The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced 128 Modern-Era nominees for the Class of 2026, with thirteen are in their first year of eligibility, and what appears to be six players entering their final year of eligibility before moving to the Senior Committee. After last year’s smaller Hall of Fame class, will be interesting to see how the voting process unfolds for 2026.
First-year Nominees
Quarterback leads the way among newcomers with three standouts:
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Drew Brees — Super Bowl XLIV MVP; ranks No. 2 all-time in passing yards and passing TDs. A near guaranteed lock for first year election.
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Philip Rivers — No. 7 all-time in passing yards and No. 6 in TDs, but no Super Bowl success.
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Alex Smith — A #1 overall pick and an all-time comeback story, but likely not a real Hall of Fame threat.
They’re joined by:
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WR: Larry Fitzgerald — No. 2 in career receptions and receiving yards; No. 6 in TDs. Seems likely to join Brees in his first year, but WR often struggle.
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TEs: Jason Witten — No. 4 all-time in receptions and among TE leaders in yards/TDs; Greg Olsen.
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RBs: Frank Gore, LeSean McCoy
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DL: Geno Atkins, Jurrell Casey
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LB: Thomas Davis
Overall a total of 77 offensive, 42 defensive, and 9 special-teams players make the list.
Final Year Nominees
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Randall Cunningham (QB) – 1985-2001 with the Eagles, Vikings, Cowboys & Ravens.
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Ricky Watters (RB) – 1992-2001 with the 49ers, Eagles & Seahawks.
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Steve Wisniewski (G) – 1989-2001 with the Raiders.
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Carnell Lake (DB) – 1989-2001 with the Steelers, Jaguars & Ravens.
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James Hasty (CB) – 1988–2001 with the Jets, Chiefs & Raiders.
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Lee Woodall (LB) – 1994-2001 with the 49ers, Panthers & Broncos.
None of the final year nominees appear to have ever made the finalist stage of the voting.
The Full List
QUARTERBACKS (10): Drew Brees, Randall Cunningham, Jake Delhomme, Rich Gannon, Jeff Garcia, Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb, Steve McNair, Philip Rivers, Alex Smith.
RUNNING BACKS (21): Shaun Alexander, Mike Alstott (FB), Tiki Barber, Larry Centers (FB), Jamaal Charles, Corey Dillon, Warrick Dunn, Arian Foster, Eddie George, Frank Gore, Priest Holmes, Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson, Thomas Jones, Jamal Lewis, Marshawn Lynch, LeSean McCoy, Eric Metcalf (also WR/PR/KR), Lorenzo Neal (FB), Fred Taylor, Ricky Watters.
WIDE RECEIVERS (18): Anquan Boldin, Donald Driver, Larry Fitzgerald, Torry Holt, Chad Johnson, Brandon Lloyd, Brandon Marshall, Derrick Mason, Herman Moore, Muhsin Muhammad, Jordy Nelson, Jimmy Smith, Rod Smith, Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker, Roddy White.
TIGHT ENDS (6): Vernon Davis, Zach Miller, Greg Olsen, Wesley Walls, Delanie Walker, Jason Witten.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (22): Willie Anderson (T), Matt Birk (C), Lomas Brown (T), Ruben Brown (G), Ryan Clady (T), David DeCastro (G), Jahri Evans (G), Jordan Gross (T), Ryan Kalil (C), Olin Kreutz (C), Nick Mangold (C), Logan Mankins (G), Tom Nalen (C), Maurkice Pouncey (C), Jeff Saturday (C), Josh Sitton (G), Joe Staley (T), Brian Waters (G), Richmond Webb (T), Erik Williams (T), Steve Wisniewski (G), Marshal Yanda (G).
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (13): John Abraham (DE also LB), Geno Atkins (DT), Jurrell Casey (DT), Elvis Dumervil (DE), La’Roi Glover (DT/NT), Robert Mathis (DE), Haloti Ngata (DT), Jay Ratliff (DE), Simeon Rice (DE), Justin Smith (DE), Ted Washington (NT/DT), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT), Kevin Williams (DT).
LINEBACKERS (14): NaVorro Bowman, Lance Briggs, Tedy Bruschi, Thomas Davis, James Farrior, London Fletcher, James Harrison, A.J. Hawk, Luke Kuechly, Clay Matthews III, Dat Nguyen, Takeo Spikes, Terrell Suggs, Lee Woodall.
DEFENSIVE BACKS (15): Eric Berry (S), Kam Chancellor (S), Nick Collins (S), DeAngelo Hall (DB), Rodney Harrison (S), James Hasty (CB), Carnell Lake (DB), Allen Rossum (DB), Asante Samuel (CB), Patrick Surtain (CB), Earl Thomas (S), Charles Tillman (CB), Troy Vincent (CB), Adrian Wilson (S), Darren Woodson (S).
PUNTERS/KICKERS (7): David Akers (K), Gary Anderson (K), Jason Hanson (K), John Kasay (K), Sean Landeta (P), Shane Lechler (P), Adam Vinatieri (K).
SPECIAL TEAMS (2): Josh Cribbs (KR/PR also WR), Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB).
What happens next (dates to watch)
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Mid-October: Screening Committee trims 128 to 50 (plus ties)
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Late fall: Selection Committee narrows to 25 Semifinalists.
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Ahead of Super Bowl LX: Final cut to 15 Modern-Era Player Finalists and in-room debates. Under Hall bylaws, the Class of 2026 will include 3–5 Modern-Era inductees.
Early storylines
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Brees & Fitzgerald look like chalk: Résumés with historic volume and longevity usually land first-ballot traction.
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The Rivers argument: Elite counting stats vs. ring résumé. Expect heated committee debate.
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Tight-end traffic: Witten and Olsen enter the list together, vote-splitting among TEs could influence who reaches the finalist room, although Witten has the stronger case.
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Trenches matter: Pouncey/DeCastro (OL) and Atkins/Casey (DL) bring Pro Bowl/All-Pro heft that often earns momentum.
- Returning finalists: Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, Steve Smith Sr., Terrell Suggs, Fred Taylor, Adam Vinatieri, Reggie Wayne, Darren Woodson & Marshall Yanda.
We’ll update this post when the Top 50 drops in mid-October and again when the 25 Semifinalists are announced—plus a full breakdown of finalist cases ahead of Super Bowl week.
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cool..love the new topic and all the details—very nice job….also note that the players from the class of 2025 final seven not elected (Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri) will automatically advance to each round including as 2026 finalists-that’s a new revision to the election rules.
Good call Paul–I vaguely remember someone (probably you) mentioning that before, but I have had trouble keeping up with all the new rule changes…
no problem-there have been plenty of changes and not always easy keeping track
and again nice job with this page–liking all the details and lists, helpful to have as intro and all in one place
Thanks Tony … great setup.
Glad for the 13 new nominees.
