bowler who was among the best defensive backs in the NFL throughout his 11-year career. Opposing quarterbacks learned to not throw toward "Revis Island," as he typically locked down a team's top wide receiver.

That's why 14 of his 29 career interceptions came from 2007-09, his first three seasons in the league with the Jets. However, he still notched five when he returned to New York in 2015.

Thomas was an anchor for the Browns' offensive line for 11 years. He never missed a game during his first 10 seasons from 2007-16, before he was limited to seven in 2017, his final year in the NFL.

Not only did he play every game for 10 years, but he was also named a Pro Bowler each of those seasons. He was also a six-time All-Pro selection.

While Freeney's chances of getting inducted this year may not be as high as Revis or Thomas, the former edge-rusher still has a legitimate case. He was a three-time All-Pro selection and seven-time Pro Bowler who recorded 125.5 sacks in 218 games over 16 seasons.

Before Freeney gets in, though, DeMarcus Ware likely needs to be inducted. He is in his second year of Hall of Fame eligibility after finishing with 138.5 career sacks, the ninth most recorded by a player since sacks became an official stat in 1982.

Another player in his second year of Hall of Fame eligibility with an interesting case is Devin Hester. While he never made much of an impact as a wide receiver or cornerback, he is the greatest returner of all time.

The 40-year-old holds the NFL records for most career special teams touchdowns (20), most punt return TDs (14) and most punt return TDs in a single season (four in 2007). There has never been a player quite like him in league history.

Albert Lewis and Darren Woodson are both Hall of Fame finalists for the first time, although both have been eligible for some time.

In order to decide the Class of 2023, the selection committee picks its top five finalists and then votes yes or no for each. It also votes on the senior finalists and the lone contributor/coach finalist.