Former Bears Julius Peppers and Brandon Marshall are among the nine first-time nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Return star Devin Hester, a finalist the last two years, remains one of the most prominent candidates for induction.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 173 nominees Tuesday. The expansive list next will be whittled down to 25 in semifinalists November. Fifteen modern-era players will be presented to the selection committee during its annual meeting before the Super Bowl, Bears legend Steve McMichael, Randy Gradishar and Art Powell, the seniors finalists, will also be presented and are expected to gain admission.