Only 128 Nominees this time.
with only 128 nominees, could be that the Hall is exercising it’s ability to remove any nominee that they deem as having no “reasonable chance of eventual Hall of Fame election” (from revised 2024 Hall election bylaws). that seems reasonable as long as that interpretation does not harm a candidate who might have a chance..its another reason that over the summer the 50 member selection committee (voters) can review two previous drafts of the preliminary list before it is finalized
I dunno Paul … maybe there were just alot less write-in ballots this year for moderns and seniors compared to last year.
You still have these players making a preliminary list …
Jake Delhomme — no Tony Romo?
Jeff Garcia
Brandon Lloyd
Jordy Nelson
Delanie Walker — no Heath Miller?
Zack Miller ?
Jordan Gross
Jurrell Casey
Jay Ratcliff
AJ Hawk
Dat Nguyen
Lee Woodall
Nick Collins
Still, glad the fans, or other writers, followers, have these write-in votes to give these good but not great players, a spotlight, though they have no chance at election.
Sometimes you have to wonder with these lists if certain players arent added to create more competition or cancelling out other players from a certain group like say, offensive linemen or defensive tackle, though the best players usually stand out.
I feel whoever made this list confused Heath Miller with Zack Miller. As usual, there are players that should have made the list but didnt but it might have had 170 eligibles. I know, its a funny thing with me, but I dont like to see worthy candidates omitted, mistaken or forgotten.
The biggest omission compared to last year was Darren Sproles not making the list. With Devin Hester getting elected, I feel it shuts the door on other worthy special teams candidates and Sproles was a great player who epitomized all-purpose ability.
They may not ever get elected, but omitting Erik Williams, Demaryius Thomas, Irving Fryar, Clinton Portis, Ricky Williams, Willie McGinest, Henry Thomas, Clyde Simmons, Aqib Talib amongst others for this list, seems a little short-sided … okay, I will stop.
I am hearing from folks who submitted nominations (that met the minimum requirements) that did not end up on lists-suggesting to me the Hall is removing some they deem having no chance at eventual election.
And agree if one (anyone for that matter) has strong feelings about a player deserving of nomination we will need to submit that nomination and not depend on or expect a voter to
next steps should be announcement of the 25 contributors semi-finalists and 12 coach semi-finalists in mid October (along with announcement of 50 modern players and 25 seniors)..last year those four announcements all came out 2nd and 3rd weeks in October)
9xAllPro Shane Lechler (P), <<<< belongs in the final 15.
8xAllPro Steve Wisniewski (G), <<<< belongs in the final 15.
7xAllPro Marshal Yanda (G). <<<< belongs in the final 15.
7xAllPro Luke Kuechly (LB) <<<< automatically advances to the final 15.
6xAllPro Logan Mankins (G), <<<< belongs in the final 15.
6xAllPro David Akers (K), <<<< belongs in the final 15.
5xAllPro Vince Wilfork (DT/NT), <<<< only 6 of 10 belong in the final 15. Won 2 Super Bowls.
5xAllPro Lomas Brown (T), <<<< only 6 of 10 belong in the final 15. Won 1 Super Bowl.
5xAllPro Jahri Evans (G), <<<< only 6 of 10 belong in the final 15. Won 1 Super Bowl.
5xAllPro Haloti Ngata (DT), <<<< only 6 of 10 belong in the final 15. Won 1 Super Bowl.
5xAllPro Earl Thomas (S), <<<< only 6 of 10 belong in the final 15. Won 1 Super Bowl.
5xAllPro Drew Brees (QB), <<<< only 6 of 10 belong in the final 15. Won 1 Super Bowl.
4xAllPro Willie Anderson (T), <<<< automatically advances to the final 15.
3xAllPro Adam Vinatieri (K) <<<< automatically advances to the final 15.
2xAllPro Torry Holt (WR), <<<< automatically advances to the final 15.
Heres my Modern Cutdown to 50
1. John Abraham
2. Willie Anderson
3. Geno Atkins
4. Tiki Barber
5. Anquan Boldin
6. Drew Brees
7. Lance Briggs
8. Ruben Brown
9. Corey Dillon
10. Jahiri Evans
11. London Fletcher
12. Eddie George
13. La’Roi Glover
14. Frank Gore
15. James Harrison
16. Larry Fitzgerald
17. Rodney Harrison
18. Torry Holt
19. Ryan Kalil
20. Olin Kruetz
21. Luke Kuechley
22. Shane Lechler
23. Logan Mankins
24. Robert Mathis
25. Eli Manning
26. LeSean Mccoy
27. Tom Nalen
28. Haloti Ngata
29. Greg Olsen
30. Maurkice Pouncey
31. Simeon Rice
32. Philip Rivers
33. Justin Smith
34. Steve Smith SR
35. Joe Staley
36. Terrell Suggs
37. Fred Taylor
38. Earl Thomas
39. Adam Vinatieri
40. Troy Vincent
41. Hines Ward
42. Ricky Watters
43. Reggie Wayne
44. Richmond Webb
45. Vince Wilfork
46. Kevin Williams
47. Steve Wisniewski
48. Jason Witten
49. Darren Woodson
50. Marshal Yanda
Youre right Robert … just missed him on the list.
Not sure how anyone creates a final 15 for class of 2026 that does not have Jason Witten (and also willing to bet Frank Gore makes that list and maybe even Phillip Rivers ) plus besides those – really hard to believe any player who was not semifinalist(25) last year is going to make final 15 for class of 2025
1. OT Willie Anderson 23F15 24F10 25F7
2. QB Drew Brees 1st ballot
3. OG Jari Evans 24F15 25F10
4. WR Larry Fitzgerald 1st ballot
5. WR Torry Holt 23F10 24F10 25F7
6. RB Frank Gore 1st ballot
7. LB Luke Kuechy 25F7
8. QB Eli Manning 25F15
9. QB Philip Rivers 1st ballot
10. LB Terrell Suggs 25F15
11. K Adam Vinateri 25F7
12. WR Reggie Wayne 23F10 24F15 25F15
13. TE Jason Witten 1st ballot
14. S Darren Woodson 23F15 24F10 25F10
15. OG Marshal Yanda 25F10
would be great to see Ricky Watters and Steve Wisniewski make final 15 for first time (and last year as modern candidates) so they have their cases presented and discussed by voters and perhaps they do—-but boy its going to be tough for them to fit in there as what I presented there is a pretty solid final 15. May Gore or Rivers don’t get to final 15 or Suggs is pushed off….
