MIAMI GARDENS — Former Dolphins left tackle Richmond Webb moved one step closer toward possible induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but the news wasn’t good for four other players who spent the majority of their career in Miami.
Failing to make the cut by the Hall’s modern-era screening committee were receiver Mark Clayton, guard Bob Kuechenberg, defensive end Bill Stanfill and safety Dick Anderson. Running back Ottis Anderson, from Forest Hill High, also did not make the cut.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 13: Former Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Richmond Webb looks on prior the game against the Cleveland Browns at Hard Rock Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Webb was a first-round pick of the Dolphins in 1990 who played 164 games for the Dolphins, starting all but one. He made the Pro Bowl seven consecutive years to start his career. He also spent two final seasons in Cincinnati.
The modern-era committee announced the names of 50 players who advanced in bids to make the Class of 2025. They include four players with South Florida connections: receivers Anquan Boldin and Reggie Wayne, defensive lineman Vince Wilfork and cornerback Troy Vincent.
The Hall’s full selection committee will announce its list of 25 semifinalists in about a month. The Class of 2025 will consist of four to eight members.
The 50 modern-era players who remain eligible for election with the Class of 2025 are:
(*-indicates finalist for the Class of 2024. Underline indicates first year of eligibility.)
QUARTERBACKS (2): Eli Manning, Steve McNair.
RUNNING BACKS (6): Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber, Eddie George, Marshawn Lynch, Fred Taylor*, Ricky Watters.
WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Anquan Boldin, Torry Holt*, Jimmy Smith, Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne*.
TIGHT ENDS (2):Ben Coates, Antonio Gates*.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (12): Willie Anderson* (T), Lomas Brown (T), Ruben Brown (G), Jahri Evans* (G), Olin Kreutz (C), Logan Mankins (G), Jeff Saturday (C), Joe Staley (T), Richmond Webb (T), Erik Williams (T), Steve Wisniewski (G), Marshal Yanda (G).
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (8): John Abraham (DE also LB), Jared Allen* (DE), Robert Mathis (DE), Haloti Ngata (DT), Simeon Rice (DE), Neil Smith (DE), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT), Kevin Williams (DT).
LINEBACKERS (5): Cornelius Bennett, London Fletcher, James Harrison, Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs.
DEFENSIVE BACKS (6): Eric Allen* (CB), Kam Chancellor (S), Rodney Harrison* (S), Earl Thomas (S), Troy Vincent (CB), Darren Woodson* (S).
SPECIAL TEAMS (3):Gary Anderson (K), Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB), Adam Vinatieri (K).