The Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists for the 2019 class were announced Thursday night and two former Bulldogs moved one step closer to Canton. Cornerback Champ Bailey and defensive end Richard Seymour were both named finalists for the 2019 class.

Bailey played at Georgia from 1996-98. He was taken in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Bailey also played for the Denver Broncos during his 15-year NFL career. While at Georgia, Bailey was a two-way standout before he went on to become one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history.

The former Bulldog was a 12-time Pro Bowler and a member of the 2000’s All-Decade team. The 12 Pro-Bowl selections are the most ever by a defensive back. This is Bailey’s first year on the ballot and he is a near lock to make it.

Seymour attended Georgia from 1997-2000 before being taken in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He went on to win three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. He also went on to appear in seven Pro-Bowls. Like Bailey, Seymour was also a member of the NFL’s All-Decade team in the 2000’s.

The last Georgia player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was running back Terrell Davis, who went in after a stellar career with the Denver Broncos. The other two former Bulldogs in the hall of fame are quarterback Fran Tarkenton and Charley Trippi.

The other finalists for the Hall of Fame include: Tight end Tony Gonzalez, wide receiver Isaac Bruce, running back Edgerrin James, safety Ed Reed, safety Steve Atwater, cornerback Ty Law, safety John Lynch, offensive tackle Tony Boselli, guard Steve Hutchinson, guard Alan Faneca, center Kevin Mawae, coach Don Coryell, coach Tom Flores.

The inductees for the 2019 Hall of Fame class will be announced on Feb. 2, the day before the Super Bowl.

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