For the third year in a row, offensive tackle Willie Anderson is among the modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 15 modern-era finalists for its Class of 2024 on Wednesday night, and as with the Classes of 2022 and 2023, the list included Anderson, a former Vigor High School and Auburn standout.

As many as five of the modern-era candidates will be chosen for the Class of 2024 by the 49-member Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

The other modern-era finalists for the Class of 2024 include Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Jahri Evans, Dwight Freeney, Antonio Gates, Rodney Harrison, Devin Hester, Torry Holt, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers, Fred Taylor, Reggie Wayne, Patrick Willis and Darren Woodson. A player is considered modern era if he has been retired for at least five seasons and was active within the past 25 seasons.

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

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 15 finalists advanced from 25 semifinalists, who were selected from the 173 modern-era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.

Former Alabama A&M standout Robert Mathis was among the semifinalists for the Class of 2024 who did not achieve finalist status.

Joining the former Indianapolis Colts pass-rusher as modern-era semifinalists who did not advance were Tiki Barber, Anquan Boldin, London Fletcher, Eddie George, James Harrison, Steve Smith, Hines Ward, Ricky Watters and Vince Wilfork.

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).

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.

Anderson played in 195 regular-season games and four playoff contests during his 13 NFL seasons.

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.