Gotcha Brian, Paul this going to be one of the toughest final 15’s in recent memory who will make it honestly i have no idea
Robert totally
I think we will see 3-4 first ballot plus return of those who made final 10 last year (7)..so that gets us to 10 or 11, then the key question is of those returning from 11-15 last year (5) are they all going to make it back? Still think we could get 12 or 13 correct but last 3 or 4 likely unpredictable
could look something list this:
2026 Final 15 (predictions)
1. OT Willie Anderson 23F15 24F10 25F7
2. QB Drew Brees 1st ballot
3. OG Jari Evans 24F15 25F10
4. WR Larry Fitzgerald 1st ballot
5. WR Torry Holt 23F10 24F10 25F7
6. RB Frank Gore 1st ballot
7. LB Luke Kuechy 25F7
8. QB Eli Manning 25F15
9. QB Philip Rivers 1st ballot
10. LB Terrell Suggs 25F15
11. K Adam Vinateri 25F7
12. WR Reggie Wayne 23F10 24F15 25F15
13. TE Jason Witten 1st ballot
14. S Darren Woodson 23F15 24F10 25F10
15. OG Marshal Yanda 25F10
(left out Fred Taylor…but could be Suggs)…key could be whether Rivers makes final 15-if so its going to cost a returning 2025 finalist-Taylor or Suggs…if a returning 25 semifinalist can make leap to final 15-seems unlikely-but that would take spot of another returning finalist, so for 14 slots I don’t think its hard to come up with that list-last one will be uncertain and Rivers is the key to that uncertainty
and only ones I would see making jump from semi-finalist to 2026 finalist could be Ricky Watters or Steve Wisniewski (both have 2026 as last year as modern candidates) or Richmond Webb (who appears to have some momentum) but as I note its going to be tough and even Watters and Wis are not assured as other last year modern candidates in recent years (Neil Smith) never did…its directly related to voters electing a class of 2025 with just 3 moderns and not 5, thus leaving 2 to return in 2026 ballot as finalists
ahhhh October-perhaps cooler days and leaves change color, pro and college football well underway–while we await (and hope for) five (5) PFHOF election results announcements…..
and on another Hall note, horrible leg injury for Tyreek Hill, ends his season and places his future as player much in doubt (will never have the same speed and power off that leg) and at 32 next season, is it over?
Right now stands at nine full seasons, three with 110+ receptions, has SB ring, 6 AP all pro teams (5x first team with 3 as WR and 1 as flex), 2010s all decade team..checks a lot of the boxes voters look for, but short peak, decline starting last season (plus many off the field issues there)
So what are his realistic PFHOF chances? I suspect based purely on that resume he eventually gets in, but the end of career will have some voters less excited about his case when first appears on ballot (and if its 2031 that could be loaded ballot-Rodgers, Von Miller, TKelce) might have more uncertainly and longer wait then perhaps one thought a few years ago
correction-6 announcements
2nd week of Oct: 25 contributors semifinalists, 12 coach semifinalists
3rd week of Oct: 25 seniors semifinalists, 50 modern semifinalists
4th week of Oct; 9 contributors semifinalists, 9 coach semifinalists
But reminder these dates are not “set in stone”, nor confirmed by Hall which has no predetermined schedule of announcements, depends on when votes come in and are totaled and when PR staff gets around to preparing the press releases.. but by end of month we should expect to see these
damn it…the list of 50+ ties (was 60) seniors, first step of voting from senior preliminary list was released Oct 3rd last year..ugg another announcement to expect this month
heres my list of 50 seniors plus 10 ties
1. Dick Anderson
2. Ken Anderson
3. Bruce Armstrong
4. Dick Barwegan
5. Maxie Baughan
6. Cornelius Bennett
7. Bill Bergey
8. Bobby Boyd
9. Dave Brown
10. Larry Brown
11. Joey Browner
12. Ed Budde
13. Mark Clayton
14. Gary Collins
15. Charlie Conerly
16. Roger Craig
17. Mike Curtis
18. Lavvie Dilweg
19. Ox Emerson
20. Pat Fischer
21. Chuck Foreman
22. Joe Fortunato
23. Larry Grantham
24. Dave Grayson
25. L.C. Greenwood
26. Lester Hayes
27. Charley Hennigan
28. Jay Hilgenberg
29. Chris Hinton
30. Billy Howton
31. Cecil Isbell
32. Harold Jackson
33. Joe Jacoby
34. Billy “White Shoes” Johnson
35. Lee Roy Jordan
36. Mike Kenn
37. Bob Kuechenberg
38. Warren Lahr
39. Verne Lewellen
40. Albert Lewis
41. Jim Marshall
42. Riley Matheson
43. Clay Matthews Jr
44. Eddie Meador
45. Stanley Morgan
46. Tommy Nobis
47. Lemar Parrish
48. Jimmy Patton
49. Art Powell
50. Dick Schafrath
51. Jake Scott
52. Del Shofner
53. Neil Smith
54. Bill Stanfill
55. Bob Talamini
56. Lionel Taylor
57. Otis Taylor
58. Everson Walls
59. Al Wistert
60. Louis Wright
Hill will get elected Paul … Speed kills and he was one of the primary reasons for Chiefs dominance from 2018-2021. Then All-Pro for the Dolphins coming close to a 2000 yard season. I feel he wont retire and will be back in 2027.
I do feel this will be Travis Kelce’s last season. Hopefully, Derrick Henry will get back on track but alot of injuries on Ravens defense.
likely but my point was that unlike just a few years ago, his path and chances are far less clean and clear…likely facing more uncertainty and longer wait than one would have thought..he’s clearly going to make effort to come back in 2026 (at age 32) if its not until 2027 (age 33) after missing almost two full seasons I would suggest that is very unlikely and if he does it will be no where the same player and impact he once had, at that point its a minor role and just adding seasons without major stats or accomplishments to his resume. Also look at his current contract, Miami has an out during 2026 season off season as he carries huge salary and cap hit in 2026, for this major injury they may decide to part ways (and 2027 is vold year in contract)..I would say his future in league is far more uncertain today-even with a remarkable recovery
50 senior semi-finalists just announced….
https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2025/10/52-seniors-advance-in-voting-process-for-pro-football-hall-of-fame-s-class-of-2026/
got 36 right
No Lewellen, Brito, Emerson, Matheson, Patton, Barwagan and others.
I am happy to see Dick Anderson advance again but no Jake Scott, who would have a better chance at election if he could advance further.
Cecil Isbell once again takes a valued spot away from the ones that I mentioned.
Big omission for me brian would def be George kunz why would they select sisemore over someone like kunz or even walt sweeney i would have rather seen some one like a gary collins or jake scott or even Ox Emerson over Isbell
Kunz is a big omission. He is one of three who reached the next stage last year that couldn’t crack the top 52 this year (along with Plunkett and Emerson). Some new names that I like, especially Walt Sweeney and Jay Hilgenberg. That said, both probably makes Jacoby’s path a little harder, which is a bummer for us Washington fans. Millen is a fun candidate–he was on a lot of winning teams including the 1991 Redskins. But realistically, this should be his peak.
Justin good to see you back where have you been
Thanks, Andy. I usually tend to post less in the “offseason,” but this year I actually needed a break. I found the HOF’s new procedures so disappointing and unnecessary. It didn’t accomplish anything but increase the backlog everyone says they want to reduce. And the new rules don’t assist in getting the best of the best inducted. Instead, the new rules just made unfortunate mathematical problems. Finally, it was also very easily rectified by a simple up/down vote on each candidate after the initial presentations. That way the Hall can guarantee that it is only culling candidates that already have the necessary 80% support—which seemed like the actual point of the process. Sorry to rehash, but wanted to explain why I’ve been away.
