Nine of this year’s 15 modern-era finalists for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame are first- or second-year eligible players.
Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald highlight the list of first-year eligible candidates, which is rounded out by Frank Gore and Jason Witten.
Second-year eligibles up for enshrinement include Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, Terrell Suggs, Adam Vinatieri and Marshal Yanda.
The modern-era candidate list includes:
| Name | Pos | Yrs played | Teams |
| Willie Anderson | T | 1996-08 | Cincinnati and Baltimore |
| Drew Brees | QB | 2001-20 | San Diego, New Orleans |
| Jahri Evans | G | 2006-17 | New Orleans, Green Bay |
| Larry Fitzgerald | WR | 2004-20 | Arizona |
| Frank Gore | RB | 2005-20 | San Francisco, Indianapolis, Miami, Buffalo, NY Jets |
| Torry Holt | WR | 1998-08 | St. Louis, Jacksonville |
| Luke Kuechly | LB | 2012-19 | Carolina |
| Eli Manning | QB | 2004-19 | NY Giants |
| Terrell Suggs | LB/DE | 2003-18 | Baltimore, Arizona, Kansas City |
| Adam Vinatieri | K | 1996-2019 | New England, Indianapolis |
| Reggie Wayne | WR | 2001-14 | Indianapolis |
| Kevin Williams | DT | 2003-15 | Minnesota, Seattle, New Orleans |
| Jason Witten | TE | 2003-20 | Dallas, Las Vegas |
| Darren Woodson | S | 1992-2003 | Dallas |
| Marshal Yanda | G/T | 2007-19 | Baltimore |
How many can be selected?
Players are eligible for modern era enshrinement if they have been out of the game between five and 20 years. The slate of candidates in the modern-era Players category will be considered when the Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee meets prior to Super Bowl LX. The Class of 2026 will be unveiled publicly Feb. 5 during the “NFL Honors presented by Invisalign” broadcast.
The Selection Committee may elect up to five modern-era Players for the Class of 2026; each must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent for election.
Five others – Senior category finalists Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood, Coaching category finalist Bill Belichick and Contributor candidate Robert Kraft – also are candidates for the 2026 class. They’ll be voted on separately, with a minimum of one and a maximum of three being elected under the Hall’s bylaws.
While there is no set number for any class of Enshrinees, the Hall of Fame’s current selection process bylaws stipulate that between four and eight new members shall be selected.
The Finalists in the Modern-Era Players category were determined by the Hall’s independent Selection Committee from a list that originated with 128 nominees. It was reduced two other times (to 52 nominees and to 26 Semifinalists) before the cut to the 15 Finalists.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 will be announced at “NFL Honors” in San Francisco in February and will be enshrined in August in Canton.
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Disappointed SteveWis didn’t advance last year as modern candidate(but that was long shot hope),also unfortunate Webb isn’t a finalists,good news for KWilliams and overall it’s a very good 15,for 3-4 elected would say Brees Fitz are locks,with AdamV LukeK,maybe WAnderson Woodson
BTW currently in Mexico on vacation so won’t be able to contribute more here until Friday
Happy new year all!
Thanks Andy and Tony … haha
Have fun Paul …
With this new thread, I will comment on the postseason, NFL news, etc, on the previous thread.
Class Of 2026
Wishlist
Brees
Kuechly
Witten
Woodson
Belichick
Craig
Prediction
Brees
Fitzgerald
Kuechly
Belichick
Kraft
brian from what ive read there isnt a consenus on whether kraft will be elected but i do think at least 1 senior will be elected if we didnt elect any that would be a disaster
I prefer Anderson, Craig and Greenwood to either Kraft or Belichick, I think, at least without studying it a bit more closely.
From the modern candidates, Brees and Fitzgerald feel like locks to me and I like them both for enshrinement. Beyond that … kind of a hodgepodge of “I guess that would be fine.”
andy i think there could be a split with belichick and kraft one gets in this year one gets in next year and which senior would i elect either anderson or greenwood
I posted this on the Semifinalist listing but since these are now the official finalist, I am reposting them here with the number behind how many times a finalist:
2026 Class of 2026 Modern Era Finalists:
Willie Anderson (5)
Drew Brees (1)
Jahri Evans (3)
Larry Fritzgerald (1)
Frank Gore (1)
Torry Holt (7)
Luke Kuechy (2)
Eli Manning (2)
Terrell Suggs (2)
Adam Vinatieri (2)
Reggie Wayne (7)
Kevin Williams (1)
Jason Witten (1)
Darren Woodson (4)
Marshal Yanda (2)
First feelings, I am stoked for Kevin Williams, weather he makes it or not! He was not even a semifinalist last year, but I have advocating for him for years and never understood why he was being snubbed.
I think Brees and Fritz are locks, and really, really it is time to clean up the backlogged que. Holt, Wayne and Anderson need to have consideration, the times are finalists are way overdue!
That would be my class with Woodson, Kuechy and Vinatieri as the last three not elected. For the Seniors and C/C, I would go with BB, Ken Anderson and Roger Craig. NO to Kraft.
Most likely will not happen, but Anderson and Craig have waited long enough too!
*** My final Class of 2026***
Drew Brees
Larry Fitzgerald
Torry Holt
Luke Kuechly
Bill Bilichick
Roger Craig
Ken Anderson
I would Willie Anderson too, if 5 moderns could all go in. Then two Seniors and BB.
My thoughts
I got 14 out of 15
I’m glad Kevin Williams made it as a finalist
I’m surprised Steve Wisniewski didn’t make it his last year
I’m also surprised Richmond Webb didn’t make it the voters better hurry up and make him a finalist before he gets sent to the senior abyss
The voters have got to clear the wide receivers logjam
This was a hard list to cut down to 15 finalists and this is gonna be an even harder vote because all the finalists are worthy
@Brian – I may still try to get a playoff article published…although we’ve done a lot less content related to current happenings in the league the last couple of years. Happy to have comments wherever, though.
Thanks Tony … if you guys want to discuss, speculate on playoff spreads, I am game. Wanting to take Baltimore this week but only if Jackson plays. The Ravens will milk the speculation …
Thanks Robert, we cant discount Greenwood getting so close. We just need to see if its time for Kraft, though no one wants to see him get in over a senior. Like Paul said, once he is in, hopefully that enables the committees to get away from owner driven campaigns, though Andy would be happy to see Murchison gain momentum.
At least with Witten making the final 15, we know he probably isnt going to wait too long for eventual induction. If I were a voter, I would put him in first and let Gronk go in with Brady …
Brian I hope so too I would love to see Clint Murchison gain momentum Rob Gronkowski has got to get in before Tom Brady I’ve got a statement ready that I’m planning to say for when Tom Brady’ is announced as a Hall of Famer in 2028 at NFL Honors
You can now join your boyhood hero (Joe Montana) your owner (Robert Kraft) your head coach (Bill Belichick) and your tight end (Rob Gronkowski)
I understand Andy … at least if Gronk waited till going in with Brady, more of the queue could get voted in like Marie said, especially Holt, Woodson, Wayne or Anderson. Hopefully next year–after another small class–the rules change again so the 2027 class is even larger with at least two seniors joining as well.
Wishful thinking I know, but there will be grumbling if we get another five or less class again …
Unfortunately Webb is doomed to the seniors pool as a player advancing first time into finalist round during last year on modern ballot don’t get elected. Like Albert Lewis (and unlike Sam Mills, Eric Allen and likely Darren Woodson) voters left it too late when should have been advancing him starting a few years ago
Brian I hope so because too many seniors are left out you know who else would be happy to see Clint Murchison gain momentum Rick Gosselin Charean Williams and Gary Myers (who used to cover the Cowboys) I swear if we get another small class I’m not going to Canton in 2028 for Tom Brady’s Hall of Fame induction I’m done with the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Paul I’m afraid you may be right
Yes you will go in 2028, Andy …
You know this will be a small class, but you will go like you planned and enjoy it. Its a great place if you have never visited … Just relax and enjoy the NEW YEAR !!
If youre reading Tony and Andy … give me your gut instinct if you please … Will the Ravens cover a -3.5 point spread against the Steelers? Asking for a friend … haha
Brian your right I’ll try let’s just see what happens this year
I’ll just say this running the Pro Football Hall of Fame isn’t easy and neither is the National Baseball Hall of Fame
@Brian – My gut instinct is that the Ravens cover that 3.5, especially if Jackson plays.
But your friend should also know that the most successful day of sports betting I ever had in Vegas was the day every parlay I played was me going against my gut instincts.
Thanks Tony … yeah, I took the plunge on the Ravens but would be happy if Rodgers could make the playoffs again, just to show he can still win a big game …
I try not to do parlays anymore, if I do, its no more than two games. Damn hard to win …
Election meeting (virtual) will be on January 13th but don’t expect any updates or announcements from Hall – although we might see some voters posting about meeting (not specifics) just that is was held. Hall typically goes silent until results are announced on NFL
honors show on Feb 5th
Paul do you agree with me this was a hard list to cut down to 15 and this is gonna be an even harder vote because all the finalists are worthy
Andy at least the baseball hall of fame seperates their veteran candidates into different eras
I think it’s hard every year to cut down
Robert I know that I also follow the National Baseball Hall of Fame
Paul totally
As 2025 NFL season comes to close we wait and see which of these future PFHOF contenders retire (and would be eligible for class of 2031): Aaron Rodgers,Von Miller,Travis Kelce,TWilliams,Bobby Wagner,Deandre Hopkins,Calais Campbell,Cameron Jordan
and here are few other possibilities (most are far less likely to ever be PFHOFers)
LB Lavonte David (TB), S Harrison Smith (MIN), OG Joel Bitonio (CLE), DT Cameron Heyward (PITT)
and a very interesting case in WR/PR Tyreek Hill (KC/MIA?), coming off major injury…
of course will likely be months, even right up until start of 2026 that we have confirmed list of newest retirements…as likely many end up returning to play
On Sunday Von Miller got his 9th sack of 2025 (most since 2021) and which career wise gets him to 138.5 total, 9th tied with DeMarcus Ware on official list-locking him in as a serious contender for first ballot election with a 3(4)/8/DROY/all decade/2SBs/SB MVP resume
Despite a down year, I think Cam Heyward has more a chance to make the HOF than Cam Jordan but we will see.
