INDIANAPOLIS — Three members of the Indianapolis Colts' Super Bowl team are one step closer to the Hall of Fame.
Wide receiver Reggie Wayne and defensive linemen Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis were named semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 on Tuesday. Wayne and Freeney were finalists for the honor last year and Mathis was named a semifinalist.
It's the fifth time Wayne has been a finalist for the Hall, reaching the final step before induction in each of his years of eligibility.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Wayne had 1,070 receptions for 14,345 yards and 82 touchdowns as a player from 2001 to 2014 — all for the Colts. He has been a finalist for induction into the Hall the past four years.
Wayne was inducted into the Colts' Ring of Honor in 2018. He is currently a member of the Colts' coaching staff.
Freeney, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, spent most of his 16-year career in Indianapolis, where his speed off the edge and dominant spin move led to 125 1/2 career sacks. He anchored a defense that complemented a high-powered offense led by Peyton Manning and helped the Colts win the Super Bowl following the 2006 season.
Mathis recorded a Colts-record 123 sacks, made five Pro Bowls and was named first-team AP All-Pro in 2013.
Other players who were named semifinalists include Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Tiki Barber, Anquan Boldin, Jahri Evans, London Fletcher, Antonio Gates, Eddie George, James Harrison, Rodney Harrison, Devin Hester, Torry Holt, Andre Johnson - who played one season in Indianapolis, Julius Peppers, Steve Smith Sr., Fred Taylor, Hines Ward, Ricky Watters and Vince Wilfork, Patrick Willis and Darren Woodson.
The 25 semifinalists announced Tuesday will be reduced to 15 finalists before the final voting process in January. The 15 finalists will be trimmed to 10 and then five during the selection meeting early next year. The final five candidates will need to get 80% of the votes from the panel to get into the Hall.
Four finalists previously announced are Buddy Parker in the coaching category, and Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell in the senior category.
They also will get in if they get support from at least 80% of voters.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)