Tim Brown hears it all the time: He is going to be a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

That's great and all, but he’s waiting.

“If I had a dollar for every time I hear, ‘You’re definitely going to get in, it’s just a matter of time,’ I’d retire again,” said Brown, the former Oakland Raiders star receiver and punt returner, Friday as he gears for another year of waiting.

Once again, Brown is one of 15 modern-day finalists up for election into the Canton, Ohio, museum. The vote and announcement will be Jan. 31 in Phoenix as part of Super Bowl weekend. He has been one of the final 15 nominees every year since he became eligible for induction in 2010.

It is clear the process is wearing on Brown, who said he’d happily accept being told a future date for election and wait it out. He said the process is toughest on his family and friends.

There is no guarantee Brown’s wait is going to end this year. Last year, he didn’t make the final 10, but former Indianapolis Colts receiver Marvin Harrison did. This year’s nominee list is stacked again, with a maximum of five modern-day nominees getting elected. And Harrison is among the finalists again, too.

“It is what it is,” said Brown, who will be in Phoenix during the Super Bowl week, willing to talk to media about his case.

Brown, 48, said his eventual election will be bittersweet because three important people in his life -- his father, best friend and former Raiders teammate Chester McGlockton, and Raiders owner Al Davis -- have died since he became eligible and won’t be able to celebrate his election with him.

Brown, who said his brother, Don Kelly, will present him at his induction when it happens, was a nine-time Pro Bowler. He is fourth all time in career receptions (1,094) and receiving yards (14,934). He had 100 career receiving touchdowns.

Brown accomplished those numbers without the benefit of an accomplished quarterback. He said he often joked with future Hall of Fame receivers that he’d trade his situation with theirs. He said he had no takers. Brown recalled when he nearly signed with Denver 21 years ago, but the Raiders secured him. He’s said he wouldn’t trade his path for anything.

Now, he is awaiting the final call.