Bruce Smith, Rod Woodson and Shannon Sharpe are amongst the semi-finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2009.
Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue included on list
Bruce Smith, Rod Woodson and Shannon Sharpe are amongst the semi-finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2009.
The trio, along with defensive tackle John Randle, are the first-year eligible players included in the 25-strong list.
The list will be cut to 15 finalists from the modern era in January before the inductees are announced later the same month.
Wide receiver Bob Hayes and defensive end Claude Humphrey were selected in August as the senior selection committee's nominees.
Sack leader
The NFL's all-time sack leader, defensive end Smith was an 11-time Pro Bowler who played for the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Redskins during his 19-year career
Defensive back Woodson - who finished up with 71 interceptions - is best known for his 10-year stint as a cornerback with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Ravens and Oakland Raiders and switched to free safety later in his career.
Sharpe was the NFL's all-time leader in receiving yardage among tight ends until his record was recently broken by Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez.
Super Bowl winner
In 14 years he had 815 catches for 10,060 yards and 62 touchdowns and won the Super Bowl three times, twice with the Denver Broncos and once more with the Ravens, alongside fellow nominee Woodson.
There are also several non-players on the list, including former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.
Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson and Art Modell, the former owner of the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens, are included in the contributor category.
The Class of 2009 will be announced on January 31 - the day before the Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida.
