Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald Lead 26 Hall of Fame Semifinalists
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced its 26 modern era semifinalists for the Class of 2026. This year’s list includes several notable players, including Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald, who are making their debut in the semifinalist round.
Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald Lead the Semifinalists
Joining Brees and Fitzgerald are other first-time semifinalists, including:
- Philip Rivers (Quarterback)
- Frank Gore (Running Back)
- Jason Witten (Tight End)
- Lomas Brown (Offensive Tackle)
- Kevin Williams (Defensive Lineman)
Returning Semifinalists from Previous Years
This year’s group also includes four players automatically moved from the finals of the previous year. These players are:
- Willie Anderson (Offensive Tackle)
- Torry Holt (Wide Receiver)
- Luke Kuechly (Linebacker)
- Adam Vinatieri (Kicker)
Additionally, 15 semifinalists are returning from last year’s list. They include:
- Eli Manning (Quarterback)
- Fred Taylor (Running Back)
- Steve Smith (Wide Receiver)
- Hines Ward (Wide Receiver)
- Reggie Wayne (Wide Receiver)
- Jahri Evans (Offensive Lineman)
- Richmond Webb (Offensive Lineman)
- Steve Wisniewski (Offensive Lineman)
- Marshal Yanda (Offensive Lineman)
- Rodney Harrison (Defensive Back)
- Earl Thomas (Defensive Back)
- Darren Woodson (Defensive Back)
- Terrell Suggs (Edge Rusher)
- Robert Mathis (Edge Rusher)
- Vince Wilfork (Defensive Lineman)
Next Steps in the Selection Process
The Hall of Fame selection committee will reduce the list of semifinalists to 15 players. This decision will be announced next month. The chosen players will also be in contention with three senior candidates, a coaching candidate, and a contributor candidate during the selection committee’s meeting the following year.