But like a bad relationship, I just can’t drop the PFHOF process. There is always someone that replaces my original frustration with Art Monk’s delayed entry. Currently, it is Torry Holt. If he even gets inducted, it would probably shift to Terrell Suggs or Steve Smith. There is always someone I find wrongly under appreciated.
keeping in mind that those doing the screening from 162 to 50 are not PFHOF voters but group of former players and others (whose names are not made public) and it could be that when they see a candidate from last year not advance further in the process (Lewellen, Brito, Emerson, Matheson, Patton, Barwagan, Plunkett, Kunz) they prefer to switch them out for others who have never even been considered – just a thought about possible mindset there
for my final 30 i went with a mix of regular seniors and new seniors
1. Dick Anderson
2. Ken Anderson
3. Maxie Baughan
4. Bobby Boyd
5. Larry Brown
6. Roger Craig
7. Chuck Foreman
8. Larry Grantham
9. L.C. Greenwood
10. Lester Hayes
11. Jay Hilgenberg
12. Chris Hinton
13. Cecil Isbell
14. Harold Jackson
15. Billy “White Shoes Johnson
16. Joe Jacoby
17. Bob Kuechenberg
18. Albert Lewis
19. Jim Marshall
20. Harvey Martin
21. Clay Matthews Jr
22. Eddie Meador
23. Stanley Morgan
24. Tommy Nobis
25. Lemar Parrish
26. Walt Sweeney
27. Steve Tasker
28. Otis Taylor
29. Everson Walls
30. Al Wistert
Justin totally I agree with you the changes were disappointing and unnecessary
next announcements (this week or next) should be 25 contributor semifinalists and 12 coach semifinalists
Paul I hope so
well that would seem to the timely and next ones in the sequence-as to the actual dates of the press releases-as with all of those from the Hall…no one knows…but we are in the peak period of voting and results over next two months, especially through out October
toughest position for next senior cutdown?
since there are not allocated slots by position I don’t think of cutdowns by position but I guess it would be the position with the most on that list of 50???
Robert: OL. A lot of qualified candidates and the seniors committee hasn’t focused there recently compared to, for example, LB and WR.
Robert: After re-reviewing, DB is loaded too.
The following are the 25 seniors I’d like to see advance: QB – K. Anderson; RB – Brown, Craig; WR – Dilweg, Powell, Taylor; OL – Hilgenberg, Jacoby, Kenn, Kuechenberg, Schafrath, Sweeney, Tyrer, Wistert; DL – Greenwood, Martin; LB – Baughan, Grantham, Jordan, Nobis; DB – Boyd, Hayes, Lewis, Meador, Parrish.
after last years debacle of an election, its hard to get very excited by chances for any senior likely fighting Kraft and BillB for a spot in Canton
Paul your right last year’s election was a debacle
Can we please move on about last year and rule changes after a while it gets stale and old
BTW Nominating tyrer was a debacle
Robert I’ll try to move on
Let’s just get ready for another small class and be prepared to be disappointed again
“BTW Nominating tyrer was a debacle” strongly disagree-as he is very deserving and had widespread support from historians and his family members
The only debacle last election was pitting seniors against coach and contributor in a fixed system not to ensure all whom were deserving could be considered and elected but purely attempt to create a class size of 4 or 5
And yes we are heading down same road this election
Yep, not alot of optimism, though I am still hoping somehow, we get 5-6 electees we can all agree with.
I would be happy with at least ONE senior but it wont be a super-senior at that. With the 25-30 semifinalists list coming up, we at least know that four from last year will be replaced.
Plunkett
Sharpe
Emerson
Kunz
Who will replace them? I am hoping it can be Dilweg–just to keep advancing in voters minds–Hilgenberg–though that Bears team has enough players voted in–Parrish–who had Deion Sanders ability–and probably Schafrath, who can replace Kunz. Would like to see Tasker, but I dont think another special teams player will get elected until Vinatieri …
The overrall voters have already rejected Art Powell, Baughan and Tyrer … could any of those three get another chance to break through?
Will Hay, Holmgren and Kraft get their chance again?
Just be prepared for anything with the contributor list Andy P … there might be more head-scratching names added or subtracted from the list. I am personally going to write-in vote for Bernie Parrish and Byron Donzis, next year.
Paul well said
Brian this is going to be a pure and simple answer as to why Art Powell Buddy Parker Maxie Baughan and Ralph Hay weren’t elected Rick Gosselin was right the selection committee has gotten younger not older I doubt all of them get another chance
We know why Jim Tyrer wasn’t elected for obvious reasons I doubt he gets another chance too
I hope Mike Holmgren gets a chance again but we all know Bill Belichick is going to be the coach finalist maybe Mike Holmgren gets a chance again in 2027 followed by Dan Reeves hopefully by then the process will have changed again
I hope Robert Kraft is named the contributor finalist I would love to see him on stage with a gold jacket when I go to Canton in 2028 for Tom Brady’s Hall of Fame induction
I’m prepared for anything with the contributor list I hope to see Clint Murchison and I hope to not see Virginia Halas McCaskey and Doug Williams because what have they done that’s Hall of Fame worthy not much Clint Murchison did much more than them
Did you see my petition to get Clint Murchison in the Pro Football Hall of Fame if not here’s a link
https://www.change.org/p/clint-murchison-for-the-pro-football-hall-of-fame?source_location=topics_page
5 total is possible but math of the election process means 6 is virtually impossible
Six isn’t impossible. It just requires a year where there are a relatively large group of clear cut “favorites” (whether because they are slam dunk first ballot buys or a feeling that it is their year). Eric Allen is a good example of the latter. If the electors were forced to make a definitive ranking of the 1000 greatest players of all time, I’m fairly confident that numerous unelected finalists from last year would be voted over him. However, there was a feeling that it was his year (along with Jared Allen) becuase of his impending move to the senior committee.
Therefore, one of the biggest contributing factors for last year’s small class is that there weren’t any slam dunk candidates, and therefore, votes were more evenly split among a larger group of well qualified candidates (i.e., people favored Holt, Kuechly, and Vinatieri is approximately equal amounts. However, this year Brees and Fitzgerald could easily be unanimous selections. This actually gives a leg up for the next couple guys if the room can galvanize around two or three. The same is even more true in the “non-modern” pool. Belichick and Kraft could, at least in theory, be near unanimous choices as well, regardless of who the senior candidates are. And if there was one senior candidate that was clearly far superior to or less devisive than the two others, then we could see a senior candidate elected with Belichick and Kraft. For example, what if the final three were Albert Lewis, Matt Millen, and Jim Tyrer. One could expect Tyrer’s divisiveness (which I personally disagree with) and Millen’s lack of resume to widely loss out to Albert Lewis, Belichick, and Kraft. Suddenly we have a full three-person non-modern election.
