With the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 on the horizon, excitement builds over the potential inductees. Notable names like Bill Belichick and Eli Manning will not be part of this year’s class, leaving room for several prominent players seeking entry into Canton.
Current Finalists
This year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot features a competitive list of modern-era finalists along with senior and contributor finalists. Among the modern-era candidates, quarterbacks Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald emerge as virtual locks for induction in their first year of eligibility. Brees, renowned as the NFL’s career leader in both passing yards (80,353) and touchdown passes (571), claims a Super Bowl MVP award for leading the New Orleans Saints to their championship in 2009. Fitzgerald, standing second all-time in career receptions (1,432) and receiving yards (17,492), while sixth in touchdown catches (121), showcases a remarkable legacy, despite never winning a Super Bowl.
Other Strong Contenders
Beyond Brees and Fitzgerald, several other finalists have compelling Hall of Fame credentials. Running back Frank Gore, also eligible for the first time, ranks third in career rushing yards (16,000) behind legends Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. Luke Kuechly, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, had a career that was tragically cut short due to injuries, mirroring the Hall’s previous inductee Patrick Willis, who waited five years for his honor. Terrell Suggs and Jason Witten are also in contention, with Suggs being eighth in career sacks (139) and Witten holding second place among tight ends in both receptions (1,228) and receiving yards (13,046).
Special Scenarios
This year’s ballot also includes a unique dynamic with contributor finalist Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, who has experienced exceptional success with six Super Bowl wins. There is a possibility that only one individual will be inducted, especially since Belichick, a strong candidate himself, received less than 80% of the votes. If this holds true, Kraft appears to be in a favorable position for induction.
Senior Finalists and Predictions
The senior finalists present an intriguing aspect of the voting. Ken Anderson, L.C. Greenwood, and Roger Craig are considered long-overdue candidates who could finally see their efforts rewarded. Anderson, a former MVP, led the Cincinnati Bengals to their first Super Bowl, while Craig made history as the NFL’s first player to record 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season. Greenwood was a key element of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ iconic defense, contributing to four Super Bowl victories.
The early predictions suggest that the Hall of Fame class of 2026 may look like this:
- Drew Brees
- Larry Fitzgerald
- Luke Kuechly
- Robert Kraft
- L.C. Greenwood
As the Hall gears up to announce this year’s class, anticipation continues to grow for both fans and former players alike, marking another chapter in the rich history of the NFL.
Original source: Open the source
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