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2 in, 2 out of Pro Football Hall of Fame’s modern-era candidates

For the fourth 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 2025 on Wednesday, and as with the Classes of 2022, 2023 and 2024, the list included Anderson, who prepped at Vigor High School in Prichard before playing for Auburn, and Mathis, a former Alabama A&M standout.

The semifinalists were selected from a list of 50 candidates that was culled from the 167 modern-era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. A player is considered modern era if he has been retired for at least five seasons and was active within the past 25 seasons.

Two players with Alabama football roots among the final 50 didn’t make it to the 25 semifinalists — running back Shaun Alexander (Alabama) and linebacker Cornelius Bennett (Ensley, Alabama).

Players from Alabama high schools and colleges among the original list of modern-era nominees for the Class of 2025 who didn’t reach the final 50 were running back Stephen Davis (Auburn), fullback Tony Richardson (Daleville, Auburn), linebacker Takeo Spikes (Auburn), defensive end Justin Tuck (Central-Coosa) and wide receiver Roddy White (UAB).

Anderson reached semifinalist status for the fifth year in a row. Mathis has reached this stage in all four 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 2025 by the 49-member Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Anderson has been a finalist for the past three years. The finalists will be decided next month.

The other modern-era semifinalists for the Class of 2025 include Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Anquan Boldin, Jahri Evans, Antonio Gates, James Harrison, Rodney Harrison, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, Steve Smith, Terrell Suggs, Fred Taylor, Earl Thomas, Adam Vinatieri, Hines Ward, Ricky Watters, Reggie Wayne, Richmond Webb, Vince Wilfork, Steve Wisniewski, Darren Woodson and Marshal Yanda.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 will be announced during the NFL Honors program in February.

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).

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

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

General

Popular ‘80s band on first tour since singer’s death

The Pogues announced a 2025 tour to celebrate 40 years of their second album, “Rum Sodomy & the Lash.”

The tour is the group’s first since their 2014 split. It will also mark the first tour since vocalist Shane MacGowan’s death in 2023.

According to a post on the band’s website, founding members Spider Stacy, James Fearnley and Jem Finer will be joined by unnamed “special guests” to celebrate the anniversary of the album.

MacGowan died Nov. 30 of last year.

A statement on the band’s website confirmed that longtime drummer Andrew Ranken would not be taking part in any reunion appearances due to health issues which made performing an impossibility.

According to NME, the band is set to play their 1985 LP “Rum Sodomy & the Lash” in its entirety, along with B-sides, extended version tracks and a special selection of their most popular stuff.

“Rum Sodomy & the Lash” features “Rainy Night in Soho.” “A Pair of Brown Eyes” and “Dirty Old Town.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

General

Croc’s viral Dylan Platform Clogs are the “it” shoe of the season

Crocs are known for their comfort and durability and now, thanks to social media, you can add trendy and cool to the list.

Croc’s Dylan Platform Clog has gone viral on social media as one of the hottest shoes of the season. The shoe isn’t just great looking, it’s affordable, too at $64.99. It’s available in five easy-to-wear colors – Sepia, Hot Blush, Black, Chalk, Wheat and Lava.

Made to mimic the look of genuine, full-grain leather mules, the Dylan Platform Clog is the newest version of Croc’s timeless Dylan clog and gives a modern spin to the classic clog collection. You can dress it up or down.

You can order yours here.

What sets it apart is the elevated silhouette with a 2.2-inch high heel coupled with the deep heel cup for extra comfort and improved fit. And just like other Crocs, it’s easy to clean and quick to dry.

If you Dylan styling but want to go without the elevated heel, you can go for the classic version. It’s even on sale. The Dylan also features the full-grain leather look but this one has a flat heel. The Stucco color is normally $54.99 but is on sale for $39.99.

Other colors – Black, Moss, Light Gray and Cognac- are part of Croc’s 2 for $50 sale for Croc’s Club members. You can see more on that here.

General

Class 6A titans Saraland, Spain Park set for quarterfinal battle of unbeatens

Spain Park coach Tim Vakakes is well aware of the task his undefeated Jaguars have in front of them Friday night at No. 1 Saraland.

“We have got to do down there and be who we are – be physical, be tough and keep swinging,” he said. “We will see how tough our chin is on Friday because there is no doubt we will get punched in it. The question is will we be able to maintain our composure when that happens.”

General

DeMeco Ryans got the ‘coaching itch’ back home in Bessemer

During DeMeco Ryans’ 10 seasons as an NFL middle linebacker and perennial team captain, it might have seemed the former Alabama All-American’s future as a coach was inevitable.