Of that overall list Paul, I believe all of them will be back next year,
including Rodgers, Kelce, Wagner, Miller and Williams. Campbell and Jordan could retire, but I feel Campbell will want to play and mentor Nolan for a new HC. Jordan may likely go to a contending team.
The way this Chiefs team ended their season, I feel Kelce will be back for Reid and Mahomes. It would surprise me if Reid wouldnt let him come back. Losing like that, cant sit well with him but he has a wedding to think about.
They way Leonard played yesterday, you have to wonder if the Colts should have let Rivers mentor him, instead of vaulting ahead as starter?
I admire what Rivers did, but it was also a slap in the face to Leonard, who was professional about it. Now, teams are thinking about Rivers as an assistant or even HC, which I felt was part of his motivation all along.
I mistexted about Rivers. I meant a slap in the face to Leonard about/from Colts coaching/management, allowing Rivers to start ahead of him, not Rivers himself, who helped him out.
Chiefs face a very uncertain future and tough rebuild, not so sure at age 36 not sure Kelce wants to be part of that and perhaps even Chiefs are ready to move on there..my guess is that of all the big names I mentioned he is the most likely to retire
Kirk Buchner of NotInHallOfFame interviewed Clark Judge and Rick Gosselin I’ll put the link to their interviews below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZN9W5uKw78
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COMt7zC6I-o
Harbaugh is out in Baltimore. If he decides not to ever coach again, Will he make the HOF?
I suspect he’ll have a new job even heading into next year, so my guess is this is moot at this point …
Twelfth all-time in wins, right behind guys like Marty Schottenheimer… A few seasons behind guys like Chuck Noll… Has a Super Bowl win…
My hunch is that he’d be seen as a borderline guy right now, but that if he takes another job and has a handful of pretty good seasons he’ll have a pretty good shot.
I miss Talk of Fame and I know I’m not the only one
Yea was perhaps the best and most frequent source of insights on the Hall election process-I am not aware of current efforts to bring it back.
and amazing that we are just 4 weeks away from announcement of class of 2026-last several months in the election steps seems to have just flown by….
reminder virtual meeting of voters is next Tuesday (13th) not that Hall will announce or post about it in advance, during or after as they now pretty much go silent on the class election process, but could hear from a few voters (not specifics but just that election occurred) who are active on social media…otherwise we wait until official announcement on NFL Honors show Feb 5th
Interesting reading from Howard Balzer(Cooney) on playoff seeding and divisions going back to 2002.
With Stafford making 1st team All-Pro, would an MVP award come next? Many believe the Rams can go all the way … if they do, I think he will eventually get elected to the HOF …
Not that anyone has been clamoring for it, but here are my picks for this weekend: https://www.zoneblitz.com/2026-wild-card-playoff-predictions/
If Stafford secures MVP that alone (regardless of any playoff successes this season) will improve his chances for PFHOF as ready has impressive career stats and with SB better than Ryan Rivers
Here’s Frank Cooney’s latest article
https://halloffootball.substack.com/p/hofame-mock-selection-meeting
It’s Election Day
Cooney is requiring paid subscription to his Substack page to vote-ahhhhh no thanks Frank… plus his coy reference to a “future” “secret date” for todays election meeting is hilarious theater on his part when its widely known to be today…Hall has never required voters to keep it a secret…
Paul,
What is your final Class prediction?
I am going to go with:
D. Brees
L. Fitzgerald
T. Holt
W. Anderson
Ken Anderson
Roger Craig and
Bill Billichek
my prediction (not my choices)
Brees,Fitz,LukeK,BillB,Kraft = 5 we might get a 4th modern (Woodson) but that’s as large as it will be…
folks interested in a prediction contest again this year, as I can set on up and collect entries
Prediction
Brees
Fitzgerald
Kuechly
Belichick
Kraft
OK thanks I am collecting the predictions (no rush as will set Jan 31st as the deadline, and remind everyone when that is close)
Here’s what I’d say to the selection committee about Robert Kraft it’s the same thing I would have told the contributor committee
Don’t blame Robert Kraft for Spygate and Deflategate he’s not the one who taped those coaches and deflated those footballs do you know that without Robert Kraft there would be no NFL team in New England and no Patriots dynasty either
If Robert Kraft isn’t elected it’ll be a PR nightmare for the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Here’s my prediction for how the presentation for Bill Belichick went
Jim Porter: Ron Borges will open the discussion for Bill Belichick and I know he’s waited all his life Ron
Ron Borges: I’ll make it brief I’ll just say Bill Belichick end of discussion
Jim Porter: ok and if there’s anyone who wants to say anything on behalf of Bill Belichick anyone thank you Ron wish they were all that short
Next time I do this it’ll be in 2028 for Tom Brady
Paul have you subscribed to Frank Cooney and if so did you read the full article it includes the packet the voters got about the finalists
Since all the others have done it here’s my prediction for the Class of 2026
Bill Belichick
Robert Kraft
Ken Anderson
Drew Brees
Larry Fitzgerald
Torry Holt
Luke Keuchly
Darren Woodson
This was not an easy prediction because all the finalist are worthy
naaa ….not playing for Substack content
Bill will be elected, if Kraft is not that’s not going to be a big PR problem for Hall..people don’t care that much
if they would have elected jim tyrer last year that would have been a massive pr Nightmare Paul
yep and was a major factor in the voters minds no doubt (should not have, but alas was)
and apparently election virtual meeting yesterday was 8hrs (about typical length)..and until after results are announced on Feb 5th NFL Honors show its very unlikely we would learn any other confirmed details.. Hall staff contact all finalists in the coming days, and of course for those elected their families/friends etc… to set up filming of the Knock videos..as we get closer to Feb 5th some rumors might come out but be careful as last year I know a few earlier in day before announcement included at least two anticipated elected turned out to be false
Paul if you want to know what’s in the packet voters get it’s basically the press release announcing the finalists information about the finalists and media guide snippets I just thought you should since I subscribe to Frank Cooney
One thing I like Jim Porter has done is having Hall of Famer do the knock I watch the Hall of Fame knocks show every year
You know what baffles me Drew Brees never made an All Decade team
Instead of Brady and 2010s decade 3X MVP Rodgers?
Hey andy did you take part in that mock selection meeting on substack that frank Cooney created
Robert yes I did
so did i andy what did you think of it i enjoyed it a lot
Robert I liked it
so did i andy great great exercise to work on and feel like a actual voter
unless he is also including vote downs from 15 to 10 and 7, and including 80% requirement at final vote-its really not simulating the actual PFHOF election process
if you would like to see a group follow that exact process, we did just that last week on notinthehalloffame podcast seen here on their YouTube page (and its free to access/watch!)
Set of videos including 2 minute presentations on all modern finalists-we did separate vote on group of 5 a few weeks before…plus videos on our cut down votes from 15 to 10 and to 7 plus final results
https://www.youtube.com/@Notinhalloffame/videos
All it did was let us pick the modern era class not do the cutdowns in retrospect Paul doing the cutdowns on that site would have been a great idea
and even picking 5 moderns isn’t really reflective of process where 5 is very unlikely
i think four moderns is more likley than 5 can we agree there
Robert I felt like an actual voter too
We’ll just see what happens
can assure you the math does not get a result of 5 moderns elected-its not happening folks, 50 voters have seven names on a ballot and votes will be split across all seven, meaning just 3 or 4 get the required 40+…remember Hall created this math to ensure we did not get a class with 5 moderns + 2 or 3 seniors/contributor/coach..they ran the math so they were assured that will not be the outcome
Though I put in Kraft in my prediction, I mainly did it to see if voters will elect him over a senior?
Would not be surprised if Greenwood finally gets voted in. I can live with that. He paid his voting ques (pun)
Getting back to our discussion earlier on PFRA Robert, I see your frustration with Tomlin, because many Ravens fans feel the same way about Harbaugh. These guys were winners but just couldnt maintain fans and organizational expectations. Make no mistake though, when they both join new teams–Harbaugh is about to sign with the Giants–they will easily surpass 200 wins.
Steeler’s fans point out that Tomlin won his only championship with Cowher’s team but admittedly, the Steelers maintained a top team from 2010-2019. It just seemed from 2020-2025, the team stayed mediocre without a top QB.
What bothers me is that their defense justs peters out during postseason, which shouldnt really happen, though they played excellent the other night. Like we agreed on, the team gets outcoached at the worst times. Having an 8-12 postseason record does complicate his legacy somewhat.
Here’s why I think Robert Kraft will be elected voters will be like since we rejected the last two coach contributor finalists Buddy Parker and Ralph Hay because they weren’t Robert Kraft and Robert Kraft is finally getting his chance let’s elect him so we can finish this once and for all
what does buddy parker a coach have to do with robert kraft a owner
Robert I’m talking about the previous two times when it was just coach contributor combined
I mean I’m talking about when it was coach contributors combined before the changes were made
For anyone interested, I took a crack at the Tyrer discussion several years ago. I think he should be in. https://www.zoneblitz.com/revisiting-hof-case-jim-tyrer/
Let’s move on from Tyrer, he’s not a current finalist and we spent entire year of last election cycle debating and discussing his case-we are all familiar with the pros/cons, not sure why we need to revisit that one….
and I agree with Andy in that its possible the lack of recent contributors elected (last one was McNally in 2022) might have factored into some voters selecting Kraft
Ouch.
Just kidding. I saw his name and he’s one of my personal favorite articles and he, in my eyes, is one of the best candidates. But I see your point on focusing on the current finalists.
Haha … wait till Antonio Brown comes up for election. He wont make it
I have a confession as happy as I was for Bill Cowher and Jimmy Johnson something tells me they were elected only so David Baker could congratulate them on TV
Sorry I didn’t post this six year ago I wish I had started posted here earlier please forgive me
Baker knocked on alot of electees doors, Andy P … part of the media machine.
Like I have speculated, looks like the Patriots will be in the SB, while Belichick and possibly Kraft, get elected …
Another successful coach in McDermott has gotten fired. Its bittersweet he going out along with Rich Stadium. Can Matthew Stafford keep his momentum going against Seattle?
