Hall of Fame semifinalists include Sterling Sharpe, Mike Holmgren
Former Green Bay Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe and former Packers coach Mike Holmgren were each named one of 12 semifinalists in their respective voting categories for the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
Sharpe, a five-time All-Pro, joined Ken Anderson, Maxie Baughan, Roger Craig, Randy Gradishar, Joe Jacoby, Albert Lewis, Steve McMichael, Eddie Meador, Art Powell, Otis Taylor and Al Wistert as the 12 finalists in the “senior” category, which is limited to players who last played no later than 1998.
Voters trimmed the “senior” category from 31 to 12 semifinalists.
Holmgren, who led the Packers to a Super Bowl title and two Super Bowl appearances, joined Tom Coughlin, Frank Kilroy, Robert Kraft, Buddy Parker, Dan Reeves, Art Rooney Jr., Marty Schottenheimer, Mike Shanahan, Clark Shaughnessy, Lloyd Wells and John Wooten as the 12 coaches or contributors.
Voters trimmed the “coach/contributor” category from 29 to 12.
The next step is voting for finalists. The committee will meet Aug. 15 to select one coach or contributor for final consideration, while another committe will meet Aug. 22 to select up to three from the senior category for final consideration.
Sharpe was a semifinalist last year. The 2023 class features three inductions of senior members: Chuck Howley, Joe Klecko and Ken Riley.
Here is the Hall of Fame’s bio for both Sharpe and Holmgren:
Sharpe (1988-94)
Sharpe made five Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro teams during his seven-year career with the Green Bay Packers cut short by injury. His 18 touchdown receptions in his final season is still good for third best in league history. Career totals include 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns.
Holmgren (1992-2008)
Head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1992-98 and the Seattle Seahawks from 1999-2008. Overall record of 174-122 includes victory in Super Bowl XXXI with the Packers and an NFC crown in Seattle.
