Largent, Haynes Top Group Of 15 Finalists For Pro Football Shrine

Wide receiver Steve Largent and cornerback Mike Haynes, who often went head to head against each other on pass routes, top the list of 15 finalists announced Thursday for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Largent, who spent 14 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, and Haynes, who played for both New England and the Raiders, are the only former players chosen in their first year of eligibility by the hall’s 34-member board of selectors.

They were joined by 11 other modernera candidates, team executive Jim Finks and seniors candidate Henry Jordan.

The players who have previously been a finalist are: St. Louis offensive lineman Dan Dierdorf; Minnesota and Seattle defensive end Carl Eller; Pittsburgh defensive end L.C. Greenwood; Raiders punter Ray Guy; Houston, Cincinnati and San Diego wide receiver Charlie Joiner; Rams offensive guard Tom Mack; Dallas defensive back Mel Renfro; Tampa Bay defensive end Lee Roy Selmon; Miami center Dwight Stephenson; Pittsburgh wide receiver Lynn Swann; and San Diego tight end Kellen Winslow.

Guy could become the first full-time punter to be inducted.

Largent held six major career records when he retired following the 1989 season. He totaled 819 catches for 13,089 yards and 100 touchdowns. He is now a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma.

Haynes also played 14 seasons, seven each with the Patriots and the Raiders. He intercepted 46 passes and also was a fine punt returner.