<P> Enshrinees are selected by a 48 - person committee, largely made up of media members, officially known as the Selection Committee . </P> <P> Each city that has a current NFL team sends one representative from the local media to the committee . A city with more than one franchise sends a representative for each franchise . </P> <P> There are also 15 at - large delegates including one representative from the Pro Football Writers Association . Except for the PFWA representative, who is appointed to a two - year term, all other appointments are open - ended and terminated only by death, incapacitation, retirement, or resignation . </P> <P> To be eligible for the nominating process, a player or coach must have been retired for at least five years . Any other contributor such as a team owner or executive can be voted in at any time . </P>

Who votes for football hall of fame inductees