I don’t think the 2020 centennial class BRP intentionally elected Cowher and Jimmy so that Baker could do those knocks on live TV-but he certainly took advantage of the opportunity for “free” publicity for the Hall and enshrinement week events (which ended up postponed until August 2021 due to the pandemic) and actually was crappy approach, along with NFL Network spending an entire morning show a few days later to announce rest of class-which left all those not elected finding out via those media shows and not a called in advance by the Hall which had been the process (and still is as those not in class of 2026 will be notified soon if not all ready by call from Hall, they need not wait until Feb 5th to find out not elected)
And yes and every thing Stafford is doing and could achieve this season (MVP? another SB appearance) will lock in hi PFHOF resume
Looking at the Possible Coach Nominees for 2027 heres a list of the coaches i could think of
Tom Coughlin
Mike Holmgren
Buddy Parker
Dan Reeves
Marty Schottenheimer
Mike Shanahan
Who am i missing who would you add
Knox
Reeves
Seifert
Just saw Reeves …
Shaw
appreciate the feedback brian heres a hypothical coaching nominees for 2027
Tom Coughlin
Mike Holmgren
Chuck Knox
Buddy Parker
Dan Reeves
Marty Schottenheimer
George Seifert
Buck Shaw
Mike Shanahan
Who would be your nominee and why
I have no idea how the coaches BRP would rank these candidates (as was surprised last election that they selected Holmgren as their finalist) but for me, my top three would be:
1.Parker (coached 1950s dynasty in Detroit)
2. Shanahan (2 SBs plus his coaching tree)
3. Coughlin (2 SBS plus success in Jacksonville)
– obviously I place a lot of weight on winning, and since teams play with aim to win championship that should be the most important factor and its where coaching can make a different and impact
I agree Paul, but its also interesting when HCs can win with multiple teams.
–The Hall doesnt care about Shaw but he went to championship games in different leagues, being the only coach to beat Lombardi in a championship game.
–You mentioned Coughlin’s success with Jax. Knox was the first HC to take three teams to the playoffs, with two going to championship games.
–Holmgren should have been elected last year. SBs with different teams like Reeves but a great coaching tree as well. Favre and Hasselbeck played better for him than any other coaches.
–Shanahan and Seifert seem to be penalized for losing with other teams. Had Robert Griffin not gotten hurt, who knows how good the Skins could have been?
I didn’t have any problem with Holmgren as finalist and should have been elected (rumor is he was short only a few voters) just in my view I rank three others above him…no idea of next year if the coach BRC takes another shot with Holmgren or moves on to someone else..and since the Hall now rotates all the voter slots on the various BRC committees very election we get new and different voices and opinions making it a new process and outcome each year-less tied to any history or legacy year to year.
Mike Holmgren should have been elected last year I still can’t believe he wasn’t he would have been if the old process were still in place
a few things against holmgren
While he reached three Super Bowls, he only won one (XXXI with Green Bay). Some critics compare his resume to other coaches who won more championships or sustained dominance over longer periods with a single team.
Long Postseason Drought: Between his time with the Packers and Seahawks, Holmgren went seven consecutive seasons without a playoff win (1998–2004).
Lack of “All-Time” Winning Percentage: Compared to some already-inducted coaches, his overall winning percentage is lower.
Side note: RIP John Brodie. HOF will probably now consider him more. Wish he were alive to see himself enshrined.
RIP John Brodie.
https://x.com/TheSFNiners/status/2014838478102810797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2014838478102810797%7Ctwgr%5E1236143212cd94932d85f0c1ebb9c7f5b78477c7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsports.yahoo.com%2Fnfl%2Farticle%2F49ers-qb-great-john-brodie-former-nfl-mvp-dies-at-90-233612920.html
RIP Brodie but last several senior candidates who passed away the voters didn’t them chance
paul im not sure what you said are you ok
RIP
John Brodie
He lived the life. Even got paid by two different football teams due to the merger agreement. Unfortunately, he wont make the HOF. A good golfer and announcer as well.
These games today can have HOF implications for certain players. We all know about Stafford but Davante Adams is trying to win his first championship. He got to conference championship games with GB but they couldnt win. Nacua is still a young player but has already been All-Pro twice. A championship will definitely help his future chances but he has to stay healthy.
As a HC, Sean McVay could go to his third SB game. A win today and the SB would get him elected in the future. To be honest, I feel if his Rams team wins it all, he wont be coaching too much longer. He will be poised to work for the networks.
We will see.
Sean Payton can also help his HOF cause with another SB championship. If he were to accomplish this, especially with a back-up QB, he should also make the HOF. He could become the first HC to win SBs in different conferences and become only the second coach ever, to win world championships in different leagues/conferences, since Weeb Ewbank.
For the Patriots, a championship for Maye and Gonzalez, could go a long way in their careers, especially if Maye were to win MVP for this year as well.
For Denver, Patrick Surtain II could help his own future candidacy as well, being named All-Pro three times with also a DPOY award.
Was just pointing out during last several years we have had senior candidates (including recent finalists and semifinalists) pass away but didn’t influence voters to elect them so I doubt Brodie gets any extra attention by voters
oh ok paul appreciate the clarification and the explanation you gave
After the vote (which was Jan 13th) the Hall first step is to call those finalists not elected with the news, my understanding that happens within a week. Last week Darren Woodson posted on his social media thanking those who supported his case-the timing and content would seem to suggest he was not elected. The Hall then starts to work behind the scenes to set up the knock videos for those elected, last January those were filmed over a few days around the time of the conference championship games.
Now again we do not know the results, may read rumors or perhaps like in case of Woodson some social media from candidates or their supporters/teammates/family/friends, that could led to believe outcomes-but again since this timeline (vote weeks before announcement on honors show) started in 2022 I remain surprised how few leaks-proven later to be true-actually happen..but its fun to watch and speculate just the same….until evening of Feb 5th and we finally find out results.
Thanks Paul, Robert, Andy P and whoever is keeping their ears to the ground on potential leaks. I just dont do social media platforms. I wonder if you guys look at various media on Instagram? They have had weird, prescient posts from the past?
I think Kelce will come back to the Chiefs next year. He was happy about Bieniemy rejoining the team.
If Maye were to win the SB for NE, he will be the youngest QB ever to win.
And hey, Sheduer Sanders made a PB. How the hell did that happen?
I guess no other QB wanted to play a flag football game?
its more of a hobby than having any real useful meaning..one needs to take all social media, including this time of year with posts by candidates, members of media and even voters(although most of them go silent at this stage) with grain of salt–very suspect…as none is going to be predictable or accurate in terms of actual results..just have some fun with it..
…Sheduer I think was 8th in the fan vote…but only makes the Pro Bowl Games an even more useless activity and event when depending on the stats, within the AFC this season for QBs with 8 or more games played he ranked 16 to 18th—in a conference with 16 teams….and only makes voters even discount further the value of ProBowls on a candidate resume in 2000s
Brian thanks I appreciate that
Paul I agree with you the Pro Bowl is useless can’t we just get rid of it and make it an honor instead of an event the fans have had enough the players have had enough and the media’s had enough
I dont know if you guys ever check out The Death Star, ESPN football site but they did a little segment on the Rich Eisen show that showed an animated graphic of players looking toward the Santa Clara SB site. The graphic showed the backs of 32 different players representing their teams looking towards going to the SB.
NFL.com produced this graphic with a caption announcing the upcoming season in August-September. Sure enough, if you look at the closest players towards the Santa Clara site, which players are shown … Sam Darnold and Drake Maye. A conspiracy? coincidence? Moment of synchronicity?
Of course Eisen and the crew laugh it off and why wouldnt they? They only represent a network who shows the games while promoting/getting into bed with gambling to the hilt?
My bad, it was a graphic-tweet from the NFL itself before the season, not necessarily NFL.com. When they show the Santa Clara site, the players are looking at a monolithic Lombardi Trophy. Interesting however you slice it up?
Guys it looks like Bill Belichick didn’t make it
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47747076/belichick-not-first-ballot-hall-famer
I want to know who these sources are if they’re voters they need to be removed
They must not have wanted Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft to go in together they really need to make up
Voters can’t be the source, Andy P, because they don’t know the outcome. The source is Belichick and people close to him.
As a reminder, I stated this could happen and if it did, it could be the necessary impetus to eliminate the “new” stupid voting procedure. While not raised in the article, I suspect that part of this result is the Parcells-type worry that Belichick could still coach again.
While it is ridiculous that Belichick will not be a HOF this summer, I hope some good in the form of a revised voting procedure will come from this.
sure seems like it was more the case of a group of voters decided to make Bill pay a price for cheating, likely Spygate…its not right and likely going to end up making the Hall, election process and voters look bad..but he’s getting in one year very soon, unfortunately that he will again return as finalist which blocks another coach finalist and could again impact chances for seniors on same ballot in future..does this mean Kraft and perhaps a senior are elected…I would place more on Kraft election, could help one of the seniors but lets remember the math that only got one from group of 5 elected in 2025 is still in place…makes it more possible for a senior but what if voters split voters across the three and none hit 40???
and voters are not told the result-as members of the media if Bill leaks that he was not elected to the media (including voters) hard to say they broke any Hall election rules
also rules state one from group of 5 shall be elected, even if they fall short of 80%…could be voters not placing Bill on their ballots added more to Kraft’s count, again he might get most votes among the remaining four and only one elected..find it hard to believe that a senior would get more votes, one could be elected but also ballots could be split among all three seniors and none get to 80%..I would say of the four Kraft has best chance
It may also be a case of voters not believing Belichick is done in the NFL…if memory serves right, that slowed Parcells election down as well? Or at least that was the belief…
Hopefully some good will come out of this and there will be real impetus to make changes to the voting process.
Perhaps one option is to just elect the top three out of five, otherwise the maths will lead to just one name hitting 80% if there isn’t a consensus. The 80% worked when it was a straight yes or no. It’s too difficult when competing with other candidates.
I guess if Kraft is elected it will avoid an awkward atmosphere at the ceremony. It also means Bill will now likely go in with either Gronk or Brady.
Its ridiculous any way you look at it.
Does that mean Greenwood, Craig or Anderson has made it? Kraft probably got elected and whoopee(not) … might be presented the Lombardi Trophy on sunday!