But the Pro Football Writers of America’s 2023 NFL Coach of the Year said he got hooked on coaching back home in Bessemer during the 2011 NFL lockout.

“My first coaching itch was Bessemer City High School,” Ryans said during an ESPN profile before his Houston Texans defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-10 on Monday night. “Coach Dennis Alexander was the head coach at the time, one of my former teammates from the University of Alabama. These kids at Bessemer, they had been losing a lot, so they had a couple rough seasons, and I told Dennis, was like, ‘Hey, you mind if I coach? Can I help you out coaching?’ …

“I go home at night, and I’m drawing up a little playbook. I’m drawing up blitzes for this kid, that kid. It’s like I’m staying up. It’s like 11 at night, I’m still drawing.”

Ryans said he learned something from the high school players that he uses to coach in the NFL now.

“To see the elation, excitement on their faces,” Ryans said, “I was like, ‘Wow.’ And that was the hook. …

“I tell my guys, ‘Never forget how fun football is.’ And the hook that got me into coaching was the fun, the excitement that those kids showed, and that’s what I want our guys to have even on this level.”

Ryans was an All-State linebacker at Jess Lanier High School in 2001. Opened in 2010, Bessemer City replaced Jess Lanier as the community’s high school while retaining the Purple Tigers legacy.

“Bessemer is really known for a lot, a lot, a lot of blue-collar people who really — they grind and they find a way to work,” Ryans said. “A lot of my coaches worked long shifts throughout the day, and they would still come out and take the time to coach us.”

Ryans went from Jess Lanier to Alabama, where he was a unanimous All-American, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and the winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy for the 2005 season as a senior. He capped his college career as the Defensive MVP of the 2006 Cotton Bowl in Alabama’s 13-10 victory over Texas Tech.

A second-round selection of the Texans in the 2006 NFL Draft, Ryans won the PFWA NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection for Houston.

Ryans returned to the Texans as their head coach last season after spending two years as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator. Houston had won 11 games across the preceding three seasons, but the Texans went 10-7, captured the AFC South title and won a playoff game in Ryans’ first season as their coach.

Houston holds the top spot in the AFC South again this season with a 7-4 record and six games remaining on its schedule.

The Texans return to the field with a division game against the Tennessee Titans at noon CST Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

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

General

Goodman: A Texas-sized problem is here for college football

This is an opinion column.

____________________

The College Football Playoff committee has a Texas problem.

The Longhorns don’t have a signature victory on its schedule and the team doesn’t appear to be very good. Despite the reality of Texas being less than elite at college football this season, the Longhorns are listed at No.3 in the third set of playoff rankings.

There has been a lot of talk about Alabama being left out of the College Football Playoff if it were to lose in the SEC championship game, but what about Texas?

Should the Longhorns be gifted an also-ran playoff spot based on that big win against five-loss Michigan?

Simple question: Is Texas better than Georgia?

Answer: No.

And how do we know this?

Because Georgia went to Texas and demolished the Longhorns 30-15 despite UGA quarterback Carson Beck throwing three interceptions.

But never mind all forms of reason and accountability, Texas is ranked No.3 this week and Georgia is at No.10.

It makes no sense.

Don’t fall for the College Football Playoff committee’s attempt at gaslighting. Texas might not even be better than in-state rival SMU (ranked No.13).

First, before we attack the integrity of the College Football Playoff committee, let’s acknowledge the reality of its existence. The College Football Playoff wasn’t created in the name of fairness. The College Football Playoff is a business, and the point of any business is to make money.

It’s good for business to have Texas in the playoffs.

But let’s be real. Three-loss South Carolina looks better than the Longhorns.

Here are the current top 15 teams, according to the College Football Corruption committee:

1. Oregon (11-0)

2. Ohio State (9-1)

3. Texas (9-1)

4. Penn State (9-1)

5. Indiana (10-0)

6. Notre Dame (9-1)

7. Alabama (8-2)

8. Miami (8-2)

9. Ole Miss (8-2)

10. Georgia (8-2)

11. Tennessee (8-2)

12. Boise State (9-1)

13. SMU (9-1)

14. BYU (9-1)

15. Texas A&M (8-2)

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey already engineered a golden road to the conference championship game for the Longhorns. How many handouts and special favors does Texas deserve for simply being Texas?

At some point, shouldn’t the big brands of college football like Texas be expected to actually earn their spots into the postseason?

Well, maybe not.

