The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced a list of 25 semifinalists to be considered for the Class of 2006. Former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker/defensive end Derrick Thomas is up for induction for the second straight year. Thomas recorded 126.5 sacks in his eleven-year career, which is still the Chiefs all-time record. The nine-time Pro Bowler was paralyzed after his car slid off an icy road on January 23, 2000. 16 days later he died of cardiac arrest.

Also up for induction is former St. Louis Cardinals defensive back Roger Wehrli. He was a Pro-Bowler seven times in his 14-year career. Wehrli, who was a stand out defensive back and punt returner at MU, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.