Tony Dungy, Marvin Harrison Named Finalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame

The fifteen finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2015 were announced tonight, and the Indianapolis Colts were well represented.  Of the fifteen, former Colts head coach Tony Dungy and wide receiver Marvin Harrison are finalists for the second straight year.  Former general manager Bill Polian is also a finalist under the new contributor category.  Running back Edgerrin James, who was a semi-finalist, missed the cut to the final fifteen in his first year of eligibility.

It's pretty certain that Harrison will get in this year after the grievous mistake of keeping him out a year ago.  Dungy is an interesting case and I thought he'd have to wait a while before being inducted, but the fact that he is a finalist in each of his first two years of eligibility is a good sign for his chances, at least.  It was always assumed that Edge would have to wait a while if he were to get in, and that is indeed the case - though him being voted a semi-finalist this year was a good start.  His numbers and career should continue to look better as time goes on.  And lastly, Bill Polian is one of two contributor finalists this year, and he won't count toward the limit of other members of the class, giving him a very good shot at getting in this year.

The finalists will be voted on the day before the Super Bowl (January 31) in Arizona, and there is a maximum of five inductees from the modern-era class (which includes Harrison and Dungy).  Almost certainly one of those will be Harrison, at least.