For the third year in a row, offensive tackle Willie Anderson and pass rusher Robert Mathis are among the modern-era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 25 modern-era semifinalists for its Class of 2024 on Tuesday, and as with the Classes of 2022 and 2023, the list included Anderson (Vigor, Auburn) and Mathis (Alabama A&M).

The semifinalists advanced from the 173 modern-era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024. A player is considered modern era if he has been retired for at least five seasons and was active within the past 25 seasons.

Seven other players from Alabama high schools and colleges were among the modern-era nominees for the Class of 2024. Among the players who did not advance to semifinalist status were running back Shaun Alexander (Alabama), linebacker Cornelius Bennett (Ensley, Alabama), linebacker Karlos Dansby (Woodlawn, Auburn), running back Stephen Davis (Auburn), fullback Tony Richardson (Daleville, Auburn), linebacker Takeo Spikes (Auburn) and defensive end Justin Tuck (Central-Coosa).

Anderson reached semifinalist status for the fourth year in a row. Mathis has reached this stage in all three of his years of eligibility for consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The 10th pick in the 1996 draft, Anderson was a fixture at right offensive tackle for Cincinnati, starting every Bengals game except for two from 1997 through 2006. From 2003 through 2006, he was on the AFC Pro Bowl team annually, and he made first-team All-Pro in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Anderson blocked in two record-setting games for running back Corey Dillon — an NFL rookie record 246 rushing yards against the Tennessee Oilers in 1997 and an NFL record 278 rushing yards versus the Denver Broncos in 2000.

Mathis played in 13 NFL seasons for the Indianapolis Colts and is the NFL’s career leader for forced fumbles with 54. Mathis recorded 123 sacks, which ranks 20th in NFL history, and led the league in that stat with 19.5 in 2013, when he was a first-team All-Pro selection.

A five-time Pro Bowler, Mathis played in two Super Bowls, including the Colts’ 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in the 2006 NFL championship game, and Indianapolis won 68 percent of the 192 regular-season games in which he played.

The 25 semifinalists will provide the 15 finalists for consideration for the Class of 2024 by the 49-member Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Anderson has been a finalist for the past two years.

Also under consideration for the Class of 2024 will be Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell, the senior nominees (players predating the 25-year window for modern-era nominees); and Buddy Parker, the nominee of the Coach/Contributor Committee.

The other modern-era semifinalists for the Class of 2024 include Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Tiki Barber, Anquan Boldin, Jahri Evans, London Fletcher, Dwight Freeney, Antonio Gates, Eddie George, James Harrison, Rodney Harrison, Devin Hester, Torry Holt, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers, Steve Smith, Fred Taylor, Hines Ward, Ricky Watters, Reggie Wayne, Vince Wilfork, Patrick Willis and Darren Woodson.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 will be announced on Feb. 8.

Sixteen men who played at Alabama high schools and colleges are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The state’s Hall of Famers are Robert Brazile (Vigor), Buck Buchanan (Parker High School in Birmingham), Frank Gatski (Auburn), Kevin Greene (Auburn), John Hannah (Albertville High School, Alabama), Don Hutson (Alabama), Walter Jones (Aliceville High School), Joe Namath (Alabama), Ozzie Newsome (Colbert County High School, Alabama), Terrell Owens (Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City), Ken Stabler (Foley High School, Alabama), John Stallworth (Tuscaloosa, Alabama A&M), Bart Starr (Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama), Dwight Stephenson (Alabama), Derrick Thomas (Alabama) and DeMarcus Ware (Auburn High, Troy).

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.