Tony Gonzalez, Champ Bailey await Hall ‘knock’ on Saturday in Atlanta

ATLANTA – Tight end Tony Gonzalez, cornerback Champ Bailey and safety Ed Reed headline the list of 15 modern-era finalists set to find out if they’ll be part of the 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

A daylong debate takes place here Saturday starting at 8 a.m., with media members and former players Dan Fouts and James Lofton debating the merits of all 15 candidates one at a time.

Hall of Fame president David Baker knocks on the hotel room doors of those who are elected to the Hall of Fame. The rest of the world finds out together during the CBS broadcast of “NFL Honors” on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET.

Gonzalez is the all-time leader in receptions and yards among tight ends with 1,325 catches and 15,127 yards.

Reed led the NFL in interceptions three times and had 64 career interceptions, playing in his prime with the Baltimore Ravens, including a Super Bowl win over the San Francisco 49ers in 2012.

Bailey had 52 career interceptions, starring for the Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins.

Another former Broncos defensive back, hard-hitting safety Steve Atwater, and former Buccaneers safety John Lynch are returning finalists.

Four prominent offensive linemen, Tony Boselli (Jaguars) as an offensive tackle, offensive guards Steve Hutchinson (Seahawks) and Alan Faneca (Steelers), and center Kevin Mawae (three teams) are said to have strong support as does former Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce. He had 1,024 career receptions and 15,208 yards as a prime player for the “Greatest Show on Turf” teams quarterbacked by Hall of Famer Kurt Warner. However, Bruce is a finalist for the third time and in his fifth year of eligibility.

Colts running back Edgerrin James and Patriots cornerback Ty Law are also on the ballot. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady wrote letters to the Hall of Fame selection committee in support of Law and former Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour.

Don Coryell (Cardinals, Chargers) and Tom Flores (Raiders, Seahawks) are the coaches under consideration.

Contributors Pat Bowlen, longtime owner the Denver Broncos, and Gil Brandt, who drafted many of Tom Landry’s great players as Dallas Cowboys vice president of personnel, are also on the ballot.

Chiefs safety Johnny Robinson is also a finalist. He was chosen by the Seniors Committee.

–Field Level Media