Fitzgerald Cecilio

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has selected 15 modern-era finalists, including first-year nominees Larry Allen, Jonathan Ogden, Warren Sapp and Michael Strahan, who will be considered for enshrinement when the 46-member Selection Committee meets next month in New Orleans.

Aside from the four, the committee also selected Jerome Bettis (RB), Tim Brown (WR), Cris Carter (WR), Curley Culp (DT/G), Edward DeBartolo Jr. (owner), Kevin Greene (LB), Charles Haley (DE), Art Modell (owner), Bill Parcells (coach), Andre Reed (WR), Dave Robinson (LB), Will Shields (G), Aeneas Williams (CB)

Former Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Oilers defensive tackle Curley Culp and former Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins linebacker Dave Robinson were selected as senior candidates by the Hall of Fame's Seniors Committee, which reviews qualifications of players whose careers took place more than 25 years ago.

The 15 modern-era finalists were chosen by the Hall's Selection Committee from a list of 127 nominees that earlier was reduced to a list of 27 semifinalists. To be elected, a finalist must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent.

The Class of 2013 will be determined at the Selection Committee's annual meeting on Saturday, Feb. 2, in New Orleans, Louisiana, a day before Super Bowl XLVII.

The election results will be announced immediately afterward from the Super Bowl media headquarters.

The Class of 2013 will be officially enshrined on Saturday, Aug. 3 in Canton, Ohio as the main event of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Annual Enshrinement Festival Celebration.

In addition, a record number of Hall of Fame members are expected to return to Canton to take part in the annual Enshrinement Festival as a part of the Hall of Fame's special Golden Anniversary Reunion Celebration.

Michael Strahan Among 15 Finalists for NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame - NFL 2013