This isn’t impossible. It is just probably improbable. The reason it “feels” impossible is that the voting procedures are all still new. The Panel has not yet adjusted to the process. In effect, the selectors were the proverbial “generals still fighting the last war” rather than appreciating that the situation had dramatically changed and new voting patterns were necessary. And this is the most significant change that would be helpful: a change of mindset recognizing that the “selection” meeting is no longer a true “winnowing” process–i.e., 15 to 10 to 5 with moderns and up/down on the non-moderns. It is now more an election, where candidates are weighed relative to each other (a vote for Senior A is actually a vote against the Coach and Contributor candidate). Therefore, while it can be said that Art Powell was “voted down,” the same cannot be said for Holmgren, Baughan, Hay, and Tyrer. They just weren’t relatively favored over the others (including Sharpe). This is a subtle, but significant difference. I hope the committees recognize this fact (along with the HOF board).
Of course, none of this should have been necessary, but that is already well-trodden ground.
there are 150 votes total for the group of 5 and last year only one got 40+(80%) threshold-or didn’t but since 1 is the min Sharpe got most voters even if under 40. With 40 that leaves 110 voters split between 4 others including Holmgren who fell short. If its BillB and Krafts thats 80-100 voters out of 150 and I doubt any senior is going to stand out enough to get 40 out of those left.
on Modern site, if we assume Brees and Fitz secure 80-100 of 250 votes that leaves other five (from 7 modern finalists) fighting for 40+ each…one could get that amount so that ties up 120-150 votes with four trying to secure from remaining votes-when in any given election there is unlikely to be widespread consensus for a 4th modern.
2+3 would seem to be how the best math would work-keeping in mind Hall created this system and math knowing small classes would be the most likely outcome
Paul: no one is disagreeing on the math. But each year will be different with different dynamics. Brees and Fitzgerald’s presence and candidate strength is a big difference from last year. The selectors’ behavioral changes (if any) is a (potential) second big difference. It will never be the same as the 15-10-5 followed by up down votes system, but we aren’t necessarily condemned to 4-5 man classes forever.
Its possible voters adapt and we get 5 instead of 4 but again remember the process was built to create smaller classes, plus 50 minds and opinions (on candidates) can’t be controlled or do the rules allow for voting collusion.
So once we past consensus on Brees and Fitz, nothing really changes as you will still have 5 of the 7 fighting for remaining voters and with a clear leader, vote splits will certainly occur.
Remember these rules were designed for 4-5 member classes
Thanks guys … good insights, we all hopefully can grit our teeth for one more year before they change things. With Patriots coming up, they may change things in 2027, to have double candidates going in?
2026 … Belichick, Kraft or Vinny
2027 … Gronk, Kraft or Vinny
2028 … Brady, Gronk, Kraft or Vinny
Those guys will go pretty fast unless Kraft and Vinatieri continue to wait.
Wilfork and Harrison unfortunately, will wait even longer, especially with Seymour already voted in.
Check out this article on the Buccaneers website about Simeon Rice’s Hall of Fame case
https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-simeon-rice-case-pro-football-hall-of-fame
I admire your dedication to this petition Andy P, lets hope our support keeps it going. I supported today and we will see how it plays.
Brian thanks I appreciate it but I thought you were against Clint Murchison for the Pro Football Hall of Fame what made you change your mind I want to be clear on something I’m not doing this for the fame I’m not doing this for the money I’m doing this because I want to get Clint Murchison where he belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
I really dont support any more owners for the HOF but whether I like Murchison as a person or not–I am not happy with his rumored knowledge of Kennedy getting assassinated before the actual event–but he was instrumental in bringing in the people that would transform the team into a world-wide household name, so with your passion to help get him elected, I supported that, but remember, I did it this one time. I will never support another millionare, or former millionaire, again, and hopefully you wont as well.
There are other things that are more important in life. If he gets elected, fine, if not, we will continue to move along.
Brian thanks I appreciate that and I don’t buy that conspiracy theory about his rumored knowledge
If Clint Murchison isn’t among the contributor semi finalists and Virginia Halas McCaskey and Doug Williams are again there’s something seriously wrong with the process
Hopefully this week the Pro Football Hall of Fame will announce the coach and contributor semi finalists like all of you I’ll be waiting
again if we just go on the timing of those announcements last fall (and that is all we have to go on) they should be this coming week
Here’s Frank Cooney’s new article in it he talks about a new move the Pro Football Hall of Fame made with the selection process
https://halloffootball.substack.com/p/hofame-challenge-for-selectors
I have long advocated for rotation of voters serving on the BRP so to avoid entrenchment of same small group of decision-makers on those groups as fresh views and perspectives on candidates is always good
Paul I guess that’s a good thing also did you see the article about Simeon Rice’s Hall of Fame case and if so what did you think
Pocket passer Hall of fame. McNabb was better then Rivers. Period.
98-62-1 playoffs 9-7. made Final 4, 5 times
Tim are you new here this is first time I’ve seen you post here if that’s the case welcome
If McNabb had the weapons Rivers had, he would already be in the HOF. Rivers could throw but like McNabb, probably wont get elected, though throwers get a lot of leeway.
I also dont see E Manning making the final 15 this year.
Some QBs benefit from more/better weapons and others do not-its unfortunate part of looking at career stats and trying to determine who was better, who benefited more…
I think Rice as a case but seems to lack that signature event/stat or collection of rich career accomplishments that rises his resume to more consideration among voters-over the many other candidates in the mix-hard to say what his prospects are for eventual election-but at least for now its seems uncertain
Its possible Brees pushes Eli out of the 2026 final 15 but he has a surprising number of strong voters supporting his case, I suspect its more likely they both are in there and another one of the returning 11-15 from class of 2025 slide out for 2026
Simeon Rice has a similar case to Leslie O’Neal imo and we know O’Neal’s case never caught momentum – some big sack numbers but they lack that signature moment and individual awards as Paul mentioned.
alas still awaiting on the most recent results of voting for coach and contributors semifinalists………
What’s taking the Pro Football Hall of Fame so long to release the coach and contributor semi finalists sorry but I’m a very impatient person
Wednesday or Thursday would be the days to look out for any announcements.
no idea Andy-could be deadline to submit voters was later this year, or some came in late..delays of count by the independent accounting firm…PFHOF taking more time to craft the press release….and yes Weds Thurs are often release days
first PFHOF official announcement of several this week….https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2025/10/12-coaches-advance-in-selection-process-for-hall-of-fame-class-of-2026/
Next step in process: Reduction vote to nine semifinalists
Twelve individuals in the Coach category have moved one step closer to election as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 presented by Visual Edge IT.
The Hall of Fame’s Coach Blue-Ribbon Committee narrowed a list of 15 nominees to Bill Arnsparger, Bill Belichick, Tom Coughlin, Alex Gibbs, Mike Holmgren, Chuck Knox, Buddy Parker, Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer, George Seifert, Mike Shanahan and Clark Shaughnessy.
