The Pro Football of Fame announced 25 semifinalists, and the list includes two notable 49ers, and two brief 49ers. Terrell Owens and Roger Craig made the cut, as did Isaac Bruce and Kevin Greene. Ricky Watters and Bryant Young did not make the cut. Eddie DeBartolo is not included with this group, as he was moved straight to the finalist stage as a contributor under a recent rule change.
One NFL Network analyst, Elliott Harrison, ranked out the 25 players and coaches, breaking them up into three groups: "Missing the cut", "Finalists, but years away from a bronze bust", and "the ten best candidates".