NFL Hall of Fame nominations include 11 Dolphins

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 126 nominees for induction into Canton next year.  From the 126 nominees, 25 will be selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee to be the semifinalists in November.  That group will then be narrowed to the 15-player finalists in January, which, along with the two senior nominees for 2014, will be put before a vote on February 1, 2014 to determine the Hall of Fame Class of 2014.

The two senior nominees were determined last month, with Oakland/Los Angeles Raisers punter Ray Guy and Atlanta Falcons/Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Claude Humphrey receiving the nods.

The 126 mondern-era nominees broke down with six quarterbacks, 15 running backs, 11 wide receivers, one tight end, and 16 offensive linemen on offense and 10 defensive linement, 11 linebackers, and 13 defensive backs on the other side of the ball.  There were also four kickers/punters, two returners, 16 coaches, and 21 contributors.

The Miami Dolphins have ties to 11 of the nominees this season: QB Trent Green (2007), WR Gary Clark (1995), WR Mark Clayton (1983-1992), LB Zach Thomas (1996-2007),CB  Sam Madison (1997-2005), CB Patrick Surtain (1998-2004), CB/S Troy Vincent (1992-1995), coach Bill Arnsparger (1976-1983), coach Jimmy Johnson (1996-1999), Director of Player Personnel Bobby Beathard (1972-1977), and Director of Personnel and Pro Scouting George Young (1975-1978).

This year's first time nominees include Green, Thomas, Madison, and Surtain.  Also being considered for the first time are running backs Shaun Alexander and Warrick Dunn, wide receiver Marvin Harrison, offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Walter Jones, linebackers Derrick Brooks, Tedy Bruschi, and Willie McGinest, defensive back Rodney Harrison, and coaches Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden, and Mike Holmgren.

The induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio will likely take place on August 2, 2014.

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