Hall of Fame bylaws stipulated that Coach Blue-Ribbon Committee members vote for 12 individuals each at this stage of the selection process. Each committee person will cast an additional ballot later this month to reduce the list to nine semifinalists, with those results to be announced in early November.
The Coach Blue-Ribbon Committee will meet virtually in mid-November and through a sequence of reduction votes will select one (1) Finalist for the Class of 2026. Comprising the committee are nine individuals – seven who also are members of the full Selection Committee and two others who hold voting rights for this subcommittee only.
Bylaws stipulate that candidates in the Coach category be retired from professional football for one full season after a Hall of Fame election cycle has begun. Individuals who last coached in the 2024 season are eligible for the Class of 2026.
Here are short bios on each of the coaches who remain in consideration for the Class of 2026:
Bill Arnsparger: Longtime defensive coordinator in the NFL. Won two Super Bowl titles with the Miami Dolphins and appeared in two other Super Bowls (Miami and San Diego). Also head coach of New York Giants.
Bill Belichick: NFL coach from 1975-2023 with head coaching jobs with Cleveland Browns (1991-95) and New England Patriots (2000-2023). Career record: 333-178 (including playoffs) with six Super Bowl titles.
Tom Coughlin: Spent 20 years as an NFL head coach with Jacksonville Jaguars (1995-2002) and New York Giants (2004-2015). Won 182 games (including playoffs) and led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles.
Alex Gibbs: Assistant head coach and/or offensive line coach for 27 seasons with seven different NFL Clubs.
Mike Holmgren: Head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1992-98 and the Seattle Seahawks from 1999-2008. Won a Super Bowl ring with Packers and appeared in another as head coach of Seahawks. Career record: 174-122 (including postseason).
Chuck Knox: NFL Coach of the Year in 1973, 1980 and 1984. He went 193-158-1 during 22 seasons (including playoffs) as head coach of the Rams, Bills and Seahawks.
Buddy Parker: Head coach of the Chicago Cardinals in 1949, Detroit Lions from 1951-56 and the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1957-1964. Two-time NFL champion who posted a career record, including playoffs, of 107-76-9.
Dan Reeves: Head coach of the Denver Broncos from 1981-1992, New York Giants from 1993-96 and Atlanta Falcons from 1997-2003. Career record: 201-174-2 (including postseason).
Marty Schottenheimer: Head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 1984-88, Kansas City Chiefs from 1989-1998, Washington Redskins in 2001 and San Diego Chargers from 2002-06. Career record: 205-139-1 (including postseason).
George Seifert: Two-time Super Bowl champion head coach with the San Francisco 49ers. In 11 seasons with the 49ers and Carolina Panthers he posted a career record (including playoffs) of 124-67.
Mike Shanahan: Head coach of the Los Angeles Raiders from 1988-89, Denver Broncos from 1995-2008 and Washington Redskins from 2010-13. Won two Super Bowls with the Broncos while compiling a 178-144 career record (including playoffs).
Clark Shaughnessy: Head coach of the Los Angeles Rams from 1948-49 and assistant coach for the Washington Redskins from 1944-47 and Chicago Bears from 1951-1962. Credited with modernizing the T-formation and other offensive and defensive innovations.
Results from reduction votes in three other categories for the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 — Modern-Era Players, Seniors and Contributor — also will be announced this week.
https://www.zoneblitz.com/pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2026-coach-candidates/
Thanks Tony and Paul
Fifty-two Modern-Era Players have advanced in the voting process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 presented by Visual Edge IT. Candidates for the Hall in this category last could have appeared in a professional football game in the 2020 season.
Each member of the Modern-Era Players Screening Committee, an entity created a year ago to make the first reductions from the original list of nominees, cast a ballot for 50 individuals whom they believe should be considered for election. This year’s roster of nominees included 128 names — 77 offensive players, 42 defensive players and nine special teams players.
Under Hall of Fame bylaws, ties for the 50th position also remain eligible for the Class of 2026.
The 52 Modern-Era Players whose names now move to the full Selection Committee for further consideration for election as members of the Class of 2026 are:
(*-Finalist (final 15) for the Class of 2025. Underline indicates first year of eligibility.)
QUARTERBACKS (3): Drew Brees, *Eli Manning, Philip Rivers.
RUNNING BACKS (8): Warrick Dunn, Eddie George, Frank Gore, Marshawn Lynch, LeSean McCoy, Lorenzo Neal (FB), *Fred Taylor, Ricky Watters.
WIDE RECEIVERS (7): Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, *Torry Holt, Jimmy Smith, *Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, *Reggie Wayne.
TIGHT ENDS (2): Greg Olsen, Jason Witten.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (12): *Willie Anderson (T), Lomas Brown (T), Ruben Brown (G), *Jahri Evans (G), Olin Kreutz (C), Nick Mangold (C), Logan Mankins (G), Maurkice Pouncey (C), Richmond Webb (T), Erik Williams (T), Steve Wisniewski (G), *Marshal Yanda (G).
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (6): John Abraham (DE also LB), Robert Mathis (DE), Haloti Ngata (DT), Simeon Rice (DE), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT), Kevin Williams (DT).
LINEBACKERS (4): London Fletcher, James Harrison, *Luke Kuechly, *Terrell Suggs.
DEFENSIVE BACKS (6): Rodney Harrison (S), Asante Samuel (CB), Earl Thomas (S), Charles Tillman (CB), Troy Vincent (CB), *Darren Woodson (S).
PUNTERS/KICKERS (3): Gary Anderson (K), Shane Lechler (P), *Adam Vinatieri (K).
SPECIAL TEAMS (1): Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB).
In the next step of the process, each member of the Hall of Fame’s full 50-person Selection Committee will review the above list and cast a vote for the 25 nominees each believes should advance to the Semifinalist stage. The names of the 25 Semifinalists (plus ties, if any, for the 25th position) will be announced in about five weeks.
Glad Nick Mangold made it. He was a very solid Center. I’m starting to feel old because most of the ballot is with players I grew up watching. Started going to Jet games in 2002-2012 ,on and off after. Philip Rivers is going to be one to keep an eye on. I do think he makes the Semifinalists, but does he advance the finalist stage? I’m leaning towards no. But he SHOULD be inducted by his 4th ballot. As others are in the queue, his resume grows brighter. We shall see. Holt needs to get in soon. He is on his “back 9” of eligibility. I do think he’d stack up very well in Senior Nominee , but I seriously doubt the voters will let him slip that far. I have a much stronger feeling Boldin slips closer to Senior Nominee than Holt. I can see Brees and Manning being inducted this year. 2 QBs in one class is not out of question.
Hines Ward is another I think could slip to Senior. He has been selected to Semis every year (9) he’s been eligible. I think he becomes a finalists soon, but will he gain enough traction?
