Former Saints CB Eric Allen named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Allen’s brief tenure in New Orleans spanned from 1995-1997.

Former New Orleans Saints CB Eric Allen has been named a semifinalist for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class for the fifth time in his 19th year of eligibility. Players are eligible for the Hall of Fame five years after they retire and have a 20-year window in which they can be inducted, making this one of Allen’s last chances to earn this prestigious honor.

The 30th overall pick of the 1988 NFL Draft spent the first seven seasons of his career in the City of Brotherly Love with the Philadelphia Eagles, before the All-Rookie defensive back relocated to the Big Easy in 1995 as the once-highest-paid cornerback in the league. He spent three seasons with the Saints before finishing his last four campaigns with the Oakland Raiders.

Allen, a 3x All-Pro and 6x Pro Bowl selection (1x with NO) over the span of his 14-year career, recorded 494 total tackles (433 solo—159 TOT with NO), 120 passes broken up (33 with NO), 54 interceptions (21st all-time—5 INTs with NO), eight defensive touchdowns, six fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles, three sacks, and 217 games played (48 with NO). His four pick-sixes during the 1993 season with Philly set an NFL record at the time.

In 2002, Allen decided to put his experience from his playing days to use, joining ESPN as an NFL studio analyst while also appearing on the Pac-12 Networks football shows and Sports Report.

He was included in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 75th Anniversary Team in 2007 and inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2011. Additionally, Allen was inducted into his alma mater Arizona State University’s Hall of Fame in 2008 and their Ring of Honor in 2014.

Hopefully, this is the year that Allen receives his well-deserved recognition and can finally join his peers as one of the best to ever step foot on the gridiron.

Do you anticipate Allen’s lengthy wait will come to an end in 2025 based on the remaining 24 semifinalists?