Think Texas has it made? Notre Dame is ranked No.6 this week despite that early-season loss to Northern Illinois. Meanwhile, Alabama jumped from No.10 to No.7 based on a victory against Mercer.

I’m not saying Alabama doesn’t deserve to be in the College Football Playoff. A strong argument can be made that Alabama is college football’s most powerful team. But Alabama’s path is clear. If the Crimson Tide wins the SEC, then it’s getting a first-round bye in the CFP. If Alabama loses in the SEC championship game, then it probably should be left at home.

The same needs to be true for Texas.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame doesn’t even have to play in a conference championship game.

Notre Dame’s best victory this season is against Texas A&M. But aren’t the Aggies overrated at No.15?

People like to say that the College Football Playoff rankings don’t matter until the final week, but that’s not true. The week-to-week transparency of the committee has more long-term value than the final rankings when it comes to appreciating the absurd nature of college football’s postseason.

The system isn’t designed to be fair. The system is designed to engineer great matchups for ESPN. That’s why the CFP committee will try its best to send Alabama to Notre Dame for the first round of playoffs.

A predictable trend is emerging with the College Football Corruption committee. Like the players, it’s racing in the direction of the most cash.

These days, everyone is getting paid in college football. Well, almost everyone. By rule, the guys playing for the service academies cannot receive NIL deals. At Army and Navy, they still play for the love of the game.

That’s why Army has a chance this weekend to do the greatest thing in the history of college football. The Black Knights are currently undefeated (9-0) and ranked No.19 by the College Football Corruption committee. Army plays No.6 Notre Dame on Saturday at Yankee Stadium.

If it’s chaos you’re rooting for, then Army is the team for you.

If you want college football to be exposed for its hypocrisy, then SMU is your gilded warrior.

One team swings the sword of justice for America. The other wields a dagger made of gold. Choose your champion and enjoy the show.

BE HEARD

Got a question for Joe? Want to get something off your chest? Send Joe an email about what’s on your mind. Let your voice be heard. Ask him anything.

Joseph Goodman is the lead sports columnist for the Alabama Media Group, and author of the book “We Want Bama: A Season of Hope and the Making of Nick Saban’s Ultimate Team.”

General

‘False hope’: Black Alabama residents fear time is running out for flood damage resolution

November’s election has come and gone and now residents of one predominantly Black south Alabama community are worried money from the federal highway agency to fix a flooding problem may never arrive.

Residents of the Shiloh community, near Elba in Coffee County, say a highway construction project resulted in floods that damaged their homes and created health risks. They say they need federal action before January 20, 2025, when a new administration takes over in Washington D.C.

“We pray and hope that Secretary Pete Buttigieg would keep his promise that he made back in April of this year,” said community spokesperson Timothy Williams Monday.

The residents say the flooding began after the project to expand Highway 84 started in 2018.

The Federal Highway Administration, in 2022, opened an investigation into complaints that the project disproportionately harmed Shiloh residents because of their race. And in April, Buttigieg came to the community to see things for himself.

The federal highway agency last month reached an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation to modify Highway 84 to stop the flooding. But the community is also calling for compensation for the damages.

With the election of Donald Trump, the Shiloh community is uncertain about what will come of their demands.

Robert Bullard, an environmental activist and Elba native who has been an advocate for the community, calls for immediate action from the Joe Biden administration.

“Again, I am pleading with you to fully resolve the highway flooding problem and secure the funds for binding commitments to cover flood damages to homes, businesses, and property in Elba, Alabama’s historically Black Shiloh community before the Biden-Harris administration comes to an end on January 20, 2025,” Bullard wrote in an open letter to the transportation secretary published Monday morning.

Later that day, Trump announced Sean Duffy, a Fox News show co-host and former congressman from Wisconsin, as his nominee for Secretary of Transportation, to replace Buttigieg.

“We have two months to get justice for the Shiloh community,” Bullard added in his letter. “Let’s not fail them.”

Bullard calls for “binding commitments and an agreement to address damaged homes, property, and businesses…because it is unlikely the next USDOT under a second Trump administration would be inclined to resolve highway flood damages and losses of Shiloh residents that were caused by ALDOT under the first Trump administration USDOT.”

He explained that since Alabama’s action led to the flooding, the state should not only fix the highway but also pay for property damages and business losses.

Buttigieg’s office did not immediately answer queries from AL.com for this story.

The Alabama Department of Transportation said it is working with the federal government to bring resolution to the issues. The department has also denied violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits race discrimination in federally-funded programs.

