It all starts with a nomination. Anyone can nominate an eligible player (Pssssst... Randy Gradishar).
Any fan may nominate any player, coach or contributor who has been connected with pro football simply by writing to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The only restriction is that a player and coach must have been retired at least five years before he can be considered. There is no mandatory retirement period for a contributor before he may be considered. Every nomination of an eligible candidate received will be processed and forwarded to the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee.
To visit the HOF website for more information on how the senior committee nomination (or general nomination) process works, click here.