Former Steelers teammates Rod Woodson and Dermontti Dawson were among the 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 announced yesterday.

Woodson, drafted in 1987 and in his first year of eligibility, played cornerback. Dawson, drafted in 1988, played center.

Also on the list are former Steelers linebacker Kevin Greene and former Pitt players Russ Grimm and Chris Doleman.

The list will be cut to 15, plus two seniors candidates, before the final voting Jan. 31.

The 25 modern-era semifinalists for the Hall of Fame:

• Cris Carter, WR -- 1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins

• Roger Craig, RB 1983-1990 San Francisco 49ers, 1991 Los Angeles Raiders, 1992-93 Minnesota Vikings,

• Terrell Davis, RB 1995-2001 Denver Broncos

• Dermontti Dawson, C 1988-2000 Steelers

• Richard Dent, DE 1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Indianapolis Colts, 1997 Philadelphia Eagles

• Chris Doleman, DE/LB 1985-1993, 1999 Minnesota Vikings, 1994-95 Atlanta Falcons, 1996-98 San Francisco 49ers

• Kevin Greene, LB/DE 1985-1992 Los Angeles Rams, 1993-95 Steelers, 1996, 1998-99 Carolina Panthers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers

• Russ Grimm, G 1981-1991 Washington Redskins

• Ray Guy, P 1973-1986 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders

• Charles Haley, DE/LB 1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys

• Lester Hayes, CB 1977-1986 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders

• Cortez Kennedy, DT 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks

• Bob Kuechenberg, G 1970-1984 Miami Dolphins

• Randall McDaniel, G 1988-1999 Minnesota Vikings, 2000-01 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Art Modell, Owner 1961-1995 Cleveland Browns, 1996-2003 Baltimore Ravens

• John Randle, DT 1990-2000 Minnesota Vikings, 2001-03 Seattle Seahawks

• Andre Reed, WR 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins

• Shannon Sharpe, TE 1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens

• Bruce Smith, DE 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000-03 Washington Redskins

• Ken Stabler, QB 1970-79 Oakland Raiders, 1980-81 Houston Oilers, 1982-84 New Orleans Saints

• Paul Tagliabue, Commissioner 1989-2006 National Football League

• Steve Tasker, Special Teams/WR 1985-86 Houston Oilers, 1986-1997 Buffalo Bills

• Derrick Thomas, LB 1989-1999 Kansas City Chiefs

• Ralph Wilson, Owner 1960-current Buffalo Bills

• Rod Woodson, CB/S 1987-1996 Steelers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers, 1998-2001 Baltimore Ravens, 2002-03 Oakland Raiders