CANTON, Ohio — Robert Mathis moved one step closer to Canton, Ohio. Today, the former Alabama A&M All-American was named a modern era semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
Mathis' title as the NFL's strip-sack king will continue to earn him worthy consideration from the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee. He's the NFL's all-time leader in forced fumbles (52) and strip-sacks (47), and amassed a Colts record 123 sacks over a 14-year career spent entirely in Indianapolis. Mathis was a five-time Pro Bowler (2008-2010, 2012-2013) and earned first-team AP All-Pro honors in 2013, when he led the NFL with 19 1/2 sacks and 10 forced fumbles.
Mathis and Freeney are among five former defensive linemen to earn semifinalist recognition, along with Jared Allen, Julius Peppers and Vince Wilfork.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame will announce 15 modern era Class of 2024 finalists in early January. From there, the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee will meet early in 2024 to determine who will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August 2024.