CANTON, OH – Twelve former NFL players, two coaches and a team owner, make up the 15-man list of finalists who will be considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2001. Three finalists, wide receiver Art Monk, offensive tackle Jackie Slater, and coach Bill Parcells are first-year eligible finalists. Joining the three first-year nominees are eleven other modern-era candidates and the recommended candidate of the Hall of Fame’s Seniors Committee.

The other modern-era finalists are Harry Carson, Dave Casper, Dan Hampton, Lester Hayes, Marv Levy, Mike Munchak, John Stallworth, Lynn Swann, Ralph Wilson, Jr., Ron Yary, and Jack Youngblood. The 14 modern-era finalists join the Seniors Committee nominee Nick Buoniconti to form the list of 15 finalists.

Carson, Casper, Levy, Munchak, Stallworth, Swann, Yary, and Youngblood have all been finalists in previous years. Swann and Youngblood advanced to the final six in last year’s balloting, the farthest one can advance without being elected. Although they have been eligible prior to this year, this is the first time that Buoniconti, Hampton, Hayes, and Wilson have been finalists.

From this year’s list of 15 finalists, nine spent their entire NFL career with just one team.

The modern-era finalists were determined by a vote of the Hall’s 38-member Board of Selectors that will meet in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, January 27, to elect the Hall of Fame Class of 2001.

Listed alphabetically, the 15 finalists with their positions, teams, and years active follow:

Nick Buoniconti, Linebacker, 1962-1968 Boston Patriots, 1969-1974, 1976 Miami Dolphins

Harry Carson, Linebacker, 1976-1988 New York Giants

Dave Casper, Tight End, 1974-1980 Oakland Raiders, 1980-1983 Houston Oilers, 1983 Minnesota Vikings, 1984 Los Angeles Raiders

Dan Hampton, Defensive End/Defensive Tackle, 1979-1990 Chicago Bears

Lester Hayes, Cornerback, 1977-1986 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders

Marv Levy, Coach, 1978-1982 Kansas City Chiefs, 1986-1997 Buffalo Bills

Art Monk, Wide Receiver, 1980-1993 Washington Redskins, 1994 New York Jets, 1995 Philadelphia Eagles

Mike Munchak, Guard, 1982-1993 Houston Oilers

Bill Parcells, Coach, 1983-1990 New York Giants, 1993-1996 New England Patriots, 1997-1999 New York Jets

Jackie Slater, Tackle, 1976-1995 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams

John Stallworth, Wide Receiver, 1974-1987 Pittsburgh Steelers

Lynn Swann, Wide Receiver, 1974 -1982 Pittsburgh Steelers

Ralph Wilson, Jr., Contributor, 1959-present Buffalo Bills

Ron Yary, Tackle 1968-1981 Minnesota Vikings, 1982 Los Angeles Rams

Jack Youngblood, Defensive End, 1971-1984 Los Angeles Rams

Twelve of the 15 finalists were determined by a vote of the Selection Committee from a preliminary group of 78 modern-era players, coaches and contributors. The 13th and 14th finalists, Swann and Youngblood, both finished in the final six in the 2000 voting and thus automatically qualified for the final 15 this year.

To be eligible for election, modern-era players must be retired at least five years while a coach needs only to be retired. A nominee whose major contributions came in areas other than playing or coaching does not have to be retired to be considered.

The 15th finalist is the Seniors Committee nominee, Buoniconti. To be eligible for the 2001 class, Seniors Committee candidates must have completed at least 70 percent of their careers by 1976. At the annual election meeting, the Seniors Committee nominee must receive the same affirmative majority – a minimum of 80 percent – required of any candidate to be elected.

At the 2001 election meeting (January 27), the selectors will thoroughly discuss the careers of each finalist before narrowing the field to the Seniors Committee nominee and six modern-era candidates. At least four modern-era candidates must be elected but the total class, including the Seniors Committee nominee, cannot number more than seven.

Of the 2001 finalists, Buoniconti, the Seniors Committee nominee, has been eligible 20 years. Swann and Yary are both in their 14th year of eligibility. Casper and Youngblood have been eligible for 12 years, Hayes 10, Stallworth nine, Carson eight, Hampton six, and Levy and Munchak three. Monk, Parcells, and Slater are eligible for the first time this year.

The Class of 2001 will be announced at a press conference at 11:30 a.m. (EST) on Saturday, January 27, at the Super Bowl media headquarters in the Tampa Convention Center.

Representatives of the international accounting firm of Arthur Andersen LLP will tabulate all votes during the meeting. At the press conference, they will present Hall of Fame Executive Director John Bankert with an envelope containing the names of the nominees elected. The Hall will contact each new member immediately after the announcement.

Enshrinement of the Class of 2001 will take place on the front steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, on Saturday, August 4, 2001.