An ALDOT spokesperson, in a statement Monday, said “we have been engaged with the Federal Highway Administration for quite a while as we work this process. … We anticipate having more to say on this matter in a few days.”

The community is, however, anxious to get things started.

“Because it’s been six years and the community has been given false hope and they’re feeling that because we’re Black, that’s why we can’t get no help,” said community representative Williams.

General

36-year-old identified as man shot, killed in east Birmingham

Authorities have released the name of a man killed Sunday in east Birmingham.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Jose Luis Reyes. He was 36 and lived in Haleyville.

East Precinct officers were dispatched at 12:30 a.m. to a report of a person shot in the 1000 block of Huffman Road.

They arrived to find Reyes unresponsive on the ground near several businesses, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald.

Birmingham medics took the victim to UAB Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 2:19 p.m.

Details surrounding the investigation are limited, and no arrests have been announced.

Reyes is the city’s 141st homicide this year. Of those, 10 have been ruled justifiable and therefore aren’t deemed criminal.

In all of Jefferson County, there have been 176 homicides including the 141 in Birmingham.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

General

Target has Kodak Instant Photo Printer, one of the year’s hottest gifts, on sale

If you’re looking for one of the hottest gifts of the season, look no further than Target.com.

Target has Kodak’s Step Instant Photo Printer on sale for only $84.99, a savings of $20 off the regular price of $104.99. The device is the perfect holiday gift, allowing the user to print full-color photographs faster and easier than ever before by pairing it with any Bluetooth or NFC-enabled smart device with no need for expensive ink.

You can order yours here.

Here’s all you need to know about the Kodak Step Instant Photo Printer:

Convenient and fun

The KODAK Step Instant Photo Printer offers a convenient way to print photos directly from your smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth or NFC connectivity. Utilizing Zero Ink (ZINK) technology, it produces vibrant 2 inch x 3 inch sticky-backed prints, eliminating the need for expensive ink cartridges. The device is lightweight, weighing less than one pound, and features a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery, allowing users to print approximately 25 photos on a full charge. Available for both iOS and Android users, the printer is paired with a dedicated KODAK app, which provides extensive editing capabilities, including various filters, borders, stickers, and text options.

Zero ink needed

A standout feature of the KODAK Step Instant Photo Printer is its Zero Ink (ZINK) technology, which allows for direct printing without the need for traditional ink cartridges, making it a cost-effective solution for users who want to print high-quality images effortlessly.

Fun sticker printing

In addition to its compact size and portability, the printer’s adhesive prints make them perfect for decorating surfaces such as laptops, refrigerators, and scrapbooks, allowing users to personalize their space easily with their favorite memories.

All the details

Product: KODAK Step Instant Photo Printer
Model: GoBundle
Connectivity: Bluetooth and NFC
Print Technology: Zero Ink (ZINK)
Print Size: 2″ x 3″ sticky-back paper
Battery: Lithium-Ion, printing capacity of 25 photos on a full charge
Weight: Less than1 pound
App Compatibility: Available for iOS and Android
Editing Features: Filters, borders, stickers, text options via the KODAK app

Generative AI was used to create a product description for this story, based on data provided by Target. It was reviewed and edited by AL.com.

General

Medicare alert: Feds issue open enrollment warning

Medicare’s open enrollment period is open through Dec. 7. But, as you compare your coverage options, federal officials are warning you to keep your eyes out for scammers looking to take advantage of any changes you might be making.

In a new alert, the Federal Trade Commission said scammers often pretend to be from Medicare or connected to Medicare to steal your money or personal information. They might contact you to say they need your Medicare, bank account or credit card number for a “new” Medicare card, officials warned, despite the fact that Medicare cards are sent free.

“Scammers might also say they need your Medicare number for a “medical equipment claim” you don’t remember making. That’s a scam, too. They want to file fake claims using your Medicare number,” officials said.

To protect yourself, the FTC recommends:

Never giving your personal information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly, especially if they claim to be from Medicare. Medicare will never unexpectedly call, email, text or contact you via social media to ask for personal information like your Medicare, Social Security or bank account information. They also won’t try to sell you anything or try to charge you for a Medicare card. If they do, that’s always a scam.
Don’t trust caller ID. Your caller ID might show Medicare’s name or phone number but that can be spoofed, or faked and the call could be originating from anywhere in the world. If you think the call could be real, hang up and call 1-800-633-4227 to check.
You should protect your Medicare number like you do a credit card and only give it to healthcare providers, insurance companies or health plans or people you trust that work with Medicare.