The initial list of candidates for the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 was announced Tuesday.  Included on the list were 110 players, seven coaches, and 16 contributors to the game.

Amongst the players are first-year candidates Bruce Smith, Shannon Sharpe and Rod Woodson.  Amongst the contributors are former commissioner Paul Tagliabue, and long time owners Ralph Wilson and Bud Adams.

The list will be cut down to 25 semifinalists next month, and then further reduced to 15 finalists by a mail vote, before the final 15 plus two senior candidates (Bob Hayes and Claude Humphrey) will be considered and duing the leadup to the Super Bowl.  This will mark the first year that up to seven people can be chosen.

To see what we (and a group of dedicated commentors) think will play out for the 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, follow this link.