Each year on the day before the U.S. National Football League's Super Bowl championship game, voting takes place for the newest members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. VOA Sports Editor Parke Brewer reports from Phoenix in the western state of Arizona that two former stars who played in the nation's capital are in the class of 2008.

Cornerback Darrell Green and receiver Art Monk, who played together on the Washington Redskins for a decade, are among the six newest members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The others are San Diego and San Francisco defensive end Fred Dean, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Emmitt Thomas, New England linebacker Andre Tippett and Minnesota and Denver offensive lineman Gary Zimmerman.

The small but speedy Green grabbed 54 career interceptions in 20 seasons with the Redskins. He was elected to the Hall in his first year of eligibility. "This is incredible. This is so special. I have great regards for all of the men who are part of that small fraternity," he said.

Green added he was thrilled he will enter with the same class as teammate Art Monk, who had been passed over by voters the last seven years of his eligibility.

Monk echoed Green's words. "This is even more special because I'm getting to go with one of my best buddies and teammates, so that's exciting," he said.

Monk was the NFL's all-time leading pass receiver when he retired in 1995, and he helped Washington win its three Super Bowl titles.

The inductions will take place in August at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.