The Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed four new stars in a class smaller than usual. This year saw only four inductees, which tied the smallest class in 20 years.

New rules that made it harder to get in caused this cutback. This class has two tight ends, two defensive players, and one brother duo.

Chargers legend Antonio gates, Lions predator Jared Allen, cornerback Eric Allen and one of the greatest Green Bay Packers in history, Sterling Sharpe joined the team. Gates, who played 16 seasons for San Diego Chargers, along with 136 sacks from Allen and over 100 catches in each of his last two seasons from Sterling Sharpe. Gates set a tight end record with 116 touchdown catches.

There seems to be a decline in players getting a ticket into the hall as selection criteria become more modest.

It's pretty spectacular to think that Gates mastered Tight End's after a college basketball stint and the four inductees just missed out on the chance to be inducted together with some notable candidates.

There's also a spotlight this year on the idea of family coming first — not just in the NFL, but also in the Hall of Fame.

Upgrading the rules of induction this year to increase exclusivity is an interesting move. selec

The four inductees are a testament to the fact that getting voted into the Hall has plenty of importance and significance. Hopefully, that stays as long as possible.

Amazing Journey: Four Stars Enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame!

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