Jets Super Bowl III LB Larry Grantham and New York Titans WR Art Powell remain in consideration as Seniors candidates after a second reduction vote for inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025.
Grantham and Powell are still in contention after the Hall's Seniors Blue Ribbon Committee recently reduced the list of 60 former players it had received from a screening committee to 31 Seniors. Next step in the process is a cut to 9 semifinalists, who will be announced in about three weeks.
Grantham, who died at 78 in 2017, was one of the early sturdy pillars of the Jets franchise, one of the defensive stars of the Super Bowl III team. He was an original New York Titan/Jet and played all 13 of his pro seasons as the franchise's indomitable No. 60. He was named an AFL All-Pro first-teamer and an AFL All-Star five times each, and was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2011.
Powell, who died at 78 in 2015, had better numbers for his three Titans seasons than did Don Maynard, Powell's WR mate and considered the greatest receiver in franchise history. From 1960-62, Powell had 204 receptions for 3,178 yards and 27 touchdowns to Maynard's 171-2,935-22. Both were the franchise's first 1,000-yard receivers in 1960 and both duplicated that feat together in 1962. Powell, who started his pro career with Philadelphia in 1959, finished it with stays at Oakland, Buffalo and Minnesota.
The Blue Ribbon Committee will meet in early December to discuss the playing careers of the nine Seniors semifinalists. Only the players' on-field accomplishments are considered. From those nine candidates, three will advance to the full Selection Committee as finalists for possible election to the Class of '25 before Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in February.
