Football
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The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was unveiled on Thursday night, which meant that the list of players eligible for 2026 induction became clear.
Tight end Antonio Gates, defensive end Jared Allen, wide receiver Sterling Sharpe and cornerback Eric Allen made up the 2025 class.
Several former players will now be on Hall of Fame ballots for the first time due to the timing of their retirement including Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Philip Rivers and Jason Witten.
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter
First-time eligibles for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 include:
????Larry Fitzgerald
????Drew Brees
????Philip Rivers
????Jason Witten
????Frank Gore
????Julian Edelman
????Maurkice Pouncey
????LeSean McCoy
????Thomas Davis
????Greg Olsen
????Alex Smith
????Dez Bryant
????Stephen Gostkowski… pic.twitter.com/5n2VjFfoG8
Other finalists that failed to earn a spot in the Hall but can be considered once again in 2026 include Eli Manning, Adam Vinatieri, Steve Smith Sr., Luke Kuechly and Reggie Wayne.
Ari Meirov @MySportsUpdate
The finalists not to make the Hall of Fame this year:
– Eli Manning
– Adam Vinatieri
– Steve Smith Sr.
– Torry Holt
– Reggie Wayne
– Luke Kuechly
– Fred Taylor
– Terrell Suggs
– Marshal Yanda
– Darren Woodson
– Jahri Evans
– Willie Anderson
Among the newcomers on the ballot, Brees should easily receive 2026 Hall of Fame honors.
The 13-time Pro Bowl quarterback ranks No. 2 on each of the NFL’s all-time passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions lists. Brees only trails Tom Brady in all three categories.
He led the league in passing yards during seven separate seasons of his 20-year career, winning a championship with the New Orleans Saints during the 2009 season. Brees was also named Super Bowl MVP and has two AP Offensive Player of the Year awards under his belt.
Fitzgerald also shouldn’t have a hard time making his way to Canton, Ohio. He spent his entire 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections.
Fitzgerald showcased his consistency throughout his tenure in Arizona, as he recorded his first 1,000-yard season in 2005 and his last in 2017. His 1,432 catches and 17,492 receiving yards both rank No. 2 in NFL history, sitting just behind legendary former wideout Jerry Rice.
While the Cardinals made just four playoffs appearances with Fitzgerald, he played a crucial role in Arizona’s 2008 season that culminated in a trip to Super Bowl 43.
Meanwhile, Manning headlines the list of finalists that will be seeking to earn a spot in the Hall after missing the cut in 2025. He holds the No. 11 spot on the league’s all-time passing list, earning four Pro Bowl nods.
Manning is also a two-time champion, winning Super Bowl MVP on both occasions.
As the 2025 Hall of Fame Class receives recognition, the 2026 group should also contain several deserving candidates.
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