Darren Woodson, Jason Witten Named Hall of Fame Finalists
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the finalists for its 2026 class, featuring two notable Dallas Cowboys legends: Darren Woodson and Jason Witten. This announcement brings excitement to the football community as the Hall of Fame reveals its final 15 candidates.
Darren Woodson: A Veteran Finalist
Darren Woodson is making his fourth consecutive appearance as a finalist. Throughout his 12-season career with the Cowboys from 1992 to 2003, he established himself as a dominant safety. Woodson is the franchise’s all-time tackles leader with 1,350. His achievements include being named a five-time Pro Bowler and a key player in the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl victories.
Jason Witten: First-Time Finalist
Jason Witten joins the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time and has swiftly earned finalist status. He is the all-time leader in receptions (1,215), receiving yards (12,977), and games played (255) for the Cowboys. Witten’s impressive accolades include being selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times, showcasing his exceptional skills as a tight end.
Voting Requirements
For both Woodson and Witten to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, they need to secure 80 percent of the votes from the selection committee. The final decisions will be revealed during the NFL Honors ceremony, which coincides with Super Bowl week in San Francisco.
Final Candidates List
The list of modern-era candidates includes prominent names from the NFL:
- Willie Anderson, Tackle — Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens
- Drew Brees, Quarterback — San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints
- Jahri Evans, Guard — New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers
- Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver — Arizona Cardinals
- Frank Gore, Running Back — Multiple teams including 49ers and Colts
- Torry Holt, Wide Receiver — St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Luke Kuechly, Linebacker — Carolina Panthers
- Eli Manning, Quarterback — New York Giants
- Terrell Suggs, Outside Linebacker/Defensive End — Baltimore Ravens, others
- Adam Vinatieri, Kicker — New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts
- Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver — Indianapolis Colts
- Kevin Williams, Defensive Tackle — Minnesota Vikings, others
- Jason Witten, Tight End — Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders
- Darren Woodson, Safety — Dallas Cowboys
- Marshal Yanda, Guard/Tackle — Baltimore Ravens
As the voting date approaches, the legacy of both Darren Woodson and Jason Witten hangs in the balance, with fans eagerly awaiting their potential enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
