The four-person class is the first since 2005 with fewer than six inductees. Adam Vinatieri also missed out in his first chance.

Antonio Gates, Jared Allen, Eric Allen and Sterling Sharpe were voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the smallest induction class in 20 years following offseason rule changes meant to make it harder to get inducted.

However, these four players are icons in the game, from one of the best tight ends to ever play the game to one of the most ferocious pass-rushers ever to sack opposing quarterbacks. The honorees were unveiled during Thursday night’s NFL Honors ceremony in New Orleans.