Nick Buoniconti

Linebacker. . . 5-11, 220 . . . Notre Dame . . . 1962-1968 Boston Patriots, 1969-1974, 1976 Miami Dolphins . . . 14 seasons, 183 games . . . 13th round pick (102nd player overall) in 1962 AFL Draft . . .All-America as guard and linebacker, 1961 . . . Thought to be too small for pros, but "played bigger than his size" . . . An immediate impact with Pats, helping to capture 1963 AFL Eastern Division title . . . Played in five AFL All-Star games with Patriots and one with Miami after 1969 trade . . . Received most votes in 1966 All-Star balloting . . . Ranks seventh in Patriots history for career interceptions, 24. . . Had three interceptions in one game, Oct. 20, 1968, vs. Bills . . . Was Dolphins Most Valuable Player in 1969 . . . Following AFL-NFL merger was named to two more Pro Bowls, 1973 and 1974 . . . Driving force of Dolphins famed "No Name Defense". . . Inspired teammates with outstanding play and fiery leadership . . . During seven seasons with Dolphins, team made three consecutive Super Bowl appearances (Super Bowls VI, VII, VIII), winning two, including one coming after incredible undefeated season in 1972 . . . Recorded 32 career interceptions. . . Voted to All-Time AFL Team in 1969. . . Born December 15, 1940, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Linebacker. . . 6-2, 237. . .South Carolina State. . .1976-1988 New York Giants. . .13 seasons, 173 games. . .Giants’ fourth-round draft pick (105th player overall), 1976 draft. . .Defensive end in college. . .Became Giants’ starting middle linebacker halfway through rookie season. . .Earned All-Rookie honors. . .Led Giants defenders in tackles five seasons. . . Had career-high performance in 1982 vs. Green Bay, 20 solo tackles and five assists. . .Ferocious run stopper whose 17 career opponents’ fumble recoveries ranks second in Giants’ record book. . .Known for his aggressive pursuit, he recorded 11 career interceptions. . .Was a part of the famed Giants linebacker trio of Carson, Lawrence Taylor, and Carl Banks. . .A big-play performer, his interception and 12 tackles vs. Redskins in 1986 virtually assured Giants of NFC East title. . .Made key goal line stand play in Super Bowl XXI when he stopped Broncos running back for no gain. . .Selected to play in nine Pro Bowls, including seven straight (1982-1988). . . All-Pro in 1984 and All-NFC in 1978, 1979, 1982, 1986. . .Born November 26, 1953, in Florence, South Carolina.

Tight End. . .6-4, 240. . .Notre Dame. . .1974-1980 Oakland Raiders, 1980-1983 Houston Oilers, 1983 Minnesota Vikings, 1984 Los Angeles Raiders. . .Eleven seasons, 147 games. . .Raiders’ second-round pick (45th player selected overall), 1974 draft. . .An All-America at Notre Dame, 1973. . .Used primarily on special teams first two seasons. . .Nicknamed "The Ghost," earned starting tight end spot in 1976 and finished season with impressive 53 catches for 691 yards and 10 touchdowns. . .Outstanding play contributed to Raiders success and 32-14 victory over Vikings in Super Bowl XI. . .Outstanding blocker as well as receiver. . .Caught winning 10-yard touchdown pass in 1977 double-overtime AFC playoff game. . .The game is referred to as "Ghost to the Post," in reference to his 42-yard reception that set up the tying field goal at the end of regulation. . .Traded to Oilers midway through 1980 season for a first and two second-round draft picks. . .Named All-Pro and All-AFC four consecutive years (1976-1979). . .Selected to play in five Pro Bowls, 1977 through 1981. . .Born September 26, 1951 in Bemidji, Minnesota.

Defensive Tackle/Defensive End. . .6-5, 264. . .Arkansas. . . 1979-1990 Chicago Bears. . . 12 seasons, 157 games. . . Selected by Bears in first-round (4th player overall) in 1979 NFL Draft. . . All-America honors and SWC Defensive Player of the Year as a senior with Razorbacks. . . Nicknamed "Danimal" for ferocious style of play. . . Impact player as a rookie with 70 tackles, 48 solo, two fumble recoveries, three passes defensed, two sacks, and one forced fumble . . 1980 led team with 11.5 sacks, his 73 tackles were most by Bears lineman. . .In strike-shortened 1982 season, led team with nine sacks and was second in tackles with 71. . . Named Defensive MVP by Pro Football Weekly, 1982. . . Equaled career high 11.5 sacks in 1984. . . Was a major contributor on 1985 Bears defense that allowed just 198 points and shut out both playoff opponents leading up to 46-10 victory over Patriots in Super Bowl XX. . . A versatile player, played both DT and DE positions. . . Despite numerous injuries and surgeries, was first- or second-team All-Pro choice six times. . . Born September 19, 1957 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Cornerback. . . 6-0, 200. . . Texas A&M. . . 1977-1986 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. . . 10 seasons, 149 games. . . Selected in fifth round of 1977 NFL Draft, (126th player overall). . . Played linebacker first two years and safety second two years at Texas A&M. . . Converted to cornerback in pros. . . Excellent in man-to-man coverage, earned a spot in starting lineup as rookie. . . A bump-and-run specialist he recorded 39 interceptions for 572 yards and 4 TDs during 10-year career. . . Career interception total is team high, tied with Hall of Famer Willie Brown. . . At retirement, career interception yardage third best in club history. . .Four career TDs tied him for club record at retirement . . . Five time Pro Bowl selection (1981-1985), had finest statistical season in 1980 with 13 interceptions. . . Had an additional four picks nullified by penalties. . . Had five interceptions in four 1980 playoff games and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. . . Recorded eight interceptions in 13 post-season games, 2nd in NFL history. . . Scored two touchdowns on interceptions in post-season, second most in NFL history. . . Born January 22, 1955 in Houston, Texas.

