The Black College Football Hall of Fame has revealed its 27 finalists – 23 players and four coaches – selected from over 150 nominees for the Class of 2025.
Four of the finalists selected played for the Raiders – defensive backs George Atkinson, Tyrone Poole, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and offensive lineman Lester Homes – while former defensive lineman Dwaine Board served as the Raiders defensive line coach in 2009.
Atkinson attended Morris Brown from 1965-68, ultimately drafted by the Raiders in 1968 and went on to become a Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowler with the Raiders while totaling 30 interceptions and 12 forced fumbles in his career. His 30 interceptions are tied for fifth all-time on the franchise interceptions list.
Poole, who played at Fort Valley State University from 1991-94, accumulated 14 solo tackles and an interception during the 2006 season with the Raiders.
Rodgers-Cromartie was an FCS All-American and three-time first-team All-OVC at Tennessee State. He spent the 2018 season with the Silver and Black, appearing in seven games (one start).
Holmes, a 1993 first-round pick by Philadelphia from Jackson State University, started 15 games for the Raiders in the 1997 season.
Board, who played at North Carolina A&T State University from 1975-1978, won four Super Bowls as a player and coach in his NFL career.
The Class of 2025 inductees will be announced on Dec. 18th, followed by the Black College Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on June 7, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.