The NFL released its list of 17 finalists for the Pro Football Hall Of Fame today, including former Raider Tim Brown. Brown spent all but one season of his 17-year career with the Raiders, including the first seven years in Los Angeles. Brown, a nine-time Pro Bowler, ranks fourth all-time with 1,094 receptions, and is sixth all-time with 100 receiving touchdowns. This is Brown's second year of Hall of Fame eligibility.
↵To be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, finalists must receive a minimum of 80 percent support from the 44-member selection committee. The committee will meet on February 5, the day before the Super Bowl. First-time candidates on the list of finalists are Jerome Bettis, Marshall Faulk, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, and Deion Sanders.
↵Bettis spent the first two seasons of his career in Los Angeles, before the Rams moved to St. Louis. He ranks fifth all-time with 13,662 rushing yards, and is 10th all-time with 91 rushing touchdowns. The other Hall of Fame finalist with Los Angeles ties is Les Richter, a linebacker for the Rams from 1954-1962. Richter is one of two candidates selected by the senior committee, "which reviews the qualifications of players whose careers took place more than 25 years ago."
↵The Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees will be announced at 4 p.m. PST on NFL Network on February 5.