Packers stuff the ballot

The Pro Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday released the 173 nominees for election into the class of 2024.     There are nine first time nominees on the list and four of them wore Green and Gold for a good portion of their careers.    Headlining the newcomer list are wide receiver Jordy Nelson and offensive lineman Josh Sitton who both entered the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame this past August.   Lineman T.J. Lang and linebacker Julius Peppers are also nominated for the first time.   A host of former Packers return to the list of nominees including Green Bay’s all time leading rusher Ahman Green,  running back Dorsey Levens, fullback John Kuhn, safety Nick Collins, linebacker Bryce Paup,  wide receivers Donald Driver and Antonio Freeman, along with Andre Rison who caught the first touchdown pass in Super Bowl XXXI in his only season in Green Bay.  Other players who spent time in Green Bay on the list are safety Eugene Robinson, defensive back and kick returner Allen Rossum, guard Jahri Evans, center Jeff Saturday, linebacker Hardy Nickerson and punter Sean Landetta.  The list of nominees will be trimmed to 25 semifinalists in November.