Tackle. . . 6-4, 277. . . Jackson State. . . 1976-1995 Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams. . . 20 playing seasons, 259 games. . . Selected in 3rd round (86th player overall) of 1976 NFL Draft. . . Retired tied for third most seasons played in NFL history. . . His 259 regular-season games played was most by offensive lineman at the time of his retirement. . . Mainstay of Rams’ offensive line, was first- or second-team All-Pro choice five seasons and first- or second-team All-NFC choice seven times. . . Known for work ethic and leadership skills, earned seven Pro Bowl berths (1984, 1986-1991). . . A powerful drive blocker, 24 different quarterbacks and 37 different running backs played behind Slater during career. . . Blocked for seven different 1,000-yard rushers. . . Played in 107 games in which runner gained 100-plus yards. . . Twenty-seven times Rams’ quarterbacks passed for 300-plus yards in a game with Slater as blocker. . . In 1983, Rams offensive line allowed league-low 23 sacks while Eric Dickerson also rushed for rookie record 1,808 yards. . . .Veteran of 18 playoff games, was USA Today Lineman of the Year three times. . . Born May 27, 1954 in Jackson, Mississippi.

John Stallworth

Lynn Swann

Contributor. . . Virginia, Michigan. . . 1959-present Buffalo Bills. . . One of original founders of American Football League, Wilson formed Buffalo Bills in 1959. . . During tenure as team owner, Bills won AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965, AFC titles in 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 on way to unprecedented four consecutive appearances in Super Bowls XXV, XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII. . . Bills 103 regular season wins, second most in NFL during 1990s. . . Helped lead AFL through early years making tough decisions that were necessary for league’s survival. . . Began talks with Carroll Rosenbloom, then owner of NFL’s Colts in January 1965, that eventually resulted in AFL-NFL merger. . . Considered "voice of reason" Wilson served as President of AFL, was on AFL’s Expansion Committee and AFL-NFL Negotiations Committee. . . Was prominent in 1977 negotiations between NFL Management Council and NFL Players Association. . . Has served as Chairman of NFL Pension Committee, Labor Committee, Super Bowl Site Committee, NFL Expansion Committee, NFL Realignment Committee. . . Born October 17, 1918 in Columbus, Ohio.

Ron Yary

Jack Youngblood

Defensive End. . .6-4, 247. . .Florida. . .1971-1984 Los Angeles Rams. . .14 seasons, 202 games. . .All-America at Florida, 1970. . .20th player selected, first round, 1971 draft. . .Backed up superstar Deacon Jones at defensive left end as rookie, became full-time regular in third season. . .Rugged, determined, durable. . .A dominant defender, perennial Rams’ sack leader. . .Played 201 consecutive games, a Rams record. . .Missed only one game in 14 years. . .Rams defensive captain. . .Had one sack, one forced fumble, one blocked PAT, touchdown interception of 47 yards in 1975 playoff vs. St. Louis. . . Fractured left fibula in 1979 first-round playoff game, was fitted with plastic brace, played every defensive down in NFC title game, Super Bowl XIV. . . Played in five NFC championship games. . .All-Pro in 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979. . .All-NFC seven times. . . Played in seven straight Pro Bowls, 1974-1980. . . Recovered 10 opponents’ fumbles. . .Three-time winner of Dan Reeves Award presented to Rams’ MVP. . . Born January 26, 1950, in Jacksonville, Florida.

THE MODERN-ERA POSITION ROSTER WILL CHANGE AFTER 2001 ELECTION

Ralph Wilson will be the 12th team owner/administrator elected to the Hall of Fame. He would join Bert Bell, Charles Bidwill, George Halas, Lamar Hunt, Curly Lambeau, Tim Mara, Wellington Mara, George Preston Marshall, Dan Reeves, Art Rooney, and Dan Rooney.