I doubt Manning is in class of 2026-we are only getting 3 or 4 and there are four others returning from class of 2025 election plus first ballot likely in Brees and Fitz (Manning failed to advance past final 15 last year..his day will come but looking more like 4 or more years away)
sorry- four others who made final 7 (last stage of voting) for class of 2025-will be strong candidates for 2026 election: Holt,WAnderson,AdamV,LukeK
hard to say under these election rules if we get 3 or 4 moderns..but if we say 4 the odds would be Brees, Fitz plus AdamV and/or LukeK…with WAnderson and perhaps DWoodson (just two more elections before senior) as next likely..I simply don’t see chances for any others…only electing 3 in 2025 really hurts as if was 5 there would be more room on 2026 finalists ballot and chances at election this year
i got 42/52 Correct this round
FYI…25 Seniors announced tomorrow, 25 Contributors on Friday
Here’s Frank Cooney’s latest article in it as a bonus he includes a letter from Barry Sanders about Lomas Brown
https://halloffootball.substack.com/p/hofame-selection-season-gets-hot
Disappointed that Geno Atkins couldnt advance. At least Kevin Williams can try to get further in the process.
Disappointed Nalen cant move forward as well. Nor, Kruetz
Brian I hope Kevin Williams can get further too
Just updated by spreadsheet. If anyone is curious, here are the differences from last year:
1st Time Eligibles: Brees, Fitzgerald, Gore, McCoy, Olsen, Pouncey, Rivers, Witten
Other New Names: Dunn, Lechler, Mangold, Neal, Samuel, Tillman
Now Seniors: Bennett, Coates, Neil Smith
Dropped: Alexander, Barber, Chancellor, Saturday, Staley, McNair.
My thoughts: surprised that Chancellor, Saturday, and Staley were dropped. All have plausible, if perhaps long shot, arguments for the hall (and better than all but Lechler from the players who replaced them). If only Chancellor hadn’t been robbed of all decade…
While I’m not a supporter of either Alexander or Barber, they both had obviously better careers than Dunn. Just strange.
Good to see Lechler progress. He should end up in the hall some day.
The other non-first time eligible news are unlikely to ever be elected, but good for Lorenzo Neal getting this far. Wonderful player who played a thankless position better than anyone else in the last 30 years. I could definitely get behind him for the hall…
Need to retracted by slander about Dunn. I simply forgot how good he was. A bit of a compiler, but he had more rushing yards than either Alexander or Barber. Alexander doubles him in TDs, but still the three players had comparable careers with there being an argument that Dunn had the best. In any event, totally wrong of me to say that Alexander and Barber had “obviously better careers.”
What Dunn accomplished was amazing. Very small, but fearless and ran between the tackles. Nobody, except for Darren Sproles who was bigger, played better for a small size.
Lechler and Neal are perfect examples of modern candidates whose chances are now impossible given smaller annual classes (even if we get back to 4 per year I don’t think there will be room in final 15 for them to even get that far)…Webb is already at huge risk of falling into senior pool as are SteveW and Watters
another day–another PFHOF election press release with results…senior semifinalists
Following a second reduction vote of candidates in the Seniors category, 34 former players remain under consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 presented by Visual Edge IT.
Members of the Hall of Fame’s Seniors Blue-Ribbon Committee produced the list from the 52 names they had received after a screening committee cast the initial ballots in the highly competitive selection process. Each of the 162 former players nominated for election and screened in the opening round of voting last could have appeared in a professional football game in the 2000 season.
The players — 19 offensive, 14 defensive and one special teamer — who remain in contention for the Class of 2026 are:
QUARTERBACKS (3): Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Roman Gabriel.
RUNNING BACKS (4): Roger Craig, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Paul “Tank” Younger.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS (7): Isaac Curtis, Lavvie Dilweg, Henry Ellard, Harold Jackson, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Otis Taylor.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (5): Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, Jim Tyrer, Al Wistert.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (2): L.C. Greenwood, Jim Marshall.
LINEBACKERS (6): Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Larry Grantham, Lee Roy Jordan, Clay Matthews Jr., Tommy Nobis.
DEFENSIVE BACKS (6): Dick Anderson, Bobby Boyd, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Lemar Parrish, Everson Walls.
SPECIAL TEAMS (1): Steve Tasker.
In this step of the process, each committee member voted for 25 players. The top 25 and all other candidates who tied for the 25th position advanced to the third phase — the cutdown vote to nine (9) Semifinalists. Those ballots will be cast and results announced in about four weeks.
biggest surprise for me is no Lester Hayes
(Hayes was among the 9 senior semi-finalists for class of 2025-real surprise to see him drop off ballot so soon this year)
Jeez … crazy about Hayes falling. Did they simply forget about him? Parrish takes his place.
Martin failed to advance but Marshall did.
Isbell continues to march on … haha
At least Anderson, Tyrer, Dilweg, Wistert and Powell move forward again … without Hayes can one of them reach the final 9?
Do we want separate pages/posts to discuss each announcement? I didn’t get to yesterday’s yet, but I can create them quick…may not have as much detail as the coaches one earlier this week–that happened to pop during a lull in my day…
My bad … Marshall advanced last year but not Greenwood, who made it over Martin this time.
No Ottis Anderson and Gabriel moves forward at QB.
Curtis, Jackson and Ellard at WR move forward.
To my knowledge, seven players were replaced this year from last.
Up to you Tony … this thread hasnt reached 200 comments yet … haha
Tasker, Dilweg and Dick Anderson advance as well … could Tasker get to the Final 9 ?
Compared to last year, receivers this year were added while the offensive linemen reduced, Jordan also made it as a linebacker but I simply dont support Banks making this HOF.
I like this list. Roman has always been a top 5 QB not in HOF for SN. Ken Anderson is another. Charlie will have his time.
RBs: Roger Craig and Chuck Foreman are a yes. Cecil Isbell I think should wait.
WRs: All but Curtis deserve to get in.
OL: all deserve to get in.
DL: LC deserves it. Marshall can wait.
LB: All except for Carl Banks. His resume outside of ADT is OK.
DB: All deserve it.
ST: Tasker deserves it but will probably wait for a long time unfortunately. Others have had to.
Bradley i think the position with the toughest cutdown next is the defensive backs
The biggest surprise has to be the at least 10-way tie for spot 25. 34 is a ridiculous number. Which brings up the second biggest surprise, no Lester Hayes. I’m a fairly strong supporter of Hayes, but even setting that aside, there is no reason he could be in the final 9 one year and not in the final 34 the next (as Paul noted).
Otherwise, I think the list is pretty good. Would like to have seen Sweeney survive, but the OL competition is brutal.
Still hope they advance Baughan and Tyrer again. They weren’t voted down like in the past. They just weren’t favored compared to others.
Bradley are you new here this is the first time I’ve seen you post here if that’s the case welcome
My Final 9
Dilweg
Wistert
Conerly
K Anderson
D Anderson
Kenn
Jacoby
Tyrer
Powell
Prediction
K Anderson
Craig
Tyrer
Kooch
Powell
Morgan
Baughan
Meador
Nobis
heres mine Brian W.