It doesnt matter if Belichick coaches again or not, he should have been elected, and some voters want him to eat some humble pie. These voters are ridiculous … haha
Wow, Andy P … you could go there in 2028 and have Brady, Gronk and Belichick enshrined that weekend
Once again, it looks like Bill Polian has violated voting rules and stuck his grubby fingers into a no vote for Belichick … He needs to be ousted from future voting. Send the message to the website, Andy P
Brian I’ll try but I think they’ll block me
Bill Polian also said there’s no need to worry about seniors pre 60 and told voters not to vote for Jim Tyrer if this is not the last straw for him as a committee member I don’t know what is
https://awfulannouncing.com/nfl/bill-polian-denies-involvement-bill-belichick-hall-of-fame-snub.html
In this article he says he had no involvement
I’m holding my breath this isn’t true
Everyone in the media continues to miss the point. It wasn’t an up or down vote. Others were preferred. Now we can disagree with that sentiment. I agree that Belichick is clearly the most qualified of the five “non-modern” candidates. He’ll, he is probably the most qualified even if you included the Moderns. But as long as we have this silly system, this is going to continue to happen. A similar uproar would have happened if it was Kraft who wasn’t elected. The system is broken. Not the electors.
You might want to reread the article again it’s been updated
Polian denies it but if he is right, lets see his transparent vote.
We had this same argument for the Class Of 2020 when voters snubbed Al Wistert. The votes need to be transparent but never will be
Under the old system of yes or no he would’ve been a slam dunk. I agree with Justin that the system is broken, and there are quite a few current and ex pros who don’t understand how the new voting process works.
Brian in addition to Al Wistert voters also snubbed Lavvie Dilweg Verne Lewellen Ox Emerson and Cecil Isbell in 2020
Let me share this quote from Bill Polian that’s been added to the article
In an interview with ESPN on Tuesday night, Polian denied telling fellow voters that Belichick should serve a one-year penance for Spygate. But he said he heard his fellow voters “float that idea” but he insisted he didn’t agree or disagree with the proposal. Polian said he voted for Kraft and even spoke up on his behalf during the deliberations, saying Kraft had no knowledge of the Spygate scheme. Polian added that he could not remember with 100% certainty if he voted for Belichick, saying he was 95% sure he voted for the coach and a player, “most likely” L.C. Greenwood.
“I was shocked to learn Bill didn’t get in,” Polian said. “He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.”
Willie Anderson confirmed he wasn’t elected this year
Thanks Rob …
If he didnt make it, its doubtful the competing guards made it as well.
Paul mentioned Woodson, who is running out of time. If this class has five total people, I will be amazed.
Brian are you thinking 3 modern and 2 seniors
Didn’t fill need to jump here as is usual you guys did great job covering the basics of the news about BillB (and its a bloodbath all over Hall social media topics and posters-some good comments made there, plenty of bad ideas and misconceptions about the Hall, voters, and election process-oh well)..but here are some other thoughts I have to share….
– does not appear that Bill Polian was involved in any type of organized effort against Bill, and now claims he voted for him (as several other voters have posted on social media that they did) BUT this is the 2nd year in row Polian has been at the public center of an election controversy, perhaps its time he quietly resigns or is removed..and I am NOT saying all the 11+ voters who did not put BillB on their ballot need to resigned or removed but they each should perhaps reconsider their role and responsibilities as voters, and step down if they can’t do the job fairly
– I am all for more transparency, have stated that repeatedly over the 25 years I have followed this process closely, so I would support if going forward the Hall made all the final ballots public, not sure it improves the process or results but perhaps giving outsiders a better view in would be beneficial. Having said that, the Hall has resisted pressure in past to release ballots and I am not certain they change from that position
-the best that could come out of all this is in fact changes to the process that we have all called for since rules were changed in 2024-interestingly those changes would still not stop 11+ voters from keeping a deserving candidate out (not sure there is any process that eliminates that possibility)-but result here might be other changes, such as return to direct vote path for senior(s) and coach/contributor – no more of this 3 slots for group of 5, also we need to continue to expand and diversify the 50 voter selection committee-add some respected former coaches, players and historians (lets say 10 of the 50) to get more voices in the room.
-However I would caution the idea that changes would get us back to large classes of 7 8 or even 9 or more seniors as none of this recent mess was a function of resulting smaller classes and I don’t see Hall flipping back to view in support of 8 or 9 member classes..could be the outcome from this mess is a return to direct path to election for a senior and lets say combined coach/contributor (rotates each election?), so we see better chance for those who no longer compete against each other for a slot–lets say minimums of 4 moderns + 1 senior + 1 coach/contributor, perhaps not perfect but safer middle ground between current class of 4 or 5 and recent ones as many as 8 or 9
– what does this news on Bill mean for the class of 2026 and other finalists..seems to be it means Kraft was elected (as I still find it hard to believe that he also fell short or did not get more voter than each senior-if none got to 40), sorry but I really don’t see a senior but one is now better chance without Bill taking a slot…..and nothing really changes for moderns-will see Brees Fitz and then some combination of AdamV,LukeK and perhaps Woodson, hoping for 4 moderns but we might again have vote splits and only 3
This could also be a combination of things working against Belichick–I think I heard he would have needed 11 voters to not choose him…
– Some might be holding Spygate and Deflategate against him for sure, even if you think they shouldn’t
– Some might have just decided they liked 3 others on the list more
– Some might think that he’s going to come back to the NFL in another year or so
– Some might disagree with the HOF decision to reduce the waiting year for coaches to one year…which admittedly, seems a bit short to me
Not saying they should do this, but…possible that multiple factors combined into one snub. I highly, highly doubt he ends up waiting long (unless he gets back into the NFL in some way next cycle).
Well said Paul …
I will admit, I got a little emotional yesterday thinking pettiness has no place in voting for the HOF but it would seem to me that omitting and punishing Belichick–when he clearly passed new eligibility protocols–would be like denying Joe Montana or Tom Brady 1st ballot status. A deliberate tainting of the system.
Frank Cooney insisted that Polian didnt bring up any collusion against Belichick during the meeting–and he said that he couldnt reveal anything that WAS said–but also suggested that Polian could have done it outside and had been guilty of it before, like we already knew about.
He also blasted the media, especially ESPN, for deliberately trying to cozy up to voters to get another scoop on the precedings.
In a process like this, that I mentioned 3-4 years ago, collusion will happen, just like in the past and unless other voters call them out or make the process continously transparent, these things will continue to happen.
The only good thing about BB not getting in, is that hopefully this brings about change, i have been so disgusted since I feel that the PFHOF cowered to Deion Sanders. So many deserving players not in HOF or getting inducted after they pass away has been so annoying. I hate that the seniors are up against coach’s and owners. I also think that if people are politicking in the negative, they should never have a vote again. Politic in the positive all you want, but if you are trying to sway people against a certain player, owner or coach, strip them of their vote.
I think we will see some change – ironically none that would stop 11+ voters (of 50) from blocking a candidate from election but the many other improvements we would all like to see
worth noting that under old rules, when coach finalist had direct path to election, did not complete with others for a slot, just needed 80 % (40/50) yes voters-in 2024 election that coach Buddy Parker was NOT elected…so someone has to explain to be a new revised process that assures that does not still happen
None of us are voters and therefore none of us can actually “know” what was the cause or causes of BB not getting elected. That said, I’m subscribing to the “multiple-factors” theory with the biggest one being an unintended consequence of the process.
This is from Mike Sando today:
“A few voters could have prioritized senior players over coaches and contributors, on the thinking that Belichick will be back in the room next year, while specific players on the ballot this year – Craig, Greenwood and Anderson – would be less likely to return on future ballots.”
If true, this is an entirely reasonable response from the voters. Belichick will be back next year. There is no disputing that. However, it is a near certainty that some or all of the unelected seniors will not. The Seniors Committee seems to be treating a failure to reach 80% under the new process as a repudiation of the candidate (i.e., the same as a failure to reach 80% under the old “up or down” voting system). Otherwise, Baughan and Tyrer would have been re-nominated this year. Nothing changed with their resumes when a prior Seniors Committee (admittedly with a different make-up) deemed Baughan, Tyrer, and Sharpe more deserving candidates than any other senior–including Anderson, Craig, and Greenwood.
Until the voting system is amended, these types of issues will continue to arise. In fact, without changes, the Contributors Committee and Seniors Committee should refuse to nominate anyone as they will be nothing more than sacrificial lambs to the inevitable election of BB.
The system is broken. Not the electors.
Sando, other electors, and other knowledgeable people with megaphones need to explain this much better than they are. While it is being mentioned in passing–Mike Tanier’s substack piece from today is actually better than most, despite the inflammatory headline–it is being buried or simply misdescribed.
Paul: there is no process that prohibits 11+ voters from voting down a candidate, but that isn’t a problem with the system. That is electors actually doing their jobs to vet candidates. Reasonable people can disagree about candidates. To this day, I remain baffled that my childhood hero, Art Monk, took almost a decade to be elected (that said, I also know I’m biased).
But the problem here is that 11+ voters weren’t making a value judgment about BB is isolation. Instead, there was a complex decision-making process that needed to be navigated precisely because of this clunky system. It is entirely reasonable for someone to say they want to prioritize candidates that may never be in this position again. You may disagree with that decision–I do–but it still reasonable.
Ian O’Connor tweeted Eli didn’t make it this year. No surprise.
Bill : deion Sanders complaint was towards the modern era players not seniors or coaches
Thanks Rob …
I knew they wouldnt put in two QBs.
They may still with teceivers?
I heard Ron Borges (voter) on the radio and he said he thinks Roger Craig has the best chance of getting elected out of the 5 people from the Coaches, Seniors and contributors.
If two seniors could get elected, I might somewhat forgive the non-election of Belichick a little better but if its JUST Kraft … I would have a very hard time. Changes will come however.
Justin I disagree…every voter can look at the ballot of finalists and make their subjective opinions on who to vote for or not…I don’t agree with them or the outcome, but if it was Spygate or other issues, those 11+ have every right to use their judgement and check of box for Kraft, Anderson and Craig…does not matter the rules or process or who are the 50 voters..its still subjective opinions
but we can look at a process that makes that impact or opportunity for a poor outcome less likely…direct path (yes/no) for senior(s), coach and contributor where voters are not forced or could us a strategy of selecting 3 over the other 2 finalists
I agree chances for Craig are now far better
and again folks I raise caution about expectations that Hall will make major changes, we always hope but history shows us we are unlikely to get much…maybe a direct path for one senior and one coach/contributor…that would be improvement but not so sure it solves all problems and 11+ still not voting for Bill under up/down direct vote approach still would have been possible
its a flaw process, outcomes are never ideal..we have seen many positive improvements with larger classes, centennial class, more seniors, categories and better path to election for coaches and contributors….yep changes for class of 2025 were major step back and overcorrection so perhaps Hall makes a few minor improvements…but lets not get our expectations too high
With this leaking out … other players have followed suite including Anderson and Manning. Why not? The players and families are disappointed. People are even more distrustful, whether over the voters or the system. Belichick was obviously frustrated … hell, he was on voting panels himself … even if he signed a NDA, like Mike Florio pointed out, what are they going to do, sue him over it? The wind has already blown the spit back into their faces. Especially when they make a mockery of the committees the HOF itself, created. We will see if others leak that they werent elected?
