Tagliabue, Davis and Matthews top Pro Football HOF 2007 nominees

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CANTON, Ohio (October 30, 2006) – Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis and Houston Oilers lineman Bruce Matthews top the list of 111 nominees tapped for election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Final balloting for the Class of 2007 will conclude at the Hall of Fame selection committee's annual meeting the day before Super Bowl XLI in Miami. By the time of next summer’s induction, the list will be whittled to 15 modern-era and two senior nominees.

While players must be retired for five years before being considered for induction, the waiting period is waived for coaches or others significant to the sport, a rule which should allow the recently retired Tagliabue a speedy induction into the Canton, Ohio shrine.

Tagliabue was commissioner from 1989 to 2006, during a period of growth that transformed the NFL into the world's model sports property. Under his guidance the league negotiated record-breaking television rights deals worth billions of dollars.

Davis took three NFL rushing titles and won two Super Bowls with the Broncos. Matthews' skill and durability enabled him to play in 14 Pro Bowls during a 19-year career with the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans.

The pair headlines a list of first year eligible players that includes, quarterback Randall Cunningham; Randall McDaniel, Mark Stepnoski and Steve Wisniewski; defensive backs Eric Allen, LeRoy Butler and Carnell Lake and running back Ricky Watters.