San Diego, CA, December 31, 2025
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has unveiled the finalists for the Class of 2026, featuring a blend of first-time nominees and returning players. Fans and athletes alike eagerly await the selection committee’s decision. Notable Modern-Era finalists include Drew Brees, Eli Manning, and Larry Fitzgerald. In addition, Coach finalist Bill Belichick and Contributor finalist Robert Kraft are also in contention. The official announcement will take place during the ‘NFL Honors’ broadcast, with the enshrinement ceremony scheduled for August 2026 in Canton, Ohio.
San Diego, CA
Pro Football Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Finalists
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has introduced an exciting lineup of finalists for the Class of 2026, showcasing a blend of first-time nominees and returning candidates. This announcement marks an important moment in the professional football world as fans and athletes alike await the decision from the Hall’s selection committee, which will convene prior to Super Bowl LX to finalize the inductees. The announcement is set for February 5, during the “NFL Honors” event in San Francisco.
Modern-Era Player Finalists
Among the numerous standout players, the following 15 Modern-Era finalists have been recognized for their exceptional careers:
– Drew Brees, Quarterback
– Eli Manning, Quarterback
– Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver
– Frank Gore, Running Back
– Jason Witten, Tight End
– Willie Anderson, Tackle
– Torry Holt, Wide Receiver
– Luke Kuechly, Linebacker
– Adam Vinatieri, Kicker
– Jahri Evans, Guard
– Terrell Suggs, Linebacker
– Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver
– Kevin Williams, Defensive Tackle
– Marshal Yanda, Guard/Tackle
Noteworthily, Brees, Manning, Fitzgerald, and Gore are first-time eligible players, and four additional finalists automatically advanced to this stage after reaching the final seven in the previous year’s voting.
Coach and Contributor Finalists
In tandem with the Modern-Era players, the Hall has spotlighted finalists in the Coach and Contributor categories. Bill Belichick, celebrated for his six Super Bowl victories with the New England Patriots, and Robert Kraft, Patriots’ owner, are both in contention for induction.
Seniors Category Finalists
For the Seniors category, the finalists include:
– Ken Anderson, Quarterback
– Roger Craig, Running Back
– L.C. Greenwood, Defensive End
These players, whose careers concluded before the 2000 season, highlight the rich history of the game and contribute to the ongoing legacy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Selection Process and Induction
The Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee will thoroughly review these finalists and vote to elect up to five Modern-Era players, each requiring at least 80% approval for induction. The Class of 2026 will be officially announced during the “NFL Honors” broadcast on February 5, 2026, in San Francisco, with the enshrinement ceremony scheduled for August 2026 in Canton, Ohio.
Key Features of the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalists
| Category | Finalists | Notable First-Time Nominees | Automatic Advancements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern-Era Players | Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Larry Fitzgerald, Frank Gore, Jason Witten, Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, Jahri Evans, Terrell Suggs, Reggie Wayne, Kevin Williams, Marshal Yanda | Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Larry Fitzgerald, Frank Gore | Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri |
| Coach | Bill Belichick | Bill Belichick | |
| Contributor | Robert Kraft | Robert Kraft | |
| Seniors Category | Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, L.C. Greenwood |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026?
The finalists include 15 Modern-Era players, 3 Seniors category players, and 2 Coach and Contributor category finalists. Notable Modern-Era finalists are Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Larry Fitzgerald, and Frank Gore. Coach finalist is Bill Belichick, and Contributor finalist is Robert Kraft. Seniors category finalists are Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, and L.C. Greenwood.
When will the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 be announced?
The Class of 2026 will be announced during the “NFL Honors” broadcast on February 5, 2026, in San Francisco.
Where and when will the enshrinement ceremony for the Class of 2026 take place?
The enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for August 2026 in Canton, Ohio.
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