The anticipation is building as the Pro Football Hall of Fame inches closer to revealing its Class of 2026, following the announcement of 15 modern-era finalists on December 30, 2025. This year’s group is a dazzling mix of first-ballot legends, perennial contenders, and some of the most impactful players to ever grace the NFL gridiron. But as always, the process hasn’t been without its share of debate and drama, with a few notable omissions sparking heated discussions among fans and pundits alike.
Leading the pack of first-year eligible stars are quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, both widely considered locks for enshrinement. Brees, the cerebral quarterback who helped lift New Orleans from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to Super Bowl glory, stands second all-time in both passing yards (80,358) and touchdown passes (571), trailing only Tom Brady. His 13 Pro Bowl selections and two AP Offensive Player of the Year awards (2008, 2011) underscore a career defined by resilience, precision, and leadership. "Brees delivered to New Orleans its first Super Bowl title following the 2009 season, when he won MVP of the game after beating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts," as reported by Field Level Media.
Fitzgerald, meanwhile, spent his entire 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals, amassing 1,432 receptions and 17,492 yards—both second only to the legendary Jerry Rice. Renowned for his consistency and clutch postseason performances, Fitzgerald helped propel the Cardinals to their only Super Bowl appearance following the 2008 season, setting single-season playoff records with 546 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. His go-ahead 64-yard touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII remains one of the most electrifying moments in recent memory, even if the Cardinals ultimately fell short against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Joining Brees and Fitzgerald as first-time finalists are running back Frank Gore, tight end Jason Witten, and defensive tackle Kevin Williams. Gore, a model of durability and production across 16 seasons and five teams, ranks third all-time in rushing yards (16,000) and notched nine 1,000-yard seasons. Witten, a Dallas Cowboys icon, is second all-time among tight ends with 1,228 receptions and 13,046 yards, earning two All-Pro nods and a reputation as one of the most reliable pass-catchers of his era. Williams, who reached the finalist stage for the first time in his sixth year of eligibility, was a dominant force on the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive line, later suiting up for Seattle and New Orleans before retiring.
Four players advanced automatically to this year’s finalist round after reaching the final seven in last year’s voting: right tackle Willie Anderson, wide receiver Torry Holt, linebacker Luke Kuechly, and kicker Adam Vinatieri. Anderson, a stalwart for the Cincinnati Bengals and briefly the Baltimore Ravens, earned four All-Pro selections and is widely regarded as one of the premier right tackles of his generation. Holt, a key cog in the St. Louis Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf,” finished his career with 920 catches for 13,382 yards and 74 touchdowns, helping the Rams win Super Bowl XXXIV in his rookie season. Kuechly, despite a relatively brief career, was a five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler who led all NFL linebackers in tackles (1,090), takeaways (26), and interceptions (18) during his eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Vinatieri, perhaps the most clutch kicker in league history, owns the NFL records for points scored (2,673) and field goals made (599), and is remembered for his game-winning kicks in multiple Super Bowls with the Patriots and Colts.
The rest of the field includes a mix of returning finalists and one new face. Quarterback Eli Manning, who twice led the New York Giants to stunning Super Bowl victories over the Patriots, is back for another shot at Canton. Other returning names include offensive linemen Jahri Evans and Marshal Yanda, wide receiver Reggie Wayne, linebacker Terrell Suggs, safety Darren Woodson, and, for the first time as a finalist, Kevin Williams. Each brings a unique resume—Wayne’s 1,070 receptions and 14,345 yards, Suggs’ 139 career sacks, Woodson’s five Pro Bowls and three Super Bowl rings with Dallas, and Yanda’s reputation as one of the most dominant guards of the 2010s.
But not everyone is celebrating. The announcement quickly ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans lamenting the absence of several deserving candidates. "No Vince Wilfork is absurd," one fan wrote, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Another pointed out, "How is Rodney Harrison not even a finalist? 1 of 2 players to have 30 plus INTs and 30 plus sacks. The other is Ray Lewis." The snubs extended to Marshawn Lynch as well, with one user simply stating, "No idea how Marshawn Lynch isn't a HOF finalist." The Hall of Fame process is notoriously selective, and with only up to five modern-era players able to be elected each year—each requiring at least 80% of the Selection Committee’s vote—tough decisions are inevitable.
Beyond the modern-era finalists, five additional candidates are up for separate consideration: seniors category finalists Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, and L.C. Greenwood, legendary coach Bill Belichick, and contributor Robert Kraft. Under current Hall bylaws, a minimum of one and a maximum of three individuals from this group may be elected, with voting conducted independently from the modern-era pool. The Selection Committee, a 50-person panel of media members and football experts, will meet prior to Super Bowl LX, with the final Class of 2026 to be revealed during the NFL Honors broadcast on February 5, 2026, in San Francisco.
This year’s selection process comes on the heels of last year’s unusually small class—only four inductees, the fewest in two decades—adding even more intrigue to the proceedings. According to Hall of Fame rules, between four and eight new members must be selected each year, ensuring that at least a few of these worthy finalists will soon see their bronze busts unveiled in Canton, Ohio.
With so many accomplished players and contributors vying for a place in football immortality, the debates will rage on until the final votes are tallied. Will Brees and Fitzgerald headline the class as expected? Can a coaching titan like Belichick and an owner like Kraft share the stage? Or will there be a surprise or two that rocks the NFL world? One thing’s for sure: the road to Canton is paved with both triumph and heartbreak, and this year’s Hall of Fame race is shaping up to be one for the ages.
For now, the football world waits with bated breath, as legends of the game stand on the doorstep of history, hoping for the call that will forever change their legacy.
