2009 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

It's the last big event of Super Bowl Week before the actual game: the 2009 Hall of Fame announcement ceremony. The class is now official and it includes: Bob Hayes (Cowboys, WR), Randall McDaniel (Vikings, G), Bruce Smith (Bills, DE), Derrick Thomas (Chiefs, LB), Ralph Wilson (Bills owner) and Rod Woodson (Steelers, CB).

Interestingly, John Randle (Vikings DE), Shannon Sharpe (Broncos, TE), Smith and Woodson were first-time eligibles and two of them are headed to Canton this summer to give their induction speeches and don snazzy mustard-colored blazers.

Cris Carter (Vikings, WR) missed out in his second time on the ballot, but most folks who know about such things feel he will eventually get the nod. Also missing the final cut: Andre Reed (Bills, WR), Paul Tagliabue (former NFL commissioner), Cortez Kennedy (Seahawks, DL), Dermontti Dawson (Steelers, C), Russ Grimm (Redskins, G), Bob Kuechenberg (Dolphins, G), Claude Humphrey (Falcons, DE), Richard Dent (Bears, DL).

Pro Football Hall of Fame Photos

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 31: Lucille Hester, sister of Bob Hayes, accepts the award for the late Bob Hayes during the The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 press conference at the Tampa Convention Center on January 31, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lucille Hester

Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 31: Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt accepts the award for the late Derrick Thomas during the The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 press conference at the Tampa Convention Center on January 31, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Clark Hunt

Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 31: Bruce Smith answers questions from the media during the The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 press conference at the Tampa Convention Center on January 31, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bruce Smith

Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 31: Rod Woodson answers questions from the media during the The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 press conference at the Tampa Convention Center on January 31, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rod Woodson

Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 31: (L-R) Rod Woodson, Ralph Wilson and Bruce Smith pose for a picture during the The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 press conference at the Tampa Convention Center on January 31, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rod Woodson;Ralph Wilson;Bruce Smith

Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 31: Team owner of the Buffalo Bills Ralph Wilson answers questions from the media during the The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 press conference at the Tampa Convention Center on January 31, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ralph Wilson

Getty Images