Darren Woodson has once again taken another step closer to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Hall on Wednesday announced its 25 modern-era candidates for the 2025 class, with the Dallas Cowboys legend among them. The selection committee cut down a list of 50 nominees made by a newly created screening committee. The list includes six players in their first year of eligibility and 10 players who were finalists last year.

The full selection committee will next reduce the list of candidates to 15 finalists who will be voted on at the annual meeting before the Super Bowl that will produce the new class. Players must get 80% of votes to get in with between three and five players getting in as modern era candidates.

There will also be votes for three seniors candidates, one contributor and one coach with between one and three people from that group getting into the Hall.

Woodson, a finalist for induction last year, is the Cowboys’ all-time leader in tackles (1,350), having played in 178 games over 12 seasons. He has three Super Bowl rings, all with the Cowboys. Woodson also was named to five Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro over three seasons. Woodson was inducted into the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor in 2015.

Leading the group of candidates in their first year of eligibility were two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning, former Defensive Players of the Year Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs; postseason kicking hero Adam Vinatieri; three-time Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas; and two-time All-Pro guard Marshal Yanda.

Tight end Antonio Gates and defensive end Jared Allen headline the group of returning finalists from last year along with receivers Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne; offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans; defensive backs Eric Allen, Rodney Harrison and Woodson; and running back Fred Taylor also advancing.

The returning semifinalists are receivers Anquan Boldin, Steve Smith and Hines Ward; defensive lineman Robert Mathis and Vince Wilfork; linebacker James Harrison; and running back Ricky Watters.

Offensive lineman Richmond Webb, who retired following the 2002 season, made it to the semifinal stage for the first time. Guard Steve Wisniewski is a semifinalist for the second time, having reached the stage in voting for the class of 2014.