By james art HOUSTON — HBCU and NFL legend Doug Williams advanced as a semifinalist in the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee category. Williams and his Grambling State coach, Eddie G. Robinson, were in the previous round of voting until yesterday’s announcement.
Williams was named MVP of Super Bowl XXII with the NFL’s Washington franchise. He is a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (1993), the Washington Sports Hall of Fame, and the Tampa Bay and Washington Rings of Honor.
He coached the Tigers to Black College national champions at Grambling State University in 2000. and 2001 Under his leadership, GSU won four SWAC championships (2000-2002 and 2011) and the SWAC Coach of the Year award three times (2000-2002).
Members of the Contributor Blue-Ribbon Committee initially had a field of 25 candidates before the nine semifinalists were named.
Doug Williams: Career with Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1978-1982) and Washington Redskins (1986-89) includes historic moment as first black quarterback to start and win Super Bowl (XXII) with MVP performance; believe they are creating opportunities for future black athletes.
KS “Bud” Adams: During his 54 years as founder, owner, chairman, president and CEO of the Titans/Oilers franchise, Adams was a key figure in the formation of the AFL and its merger with the NFL.
Ralph Hay: Owned the Canton Bulldogs from 1918-1922. and hosted the NFL’s inaugural meeting at his downtown Canton car dealership.
Frank “Buco” Kilroy: He worked on player personnel and scouted for the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys. He was the general manager of the Patriots from 1979 to 1982. and Vice President from 1983 to 1993.
Robert Kraft: Owner, Chairman and CEO of the New England Patriots since 1994. His teams have won six Super Bowls. Key member of several influential NFL Owners Committees.
Art model: Owner of the Cleveland Browns from 1961-1995. and the Baltimore Ravens from 1996-2011. Key figure in transformative broadcast deals between NFL and networks.
Art Rooney Jr.: Served for the Steelers since 1961, since 1964. until 1986, worked in the Scouting Department of the Steelers – is currently the Vice President of the Steelers and a member of the Board of Directors.
Seymour Siowoff: Owner and President of Elias Sports Bureau, the NFL’s official statisticians, from 1952-2019.
John Wooten: Director of Pro Scouting for the Dallas Cowboys from 1975 to 1991. Established player development programs for the NFL in 1991. VP/Player Personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1992. and Assistant Director of Pro/College Scouting for the Baltimore Ravens until his retirement in 2002. In 2003 he became chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, a position he held until 2019.
Downvotes are also found in the Modern Era Players, Senior Players and Coaches categories. Ultimately, 20 finalists will be presented at the annual selection committee meeting next year before Super Bowl LIX: 15 players from the modern era, three seniors, one coach and one participant.
The Class of 2025 announcement will take place at NFL Honors in New Orleans prior to Super Bowl LIX.