Paul: I don’t see where we disagree. It seems we both agree it is the process that was the problem.
If (and it’s a big if) BB had been voted down on a “up or down” vote, then I suppose we could criticize the voters’ judgment, but absent that impossibility given the current rules, I don’t think it is fair to hang this primarily on the voters.
Finally, I guess Craig could be seen as the front runner, but it would seem idd for the ESPN reports who have been pushing the Kraft story to suddenly drop that aspect of the story. I suppose it is possible that Kraft and his team could have been tight-lipped about his not getting elected, but I tend to doubt it given past public complaints. Therefore, my guess is that Kraft has been elected with Brees, Fitzgerald, and a wild card (assume Kuechly, but hope for Holt).
Good call Justin and Paul but it could also be Greenwood, who Polian admitted, he might have voted for. Gary Myers admitted he voted for Belichick and feels the votes should be transparent.
Here’s Frank Cooney’s latest article
https://halloffootball.substack.com/p/hall-of-fame-media-mars-2026-reveal
I want to see Bill Polian take a lie detector test
This has got to be the most attention the Pro Football Hall of Fame has ever seen
This has got to be the most attention the Pro Football Hall of Fame has ever received
interesting read: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bill-belichick-hall-of-fame-snub-tom-brady/
Thanks Robert …
I was thinking, 3 finalists, one senior and Kraft but we were ALL thinking Belichick had made it.
Polian had to look at the transcripts, since he couldnt remember who he had voted for, but insists he voted for Belichick. Doesnt mean I will believe it till I see it …
Now you have to wonder if Brees or Fitz got elected? With Eli not making it, I am sure of Brees but would not be surprised if Fitzgerald didnt?
On another CBS article, if Polian is to be believed … 23 of the 50 voters admitted to voting for Belichick. Unless the rest pushed for the seniors like the writer for the KC Star did, Gregorian … its doubtful that voters, Judge, Balzer, Kaufman, Borges, Gosselin, Cooney, Legwold and others went against him unless they pushed for Kraft? 11 or more of the remaining 20 went against him.
Paul could you still get a confirmation from Clark Judge? I am not on Racer X … anymore.
Now with belichick not getting in it opens the door for maybe two seniors and kraft
and if they pushed for the seniors id be ok with that
BW: interesting statement about Fitzgerald. First ballot WRs used to be rare. Hell even Marvin Harrison had to wait a couple elections. But with Moss and Calvin walking in on the first ballot, I was pretty convinced those days were done.
Fitzgerald would be just outside my personal WR Mount Rushmore (Rice, Hudson, Alworth, Moss). But it is much more an eye test assessment than numbers or accolades. Undoubtedly he had the best playoff run for a WR in NFL history. Epic stuff. Guess without the guaranteed five moderns, he might miss the cut. Interesting observation. Never would have thought of it myself.
What is the minimum number of modern era candidates that must be elected? Is it 3? Therefore you don’t need the hit the 80%, just finish in the top 3.
As for Kraft’s comments on also being surprised about BB. He’s either being very tight lipped about also being rejected or he’s been elected. My strong hunch is the latter.
My hunch is also that the three seniors have all split the vote and none of them have hit the 40 votes required.
I think it was Paul who broke it down here a while ago about how 50 voters with 3 votes each for 150 votes in total could leave the final tally looking something like this.
A: 45
B: 35
C: 26
D: 24
E: 20
Only A gets elected.
Bo Knows i think at least 1 of the seniors gets elected my hunch
didnt we say something similar last year with splitting votes and sharpe got in
Here’s Frank Cooney’s latest article
https://halloffootball.substack.com/p/hall-of-fame-responds-to-media-reaction
for me to come on here daily till next thursday would be kind of meaningless since we dont know offically who got in (modern and seniors) with that being said ill be back after the official announcement to discuss further
Lots of interesting articles this morning from Mike Florio of PFT, Dan Pompei of the Athletic, and Vahe Gregorian of the KC Star. First, Gregorian explained that he did exactly what I suspected: voted for the three seniors because they might never be back. Florio (shockingly) accepted this rationale and instead of calling for Gregorian to lose his vote (as he had previously) instead advocated for a new voting procedure. Pompei effectively did the same in a much more subtle way. From my perspective, this is actually the best case scenario. As I predicted last fall, Kraft or BB missing the hall this year could be impetus needed to make the voting changes we all wanted.
Cooney also said he voted for Belichick, so the list narrows though he also speculated that others didnt vote for him either because the one year eligibility requirement is too soon –which shouldnt matter — or he will coach again in the future –which also shouldnt matter —
Robert- When Deion complained about too many “Not- Hall of famers,” getting in. The NFL HOF changed every aspect of the voting which affected all levels of the voting process. With more less finalists moving on it ensures more backlogs to the Senior committee which they also decided to put up against Coach/contributor category. Deion’s remarks most certainly carried some weight.
Deion complains that Bill was not elected, while it was Deion leading others who pressed Hall for smaller classes that resulted in this mess of a system..that many of us, and a few voters, pointed out when the rules where changed in August 2024 would create problems, and again some more voters realized impact after small class of 2025 was announced
it worth thinking that under old rules coaches needed 80% via a simply up/down vote with direct path to election (not completing with any other candidate) and for class of 2024 election 11+ voters kept Buddy Parker out…..consider this, lets say BillB was the coach candidate, under those rules same 11+ in this years election keep him out. But yes it could be this election some of those 11+ tried to game the results, assuming Bill would make 40+ then worked to get a 2nd candidate elected (to 40+) and in doing so Bill was not. That is another reason why this whole select 3 out of 5 needs to be changed-and I suspect when Hall board meets in August they will be presented changes by the Hall staff. Thinking we go back to direct path elections for 1 senior and 1 coach/contributor(rotates every election) and if hall is still focusing on smaller class sizes perhaps modern min gets cut down from 5 to 4…not ideal but still better than current rules
“Vahe Gregorian of the KC Star. First, Gregorian explained that he did exactly what I suspected: voted for the three seniors because they might never be back. Florio (shockingly) accepted this rationale and instead of calling for Gregorian to lose his vote”
I can respect and understand Gregorian’s approach here while not fully agreeing with it….but that strategy is not grounds for Hall to remove him as voter, did not break any election bylaw rules and Hall has long respected the independent subjective opinions and resulting voting by the voters. Even many the Hall may not agree with our support, and us and others also often frustrated by..and yes we hope and expect all the voters due their best efforts to research and understand the candidates, even though we know and suspect they don’t- Hall expects the same but that is really hard for them to prove a voter was not prepared.
The Hall press release yesterday was not targeted at those who did not vote for Bill (even though some in media and fans think it is), the intent is to remind some voters who in recent days in their published stories and comments on this election mess did refer to and quoted (without their names disclosed) comments made by other voters during the election meeting-that is a clear violation of election rules and grounds for removal of voter by the Board
From AI “Bill Belichick reportedly felt “puzzled” and “disappointed” by his Hall of Fame snub, questioning what more he needed to achieve for induction, given his extensive accomplishments in the NFL.”
Seems like it would have been a no brainer decision but we know personality does figure into being a 1st ballot HOFer. The bottom line is Belichick isn’t regarded by the HOF like Don Shula, Chuck Noll, and Tom Landry who are the only 1st ballot Hofers. That has to sting.
All well said Paul.
I suspect for many of the voters who did not put him on their ballot it was Spygate
—I don’t agree with that, he would have been on my ballot as suspect same for many us here (and I have your ballots-if any one else would like to join our contest they still can, but if we get more in fairness I will remove Bill from all of our previous ballots as new ones would not include him being aware of this news)…and besides he’s getting in next year
and again, thanks everyone here-its great to share ideas and thoughts with so many other passionate, knowledgeable and “obsessed” (LOL) folks…and just one more week to wait…
My picks for HOF:
Drew Brees, Quarterback – 2001-05 San Diego Chargers, 2006-2020 New Orleans Saints
Luke Kuechly, Linebacker – 2012-19 Carolina Panthers
Darren Woodson, Safety – 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys
Paul, do you still believe Woodson was snubbed? Where have you been Tony P? Did you accept the decision for Stroud to start the second half of that Texans playoff game? I think Mills would have done better …
“I didn’t vote against Belichick or Kraft. I voted for the three senior candidates: Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood,” Gregorian wrote.
As Sando mentioned, there was almost certainly going to be a faction of voters who prioritized getting the senior nominees in and that’s what Gregorian did. For the senior nominees, this could be their last shot at making the Hall of Fame and that clearly factored into Gregorian’s decision. On the other hand, Belichick will almost certainly be a finalist next year, so Gregorian didn’t feel pressed to put him in this year whether he was deserving or not.
If other voters went the same route as Gregorian, then Belichick not getting in is less of a snub and more of a flaw in the selection process. And if that’s the case, then the Hall will need to think long and hard about the process going forward.
CBS sports
its very possible others did same, and I get Sando’s excellent overview and assessment of the potential pathways voters could have taken with not selecting BillB-and unless they also come out and tell us (very unlikely) we will never know but one that did come out from the start repeatedly was SpyGate-so at least for me that is what I would view the most frequent and significant reason
“Paul, do you still believe Woodson was snubbed? “… my gut feeling (and that is all it is) is that he was not elected, hoping he made final 7….great if I was wrong and he’s elected..still think we are looking at Brees, Fitz, LukeK plus if we can get a 4th could be (in this order)…AdamV/Woodson/Holt…always felt that 4th slot was the most uncertain of this election…always a surprise, perhaps BillB is the only one this election but might be another….no one knows…not even the voters….
