In the wake of a historical Hall of Fame enshrinement class on defense for 2023, one of the league's all-time sack leaders is among those eligible for the first time in the potential Class of 2024, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

Defensive end Julius Peppers, who is fourth all-time in sacks and was a rare two-time All-Decade selection during his 17-year career, is among the players who retired after the 2018 season and will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame when the Board of Selectors begins the process for the next class.

Tight end Antonio Gates, who played for 16 years with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers after never playing college football, is the only other All-Decade player among the first-time eligible players next year. Gates is 17th all-time in receptions (955) -- third all-time among tight ends -- and seventh all-time in touchdown catches (116).

Other players eligible for the first time include quarterback Andrew Luck, who surprised most in the league when he retired after his sixth season, kicker Sebastian Janikowski, running back Jamaal Charles, wide receiver Brandon Marshall and defensive tackle Kyle Williams.

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