Bruce Smith and Rod Woodson have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on their first try, while former commissioner Paul Tagliabue was denied for the third straight year.
Smith was the anchor of the Buffalo Bills’ defense, and recorded an NFL career-record 200 sacks.
Woodson, a defensive back, spent most of his years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Also picked Saturday were longtime Bills owner Ralph Wilson; the late Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas; former Minnesota Vikings guard Randall McDaniel; and former Dallas Cowboys star Bob Hayes.
Wilson, one of the original founders of the American Football League, formed the Buffalo Bills in 1959. During his tenure as team owner, the Bills won AFL championships in 1964 and 1965; and AFC titles in 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 on their way to an unprecedented four consecutive appearances in Super Bowls.
Inductions will be Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio. The Tennessee Titans will play the Bills in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 9.
Information from Espn.com and the Associated Press contributed to this report.