Football Hall of Fame lists semifinalists

CANTON, Ohio, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Denver running back Terrell Davis is one of the first-year players among 25 semifinalists considered for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

A total of 25 coaches, contributors and players, including Davis, were placed on a list of semifinalists Thursday. The list will be pared 15 "modern-era semifinalists" in January with the Hall of Fame class of 2007 announced Feb. 3 -- the day before Super Bowl XLI.

Those 25 people are: Davis, center Dermontti Dawson; defensive end Fred Dean; defensive end Richard Dent; linebacker Randy Gradishar; linebacker/defensive end Kevin Greene; guard Russ Grimm; punter Ray Guy; defensive end/linebacker Charles Haley; cornerback Lester Hayes;

Wide receiver Michael Irvin; guard Bob Kuechenberg; lineman Bruce Matthews; guard Randall McDaniel; owner Art Modell; wide receiver Art Monk; wide receiver Andre Reed; quarterback Ken Stabler; commissioner Paul Tagliabue; linebacker Derrick Thomas;

Running back Thruman Thomas; linebacker Andre Tippett; cornerback Roger Wehrli; General Manager George Young; and tackle Gary Zimmerman.