What is the NFL Hall of Fame eligibility? Exploring criteria for league's highest honor

Being named in the NFL Hall of Fame is one of the highest accolades any NFL player or coach can earn. Every player enters the league hoping to one day receive their gold jacket at the Hall of Fame ceremony in Canton, Ohio.

So, how long does a former NFL player have to wait to be eligible for NFL Hall of Fame consideration?

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How long do NFL players have to be retired to be eligible for the NFL Hall of Fame?

An NFL player and coach must spend at least five years in retirement before being considered for the Hall of Fame. There is no mandatory retirement period for a contributor before he may be considered.

Hey @Lions fans! Today marks 81 days until the Greatest Gathering in Football History takes place in Canton.Guarantee your spot to celebrate @calvinjohnsonjr and the #PFHOF21 Class: https://t.co/biSZRj9FNX pic.twitter.com/77gXvtAwES

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) May 16, 2021

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Who selects new Hall of Fame members?

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's selection committee consists of 49 members who decide which retired NFL players and coaches enter the Hall of Fame.

The selection committee consists of one media representative from each geographical area with a current NFL franchise.

A 33rd member is a representative of the Pro Football Writers of America, and there are 13 at-large delegates.

The Selection Committee meets every year on 'Selection Saturday,' the day before the Super Bowl, to elect new members to the Hall of Fame. There is no set number of new Hall of Famers, but the Committee’s current rules dictate that between four and eight new members will be selected each year.

To be elected into the NFL Hall of Fame, each candidate must receive at least 80 percent approval from the selection committee.

#PFHOF20 Enshrinee @CowherCBS got the first look at his @HaggarCo Gold Jacket in advance of his enshrinement this August.Guarantee your spot in Canton to celebrate Cowher: https://t.co/RMwlBVKWaK@steelers pic.twitter.com/GDEblZ1LUy

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) May 12, 2021

Who is eligible for the NFL Hall of Fame in 2022?

Former NFL players who are first-year eligible candidates for the Hall of Fame in 2022 include:

Tony Romo - Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys (2003–2016).

Anquan Boldin - Wide Receiver for the Arizona Cardinals (2003–2009), Baltimore Ravens (2010–2012), San Francisco 49ers (2013–2015) and Detroit Lions (2016).

Vince Wilfork - Defensive Tackle for the New England Patriots (2004–2014) and Houston Texans (2015–2016).

Robert Mathis - Defensive End for the Indianapolis Colts (2003–2016).