Here’s a second voter (Mike Chappell) who admits to not voting for Belichick. https://fox59.com/sports/mike-chappell-i-voted-for-robert-kraft-not-against-bill-belichick/
Thank you for sharing. Interesting that he elected not to provide the senior candidates he voted for.
The rest of the voters ought to do the same as Chappell and Gregorian.
I’m now expecting (rather than hoping for) changes to the voting procedure to occur.
While we’re talking about Deion Sanders sounding off at the Pro Football Hall of Fame let’s not forget he ran a disaster of a school called Prime Prep Academy I’m sure you know the story
one change justin id like to see is that seniors and coaches/ contributors be voted on seperatley
Robert totally I’d like to see that too I thought you weren’t coming back until after the announcement
i figured id chime in then leave
Brian, Stroud is a bit of a puzzle. I agree about Mills. Honestly as good as Houston’s D was this year I think a steady QB like Mills might have taken them to the SB. I’m thinking Trent Dilfer or Brad Johnson. Mills was actually really good in his limited play. Maybe they should trade Stroud while he’s still pretty highly regarded?
I only support Roger Craig of the three senior players. He was a transformative player in Bill Walsh’s West Coast Offense. He was a little better version of James Brooks (one of my favs) in Sam Wyche’s Offense. Greenwood was a flashy player on the greatest winner of his era. He was important to their teams but I don’t support his election. I just feel like a DE should have a better sack total. And y’all know what I think of Ken Anderson. Blame it on the team because I don’t think he had a HOF career.
I’m not here as often because I don’t have the same passion for the HOF or the old timers who remain. I’ll still pop in when I have an opinion. :)
Tony p how did you lose that passion
i think of the three LC Greenwood is the most deserving of the seniors and the one who has waited the longest Tony P’s Arguement about sack totals doesnt hold merit considering he has more unoffical and offcial sacks than the following hall of famers
Joe Greene 77.5
Buck Buchanan 70.5
Curley Culp 68.5
Ted Hendricks 61.0
Henry Jordan 59.5
Cortez Kennedy 58.0
Richard Seymour 57.5
Dan Hampton 57.0
Junior Seau 56.5
I get how this process and outcome can strip the passion away for folks interested in and care about the honor of the PFHOF (especially for those of us see deserving seniors denied and deserving moderns ignored and falling into the seniors pool)
As many know I really started following this process closing in early 2000s when many deserving Landry era Cowboys were being ignored for years-especially Bob Hayes and Chuck Howley, and suffered through Hayes’ initial rejection as senior (when it just took yes/no 80% vote for direct election), but then vindication just a few elections later when he was finally elected…followed by over a decade of advocating for Howley until his eventual election. But you can image over those timelines there were many disappointing and frustrated election results. I know how that can really get one annoyed and disinterested in paying attention to the Hall.
And even now after seeing many deserving players elected over the last 15+ years Cowboys and others, almost every election still brings disappointments. I guess understanding that will be the case, focusing on those that are elected, continuing each year to be an advocate for others, and having build communities of similar minded and educated, informed advocates for Hall and candidates, here and on social media, makes managing those disappointments little easier to handle-at least for me.
and would be hilarious if Bill did end up getting coaching job in NFL in early January 2027 and if finalist again (very likely) voters again decide not to elect him since he restarted his NFL career-also unlikely but not impossible…
So correct me if I’m wrong but this is what we know so far….
No Bill Belichick
No Eli Manning
No Willie Anderson
Am I missing anyone that we know will not be elected this year?
those are only ones I have seen
Haha … you still should chime in on here more often TonyP … I miss your opinions and we have this site to cling to as we have better knowledge and memory of these great players than the media writers that vote for the HOF …
I have to cling to this and other sites as the NFL I used to love transforms into flag football.
The league is hypocritical towards gambling as well. It shakes my head that teams with 22 guys hitting the field have 24 or more different coaches getting in their way. Analytics seem to be everywhere but without blocking and tackling its all numbers-driven probability.
The postseason is what makes it worthwhile …
Will do Brian. :) Robert , most of the guys you listed aren’t DE’s. And no I wouldn’t have voted for Dan Hampton 1/4. That one struck me as peculiar.
Guys I think we got our first clue this is going to be a big class I looked at the schedule for NFL Network to see what time the Hall of Fame Knocks will be on it will be on Saturday as usual and it’s going to be an hour like before unlike last year where it was 30 minutes look at the schedule and you’ll see what I’m talking about
Lets hope ur right AndyP …
With the negative publicity of this week, hopefully a six man class can happen but not sure the math could be there?
I stand by my picks but hope a senior is added with Kraft. It would be wild if he didnt make it?
Interesting – if we think of 1/2 show having 20 minutes of content that could work for four (5 min each) but not for five. But still seems like 5 or 6 could be possible – good catch
And We will never know for sure but would be fascinating to know how many votes Bill didn’t get and how many were a strategic move to get seniors elected, how many were SpyGate and how many the only one year wait/could return to NFL factor
There is speculation that Belichick missed it by one vote … not sure if it was confirmed or not?
Reminds me of the crazy comedy Election with Matthew Broderick.
As BB might say … We’re On To Next Year!
Suggesting Bill was short one vote is pure speculation by a voter in that story as no PFHOF voter knows actual no vote count and which voters they are, could have been 2 3 4 etc..not elected only means Bill got AT LEAST 11 no votes. Voter in that story just did what many of us already knew over last two years and did calculation which is to understand the math of 3 out of 5 and the minimum 80% plus at least one gets voted (going to be Kraft)
Still surprised more leaks havent been revealed? Maybe after the HOF made their announcement, more players decided to stay quiet, though they didnt have to. You would think a family member might have blabbed somewhere?
In a weird sort of way, there could be a silver lining with Belichick getting voted in with one of his players rather than Kraft … He could have went in with Vinny but I dont think Vinny will be voted in yet. I still think he could either go in with Gronk or go in next year with Vinny and Gronk go in with Brady? If the Patriots win this SB, it will be a party for a good while …
Every year we think more leaks will come out and every year they don’t. Still kind of amazing but fact they haven’t this year really isn’t different than past – just with Bill we got a big controversial one.
The types of leaks are usually via social media from those not elected or family member, we can get a few of those in days leading up to the announcement (they are not from voters) nor do we tend to get leaks from those elected as they and their close circle respect the ask from the Hall to not post anything before official announcement. BillB is a big leak this year but what we are getting in terms of leaks is the norm….a few
I fully expect Gronk and BillB to be elected next year (AdamV if not this year, soon) and Brady will have no problems in 2028-as anyone thinking that because BillB was not 1st ballot the voters will punish Brady the same is nuts-and they don’t understand the reasons why a voter may not have placed BillB on their ballot this election-reasons that do not apply to Brady.
So over next few years the sting that Patriots fans and their local media feel over the exclusion of BillB in class of 2025, will fade with five members of their 2000s dynasty elected by 2028.
Paul I think Adam Vinatieri may wait awhile but we’ll just see
It’s possible – especially if we get just 3 or 4 but last year he made final 7 first year on ballot, could be this year but has part next few elections.
Has path next few years as room if we get per year 2027 Gronk BenR AP + 1, 2028 Watt Donald + 1 or 2
2029 Brady +Kelce? + 1 or 2
Isnt Brady 2028 Paul?
Paul Tom Brady’s isn’t eligible till 2028 and Aaron Donald isn’t eligible till 2029
Paul Tom Brady isn’t eligible till 2028 and Aaron Donald isn’t eligible till 2029
Sorry for posting this again had to fix something
My typo
2028 Brady Watt
2029 Donald Klece
Reporting from ESPN that Kraft didn’t make it either.
That means that Craig, Greenwood, and/or Anderson are in.
Turney labeled Craig the favorite, but there has been a lot of mentions of Greenwood.
Therefore, it will probably be Anderson. What a year?
Maybe it’s a conspiracy by the voters to elect Brady, Belichick and and Kraft at the same time, since they seem to like to argue about who was most responsible for what (at least the media seems to like to argue it).
I doubt that’s the strategy but it’s clear enough voters prioritized seniors in part as means to protest the stupid rules of 3 competing for 5 slots, which the Hall will be forced to fix as without a direct path to election future coaches and contributors including Bill and Kraft would risk being left out again
Morning, Everyone. Just got back from a week’s vacation so I am getting caught up on all this HOF hub-hub as we get closer to Thursday.
All I can say is WOW, sounds like the voters were upset with all the mess the HOF themselves caused with this new rule change as of 2025 and due to this no BB and no RK.
So, if BB is out and RK is out, then that leaves the Seniors. I would not be surprised to see all three in, since the voters said we can only vote for three out of the five. Did they all go with them since they have all waited so long? I think so.
So, I think Craig, Anderson and Greenwood get in plus Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Torry Holt and Luke Keckley. 7-man class.
The HOF needs to fix this, put the moderns back to how they were (5), 2 Seniors and one C or C, put them together and they do not complete with anyone else. Hopefully, this will get the HOF to fix their mess, the voters voted for the Seniors it seems, in mass.
I do agree with you, Paul, this will force changes. The rule is stupid and they need to fix it, but it could keep ALL C and C out until they do.
I think math only gets us to max class of 5 (could again be 4 if AdamV is not in)
Brees,Fitz,AdamV,LukeK,Craig
here is how election math hurts more than one senior..we know one of five is elected as that is min, they don’t even need 40, Bill and Kraft are not in hence did not receive most voters of the 5
could look like Craig 38, Bill 37, Kraft 36 = only 39 votes left split between Anderson and LC, hence no other seniors got in..
its important to remember that for every vote Bill and Kraft got those are essentially taken away and wasted, leaving fewer for others
It would be extremely unlikely to get all 3 seniors in as at least 20+ (not sure of the exact number off the top of my head) have already said they voted for Bill. Even if all 3 sneaked in with 40 votes it would mean Kraft received only a handful of votes.
