Matthews heads Hall semifinalist list

? Former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Bruce Matthews was one of three newly eligible players to make the list of 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2007.

The Hall of Fame selected the semifinalists Thursday.

Also chosen were Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis and Minnesota Vikings guard Randall McDaniel.

Matthews, who played for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, holds the record for most games (296) and seasons (19) by an offensive lineman.

Davis, the Broncos’ star running back of the late 1990s, rushed for 2,008 yards and was the league MVP in 1998. He was also the MVP of the 1997 Super Bowl. He holds the Broncos’ franchise record with 7,607 yards rushing.

McDaniel played 14 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers and started in 12 consecutive Pro Bowls.

By mid-January, the list will be reduced to 15 modern-era candidates.

Each year, three to six new Hall members are selected from the list of 15. To be considered, a player must have been retired at least five years.

The Class of 2007 will be determined Feb. 3, in Miami, the day before the Super Bowl.