Darrelle Revis, the best cornerback in Jets history, has made the cut as one of five first-year-eligible players among 28 modern-day semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2023.
The 28 semifinalists will be reduced to 15 finalists before the final voting process in January. The inductees will be announced on Feb. 9 during NFL Honors, the prime-time awards TV show during Super Bowl week.
It could be a special year for Gang Green at the Hall of Fame, because among the four finalists previously announced in the senior category is former Jets defensive lineman Joe Klecko, who’s joined by Don Coryell in the coaching category, Chuck Howley and Ken Riley.
Revis, who was drafted by the Jets in 2007 and played for them from 2007-12 and again from 2015-16, also played for the Buccaneers (2013), Patriots (2014) and Chiefs (2017).
He recorded 29 career interceptions, 25 of them with the Jets. He was a four-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl selection. Revis was a member of the Patriots team that won Super Bowl XLIX.
Revis is being inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor on Sunday when they play the Bears at MetLife Stadium. He’s the third former player to receive the honor this season, joining former left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson and former center Nick Mangold.
“I put a lot of work into it,” Revis said last week. “It’s very surreal in a way. Just being honored, I’m overwhelmed, I’m excited. I walked in here today, it’s like butterflies all over again.’’
Joining Revis as candidates for Hall of Fame induction are offensive linemen Jahri Evans and Joe Thomas, defensive lineman Dwight Freeney and linebacker James Harrison. Each last played in the 2017 season.
Henry Ellard and London Fletcher are semifinalists for the first time. Albert Lewis, a semifinalist in 2013, is also on the list. Torry Holt returns for the ninth time, Hines Ward and Darren Woodson are semifinalists for the seventh time and Ronde Barber makes the list for the sixth time. Zach Thomas is a fifth-timer and James Willis and Reggie Wayne are back for a fourth time.
Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Anquan Boldin, Rodney Harrison, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Robert Mathis, Steve Smith Sr., Fred Taylor, DeMarcus Ware, Ricky Watters and Vince Wilfork complete the list.
The Patriots on Tuesday signed offensive tackle Conor McDermott off the Jets practice squad. McDermott, 30, was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round in 2017. While with the Jets, McDermott played in 35 games and made six starts. He once caught a TD pass as an eligible tight end. He played as an elevation from the practice squad for both Jets games against the Patriots this season, and totaled 76 snaps on offense and 29 snaps on special teams since September.