Changes will thankfully come from this.
no way three seniors get elected (just look at the math I presented above, Kraft and Bill take up votes that get wasted, not available for others..meaning there is not enough votes remaining to elect 3 seniors..willing to bet both Kraft and Bill each cleared at least 35 votes, thats 70 of the 150 gone, just leaves 80 and we know min one is elected who has most votes (does not need 40) so lets say Craig got 37, only 43 are left for LC and Anderson to split and they need 40 each….
and will be great discussion and speculation for next several months until Hall board has annual meeting in Canton in early August before enshrinement of class of 2026 as that is point at which they could announce changes to the election rules-pretty sure there will be but many different options there, Hall wants small classes but going to get pressure to have direct path for senior,coach and contributor-thats hard to do and keep to classes of 4 or 5
Well said, Paul. I’m still holding out hope for five moderns–I know it is foolish. But if the voters were much more aware of the results of the new voting system, it is entirely possible that they emphasized building a consensus in the vote from 7 to 5. Nothing against that in the rules.
Sando’s pick-six article from yesterday emphasized that there were a group of electors who wanted to prioritize the candidates with the “longest” waits. He mentioned this in the context of the seniors/coach/contributor category, but it could apply equally to the moderns. With that in mind, and building off of something Brian suggested, maybe Fitzgerald doesn’t make it. His counting stats are significantly greater than Holt’s (particularly TDs), but the “per game” states favor Holt (particularly yards and yards/rec).
Maybe we get something like the following:
Brees (no one is denying him 1st ballot)
Holt (instead of Fitzgerald)
Kuechly
Woodson
Vinatieri
Craig (senior candidate)
Not impossible.
That said, I’ll still go with my original prediction: Brees, Fitzgerald, Kuechly, Belichick, and Kraft.
Already know that 2 are wrong…
Sando was referring to the specific strategy of some voters to prioritize long waiting seniors over the coach and contributor they were competing directly with for election.
I simply don’t think same view/approach will apply to moderns, yes voters are often aware of finalists still waiting (and those reaching end of modern eligibility) but do I think that means Holt replaces Fitz-a member of the NFL 100th anniversary team…No
suspect moderns will come down to if its just three (Brees/Fitz/LukeK) or four (with Adam, Holt,Woodson in the mix)
Surprised that Kraft didnt just mention he himself was not elected? I guess he felt he needed to stay silent.
Thinking Greenwood and Craig elected now … That would be real tough for Anderson, who keeps getting closer …
Brian if Craig or greenwood got in ill be happy im.hoping for greenwood
Paul: Generally, I agree with your handicapping (which is entirely in line with my long-standing predictions), but there is something really strange about this year. And while Sando, as we both noted, was generally discussing the seniors/coaches/contributors pool, he did also mention Eric Allen–specifically characterizing him as being elected over Luke Kuechly who Sando described as “clearly a stronger candidate.” The more I think about it, the greater the chance I see of more surprises.
Eric Allen was 19th year as modern finalist – that was factor last year – no one 2026 is facing that (except Woodson in 18th yr)
I want to know who these sources are if they’re voters they need to be removed
I’m holding my breast this isn’t true
Breath sorry
Andy P – the sources are Belichick and Kraft (or people close to them). It can’t be voters–they don’t have the information. The only other people that know are the accounting firm and the HOF’s staff. TheyIf they are leaking anything, it may cost them their jobs. But it has nothing to do with integrity of the vote.
Sorry Andy P … it will happen soon
Every finalist is told whether they are elected or not, those not are called about week after election. Those elected are surprised by the filming of the knock videos around weekend of conference championship games. So by last week any one of them or their friends and family who know could leak to press.
Let me make this clear – voters don’t know the results and won’t until announcement at NFL Honors show
Appreciate the clarification Paul your the voice of reason that I can respect
Have had on occasion over the years had great fortune to chat with voters, one just recently. One gains some insights on how they view candidates and process without specifics of votes and voting which I can respect
Completey understand what you just said Paul 100%
Brian yeah great so what I wanted Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick to go in first so they could knock on the door of Rob Gronkowski in 2027 and Tom Brady in 2028 and introduce them at NFL Honors now that’s never going to happen
Paul I couldn’t agree with Robert more
You know what I do the Tuesday and Wednesday before NFL Honors before going to bed I watch every previous Hall of Fame announcement from 2014 to the last year on Tuesday I watch the announcements from 2014 to 2019 on Wednesday I watch the announcements from 2020 to the last year I started this tradition a couple of years ago
Robert Kraft isn’t elected in his first year of eligibility. Yahoo Sports calls it a snub. How important is the Owner to a Team’s success? Should any Owner be given a first ballot honor?
These are the Owners who were elected on a first ballot.
George Halas 1963 Chicago Bears
Bert Bell 1963 Philadelphia Eagles
Tim Mara 1963 New York Giants
George Preston Marshall 1963 Washington Redskins
Paul Brown 1967 Cleveland Browns
Al Davis 1992 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders
Jerry Jones 2017 Dallas Cowboys
I would separate Davis and Jones really the only two. Was Paul Brown a snub?
Does anyone know how many other Owner’s didn’t make the final cut like Kraft?
Based on the above list being correct I guess we can assume these Owners came close before their actual election. Hard to know with the election process changing over the years?? You guys would know better than me.
Charles Bidwell (Cardinals)
Pat Bowlen (Denver Broncos)
Paul Brown (Cleveland Browns/Cincinnati Bengals)
Eddie DeBartolo Jr. (San Francisco 49ers)
Lamar Hunt (Kansas City Chiefs)
Wellington Mara (New York Giants)
Dan Reeves (Los Angeles Rams)
Dan Rooney (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Tex Schramm (Dallas Cowboys)
Ralph Wilson (Buffalo Bills)
Owners don’t have to retire to be eligible so they are always under consideration. Therefore we can’t really count them as first ballot eligibles.
Al Davis was elected as a 7-time finalist (1992) though that was when owners, coaches and executives were included with the modern era candidates.
Also elected when competing with modern era candidates before a separate contributors category was introduced in 2015.
Lamar Hunt (1972) – 1st time finalist
Wellington Mara (1997) – 2nd time as a finalist after missing out in 1992.
Dan Rooney (2000) – 3rd time as finalist
Ralph Wilson (2009) – 3rd time
When the new separate category was introduced for contributors, Eddie DeBartolo Jr was the first owner to be elected in 2016. That was his 4th time as a finalist with the previous three under the old system, Since then, Jerry Jones and Pat Bowlen were elected when “contributors” was a separate standalone category. Robert Kraft is the first owner nominated (and rejected) under the current system of coaches/contributors/seniors.
I should note both Jones and Bowlen were 1st time finalists, but were not competing against other candidates and just needed a yes vote of 80%.
In perhaps the strangest potential leak yet, Kay Adams while interviewing Jed York yesterday asked a question that seemed to indicate Gore didn’t make the hall of fame but Craig did. Jed then answered the question as if Craig was, in fact, elected. Could be they are both assuming something. Or perhaps it is already an open secret at the Super Bowl who made the Hall this year.
The candidates are all told in advance (weeks before) of official announcement on NFL honors show this Thursday evening so yes leaks occur
Justin i think it was a question about whether Craig and gore were deserving not if Craig got in
Interesting. Not how it is being reported, but could easily be clickbait. Thanks, Robert
My pleasure Justin glad to help anytime
Sometimes when John Turney makes a “prediction” he may have inside knowledge but I dont know for sure … he thinks its Craig.
Of all of those owners you mentioned Tony P, except Schramm, who was a GM, the only ones I agreed with making the HOF were Paul Brown –as a coach– and Lamar Hunt. I do agree with Davis, that BoKnows34 mentioned.
AndyP … I still believe Belichick could introduce Gronk, Brady or Vinny … we may have to wait on Kraft though?
Turney has often dropped hints but also very careful and he has admitted to not having perfect inside knowledge, and since serving as a member of one of the BRP (but not voting member of the selection committee) he has been more quiet about Hall stuff. Plus Talk of Fame had become his main venue for Hall discussions, its end has removed the higher profile means he and Judge had to share ideas on candidates, the Hall and elections.
Its really tough to compare current path/results of elections for coaches and contributors over the decades of election, as many here have already pointed out, the election rules and their “path” to election have changed so much, and yes contributors have never had a waiting period so for most its impossible to determine when their first ballot was, and for coaches that waiting period was one year for decades, changed to five years in early 2000s and just recently reverted back to one year.
BTW the Hall did confirm recently that a coach must “sit” out an entire season before eligible to be a candidate. Anyone saying today that Mike Tomlin (if he does not return to NFL coach by 2026 season) would then be eligible for class of 2027 is WRONG…he would need not coach the entire 2026 season to then become eligible for class of 2028
Frank Gote just said that Roger Craig got elected.
The new HOFers will already be in town for tomorrow’s announcement so it would not be a surprise if people reported they saw Larry Fitzgerald, LC Greenwood or Drew Brees in town and staying at the NFL’s hotel for guests.
Be very careful with those “hints” as we had reports last year (that were true) of DWoodson, AdamV and THolt in town for SB media related activities-some assumed that meant they were elected-which of course was not true. Dozens of former players appear at social and media events SB week
with one of group of 5 to be elected (that is minimum requirement under the election rules) and seems like BillB and Kraft were not, makes sense the Roger Craig was-likely has broader support from the voters than KAnderson and LC Greenwood.
could be class of 2025 all over again-only one from group of 5 elected is one senior…..
NBC Bay Area is now reporting Roger Craig was elected
I’m actually happy for roger Craig he deserves it in my opinion
While my feelings on Craig have been expressed many times on this site, the time for quibbling has passed. Happy for him and his family as I am for all HOFers. One less candidate in the queue.
Boknows you forgot LC Greenwood died in 2013
Brian wait on Kraft why
Andy you probably are wondering my thoughts on roger Craig getting in
Upton Bell says the Pro Football Hall of Fame should be sponsored by a funeral home given the number of posthumous elections
Haha good one Andy. Thanks for the clarification Boknows. Yes, I’m happy for Roger Craig. He was sitting on the fence for years!!
I don’t know about Gore. I have an issue with players who because they had “great” reliability, toughness and was a good RB it then equals being a HOFer. Gore only had one sensational year. Would I want him on my team heck ya. Is he a HOFer IMO no. I know if you just look at his career totals he has an argument. I know I might be accused of splitting hair. lol There are better RB’s waiting who I don’t hear about.
Andy P … we can never really know how much support Kraft is getting?
This was his big chance since he got the contributor endorsement. We know Belichick and Craig probably got more votes. I really dont feel he would get in before Belichick anyway. We will see by 2028. The rules will change by then.
I am happy for Craig, who may not have had eye-opening statistics but had two things in his favor — a complete back who did it all and his vital role in helping them win three championships. He shouldnt be penalized for being used more as a receiver.
Can Greenwood or Anderson get another bite of the apple?
Lets hope we get 4-5 more tomorrow …
Brian if only the process hadn’t changed we’ll find out tomorrow if it’s true do you agree with what Upton Bell said
I don’t worry about Kraft or Belichick as no other contributor or coach will be finalist until they are elected first – willing to bet hall moves fast this August with rules changes for 2027 that assures they both get in
Didn’t you say andy that the knock show would be an hour long if I recall
Brian why do you really feel Robert Kraft wouldn’t get in before Bill Belichick
Paul I hope so
Robert yeah that’s right
‘Tis the day boys
One surprise would be great … Woodson, Witten, Holt, Vinny, Suggs?
Okay leak sleuths … Do Your Thing!
we very well might still get one…possible Holt or Woodson?
AdamV was in final 7 last year so his selection would be less of a surprise to me
its always that last slot (4th or 5th) thats a challenge- Was Eric Allen last year
Good morning, Gentleman! Today is the big day, and looking forward to the show tonight. Based on all the information we now have, what are your final picks?
My Class of 2026:
Drew Brees
Larry Fritzgerald
Torry Holt
Luke Kueckley
Roger Craig
LC Greenwood
Here is wishing good luck to all, hoping this will make the HOF change these utterly stupid rules and everyone has a good night.
Brees,Fitz,LukeK,AdamV,Craig – class of 5
if we are allowed to amend in light of news reports, I’ll go with:
Brees, Fitzgerald, Kuechly, Holt, Craig
Are we seeing any confirmed news reports (not media or fan speculation posted on social media) for Kuechly or Holt??
Nothing. Sorry if my last email was confusing. I was trying to say that I’ll drop Belichick and Kraft from my prediction if we are allowed given the numerous reports that they were not elected this year.
Although I just saw an article confirming that Kuechly is in San Francisco. This proves nothing, but is consistent with him being elected. If he were anywhere else, it would be pretty good evidence he wasn’t elected.
well again lets remember both AdamV and Holt were in NOLA last year for media and company related events and appearances (but I would say Luke election is very likely, less sure about AdamV or Holt)
Could ProFootballTalk know something? They did an article about Vrabel discussing Vinatieri, it seemed out of left field?
Vinny Vichy Verde ?
PFT could definitely know something, but the article was a result of Vrabel talking about Adam V, which is not at all surprising given he is a finalist and there have been a lot of Patriots HOF drama. I’m not reading into it, but anything is possible.
Vinni Vidi Vici! haha
Reminder guys the Class of 2026 will be announced at NFL Honors starting at 9 pm on NBC like all of you I’ll be watching can’t wait for the announcement
Brees, Fitzgerald, Kuechly, Woodson, Craig
Bo knows didn’t they say a while back Woodson wasn’t elected
Woodson made post soon after election meeting thanking everyone who supported his case – left tone and impression that perhaps he wasn’t elected but no one knows for sure
Without Talk of Fame forum Clark Judge doesn’t have that platform to post his usual very informative election story soon after results official. I found out another blog will be posting his story – will post leak here as soon as I can later tonight as I know you all also enjoy it and look forward to his insights
Thanks, Paul.
Question for paul: of vinateri is elected would he be the second pure kicker elected within his first two years of eligibility joining stenerud
Robert Ewing: yes. Morten Anderson was a three time finalist and one time semifinalist.
Jan Stenerud was (unbelievably) a first ballot selection. The entire modern class was: Earl, John Hannah, and Tex Schramm (sort of).
I’m expecting Woodson to get that late push before his eligibility expires. But in all likelihood it’ll be next year or 2028.
Appreciate the clarification Justin couldn’t quite remember
Any time. Just happy my spreadsheet is good for something
I like Boknows picks. On a side note, Shedeur Sanders is on his way with his first Pro Bowl. LOL!
Apparently the Super Bowl currently has a “Congrats Drew” projection on it. Same assumption, but I really hope they have some inside info.
Super Dome (fat thumbs)
Organizations know
1/2 hr until show starts – seems like good point for us to remember for next year – we only have one confirmed elected (Craig) and no leaks about modern elected
Next year first timers include Roethlisberger and Gronkowski
And Peterson, Sherman, and Whitworth. Loaded class
Already been pondering class of 2027 a lot depends on those in final 7 not elected this year but already considering just 2 first ballot again next year …
It should be Peterson and Gronk but I predict Gronk will go in with Brady in 2028. Hopefully Witten and Woodson get their chance in 2027, if not this year?
I dont think Big Ben gets in first ballot.
Gronk and AP are locks. Sherman is close. Big Ben will get QB (and Steeler) bump. Will be difficult for returning finalists without some change to the voting process.
Thinking 2027 moderns are Gronk AP and two returning 2026 final 7
Vinny !!
Congratulations to Brees, Fitz, Kuechly, Vinatieri and Craig!
A five man class is better than four!
Does Vinny’s election predict a NE SB win? I think they upset the Seahawks but I am pulling for Seattle
Holt falls back to 11-15 with Williams Evans Wayne Eli….Yanda and Suggs (surprise) join WAnderson in final 7 …leaving Gore Witten Woodson in 10-8 (Woodson stuck there for third consecutive election)
The cut downs are surprising to me (big big big step back for Holt):
Eliminated in cut down to 10: Evans, Holt, Manning, Wayne, and Kevin Williams
Eliminated in cut down to 7: Gore, Witten, and Woodson
Failing to get 80%: Anderson, Suggs, and Yanda.
Happy for Suggs. At least someone I strongly support is moving in the correct direction.
That said, with the strong first year class, hard to see many of the unelected moving to enshrinement any time son.
https://www.football-learning-academy.com/pages/blog?p=pro-football-hall-of-fame-wrap-class-of-2026
Clark judge summary
Great class have zero objections at the class about time for roger craig
My way too early 2027 predictions: Gronk, Adrian Peterson,Terrell Suggs, Darren Woodson, Bill Belichick
Thanks Paul … wasnt sure where Clark Judge had safe harbor. Surprised he isnt on Gosselin’s site which is bombarded with foreign ads and junk …
Still glad Witten made Top 10 … I say he is elected by 2028.
Robert, has there ever been a class with two TEs elected?
We may have to revisit the Stafford HOF thread … MVP, 1st team AP All-Pro and SB gives him some new bite to the apple!
Brian: No. 2 TEs have never been elected in the same year:
Ditka – 1988
Mackey – 1992
Smith – 1994
Winslow – 1995
Newsome – 1999
Casper – 2002
Sanders – 2007
Sharpe – 2011
Gonzalez – 2019
Gates – 2025
Well Andy P … you have to be happy for Vinatieri
Thanks Justin …
Has to be agonizing for Wayne and especially Holt, but with receiver teammates in the HOF, they simply have to keep waiting. With Fitzgerald getting elected, its doubtful former teammate Boldin advances far as well. Interesting that Yanda advanced ahead of Evans, who I felt was better …
Congrats to all 5. All well deserved.
Next year looks loaded again. Hopefully Woodson gets in his penultimate year and avoids a nervous last chance. Gronk and AP 1st ballot guys and hopefully changes made to the voting system.
Matt Stafford took another huge step to Canton and has punched his ticket 100%. And he’ll be back next season. If the Rams win it he’s definitely going out like Elway.
The only senior I supported (Craig) made it. I wonder what DE in the HOF has the fewest sacks? Dan Hampton? I’m disappointed for Darren Woodson. Vinateria is a popular choice though. I didn’t think Larry Fitzgerald was a 1st ballot HOFer so I was wrong. I did know he was one of the most popular stars with the media for his whole career so not surprised.
Stafford beat Maye 366-361. And 24-23 in 1st place votes.
I was disappointed Belichick or another senior didnt get elected but it was smart to get Vinny and Kuechly voted in. I agree, TonyP, I didnt believe Fitzgerald would get 1st ballot selection, but with Boldin not advancing far, he had a clearer path. I truly feel we will get easily six next year with more procedure changes but will the HOF continue the seniors/coaches/contributor committees?
I think Hampton had less than Seymour but more sacks in postseason, TonyP? They both played mostly at DT though …
Would have to look for the fewest sacks for a pure DE but even if its Selmon from TB, he was a 34 DE.
I’ll be honest Tony P Roger Craig was the only senior i
fully supported 100% glad to see the wait for craig is over
There are brief clips of the door knocks on the PFHOF social media sites.
Adam V – Morten Andersen
Brees – Dan Fouts
Fitzgerald – Randy Moss
Luke K – Julius Peppers
Craig- Ronnie Lott and Charles Haley.
Just speculation here but if hall continues to focus on smaller classes they could modify rules to allow direct non-competing path to election for 1 senior and I coach/contributor (rotate each year) plus max 4 moderns – gets class of 6
There should be at least two senior players per year. A whole lot more of them deserving than coaches and contributors. And should be a simple yes or no vote with a certain percentage required for election.
Good morning, Everyone
While I am disappointed in the small class, agian, it is a good one and much better then last year.
What does everyone think? Do you think HOF makes changes to the rules for 2027 and beyond? I just do not think this is working.
I think 4 moderns needs to be a must, two seniors and one C/C. No one competes again the other two, it would be a 7 person class max but it would be better than 4 or 5.
I think we get some minor changes but seems hard to believe that hall will flip back to process that creates classes 7+ which means unlikely getting more seniors each year. At this point I would be satisfied with direct no compete path for one senior or one coach/contributor
I know it’s hard to predict Senior Nomiees each year, but would you guys think that Joe Jacoby would have a chance of being the finalist? I think they may pick him because Sharpe and Craig last played in the mid 90s and Jacoby retired after 1993.
Jacoby would be a great senior nominee. As would Wisniewski, Kuechenberg, Kenn, Lewis, Cherry and Hilgenberg. They could put Greenwood or Anderson up again but Belichick probably wont be refused next year. After that is anyones guess but its doubtful that players from the 50s or 60s or early 70s get in.
I think Joe Jacoby would have a great chance
agreed 100% Brian putting up greenwood and anderson again would be a complete waste of time and Votes the names brian listed Cherry Hilgenberg Jacoby Kuecheberg Kenn Lewis Wisnewski would be great names to put up against Belichick another name id like to see go up against belichick would be Harvey Martin