Ken Anderson
Maxie Baughan
Roger Craig
L.C.Greenwood
Joe Jacoby
Bob Kuechenberg
Eddie Meador
Tommy Nobis
Lemar Parrish
I used to post a lot actually. Probably around 2011 through 2016 or so. I read these topic comments a lot, just haven’t posted anything until recently.
Disappointed about Lester Hayes, thought he may finally get in.
Senior BRP panel has a tough job this election, if BillB and Kraft are among the final 5, they clearly will be the preferred finalists to be elected by the full voting committee, I don’t think any senior can surpass them and with this election math its very unlikely 3 out 5 end up elected. And does one doom the future prospects for the 3 senior finalists in 2026 if they are likely rejected this election-does that harm their chances in future when the coach or contributor finalists are “weaker” or if the rules change that again allow seniors to be elected (or increase chances)
Twenty-one candidates in the Contributor category have moved one step closer to election for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 presented by Visual Edge IT.
The Hall’s Contributor Blue-Ribbon Committee trimmed an original list of 32 nominees to these 21 individuals: K.S. “Bud” Adams, Roone Arledge, Howard Cosell, John Facenda, Mike Giddings, Ralph Hay, Frank “Bucko” Kilroy, Don Klosterman, Eddie Kotal, Robert Kraft, Virginia McCaskey, John McVay, Clint Murchison, Art Rooney Jr., Clark Shaughnessy, Seymour Siwoff, Amy Trask, Jack Vainisi, Lloyd Wells, John Wooten and Buddy Young.
Hall of Fame bylaws stipulate that committee members vote for 20 individuals at this stage of the selection process, but the bylaws also allow for additional candidates to proceed in the case of any tie votes for the 20th position, which occurred this year.
Each Contributor Blue-Ribbon Committee member will cast an additional ballot later this month to reduce the list further – this time to nine (9) Semifinalists. Results will be announced in early November. Later in the month, they will meet virtually and through a sequence of reduction votes will select one (1) Finalist for the Class of 2026. Comprising the committee are nine individuals – eight who also are members of the full Selection Committee and one other football historian who holds voting rights for this subcommittee only.
Unlike players and coaches, there is no waiting period (mandatory retirement) for Contributor candidates to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, so they can be active in the game at the time of their election. Below are brief bios on the 21 candidates remaining in the Contributor category for consideration as a member of the Class of 2026:
K.S. “Bud” Adams: During his 54 years as founder, owner, chairman of the board, president and CEO of the Titans/Oilers franchise, Adams was a pivotal figure in the American Football League and National Football League.
Roone Arledge: Television industry executive and producer whose creativity, leadership and technical innovations revolutionized the presentation of both news and sports.
Howard Cosell: A member of ABC’s original “Monday Night Football” broadcasting team, Cosell worked alongside football legends Don Meredith and Frank Gifford from 1970 to 1983.
John Facenda: Beginning his career at NFL Films in 1965 until his death in 1984 at age 71, Facenda narrated numerous films and weekly highlights packages.
Mike Giddings: Former player, coach and scout who created the NFL talent evaluation and analytics company called Proscout.
Ralph Hay: Owner of the Canton Bulldogs from 1918-1922 and hosted the NFL’s formational meeting in his automobile dealership in downtown Canton.
Frank “Bucko” Kilroy: Worked in player personnel and scouting for the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys. He was the Patriots’ general manager from 1979 to 1982 and vice president from 1983 to 1993.
Don Klosterman: Built successful teams in three leagues (Chargers, Chiefs and Oilers in the AFL; Colts and Rams of the NFL; and the L.A. Express in the USFL).
Eddie Kotal: Scout for the Los Angeles Rams from 1947-1961 and was one of the first to scout Black colleges and universities.
Robert Kraft: Owner, chairman and CEO of the New England Patriots from 1994 to present.
Virginia McCaskey: Owner of the Chicago Bears from 1983 until her death earlier this year at age 102.
John McVay: Joined the 49ers in 1979 as the team’s director of player personnel and spent 21 seasons there, ultimately presiding over five Super Bowl-winning seasons as vice president/director of football operations.
Clint Murchison: Founder and owner of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960-1983.
Art Rooney Jr.: Employed with the Steelers since 1961, from 1964 through 1986, worked in the Steelers’ Scouting Department. Currently a Steelers vice president and member of the Board of Directors.
Clark Shaughnessy: Head coach of the Los Angeles Rams from 1948-49 and assistant coach for the Washington Redskins from 1944-47 and Chicago Bears from 1951-1962. Credited with modernizing the T-formation and other offensive and defensive innovations.
Seymour Siwoff: Owner and president of Elias Sports Bureau, the official statisticians of the NFL, from 1952-2019.
Amy Trask: CEO of the Oakland Raiders from 1997-2013.
Jack Vainisi: Scout for the Green Bay Packers from 1950-1960 as well as business manager from 1959-1960 until his death at age 33 from a heart condition.
Lloyd Wells: Scout for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1963-1974. First full-time African American scout in the NFL.
John Wooten: Director of Pro Scouting for the Dallas Cowboys from 1975 to 1991. Created player development programs for the NFL in 1991. Vice president/player personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1992 and assistant director, pro/college scouting for the Baltimore Ravens until his retirement in 2002.
Buddy Young: First African American executive in any major sports league when NFL hired him in 1964 in its scouting and public relations department. Was working as director of player relations in NFL when he died at age 57 in a car accident.
notable drops-Berman, Modell, Robinson, DWilliams (plus total dropped from 25 to 21), notable additions: Murchison,Shaughnessy plus Vainisi,Wells,Buddy Young were also adds this time..great seeing the love for old school scouts – over 1/3 of list are former scouts…
and we all know someone here who is going to be very excited about one specific new add…
but Kraft will be the fav here, and frankly he needs to be as we know he has support among the 50 voters (we heard that support before and during last election when some publicly commented Kraft was more deserving than Hay)…and in my view as a strategy, until BRP makes Kraft their finalist and lets the full voting board decide his fate…no other contributor will be elected…they need to have Kraft elected and off future ballots
We will see about Kraft this year Paul … Andy P will be happy today.
I am, with Vainisi finally getting a chance again … still too many Lame-Os but good to see Wells, Giddings and Shaughnessy added.
Berman was better than Cosell, but at least Cosell did some criticism of how the NFL/Owners operate in detriment to the players. Thanks to Roone Arledge, he was one of the few broadcasters/writers, to get away with it, while making MNF an institution.
Always happy Modell didnt make the list … not a fan of Buddy Young either,who helped, but also manipulated alot of black athletes in the interests of the league office and owners. Hard to resist the cash though, that he was ordered to give new players, while they were low-balled on a contract.
Kraft has been among top contenders considered by the recent BRP and former contributors committee last several elections so we know his case has support, and when you hear public comments from other voters who serve on the full 50 member election committee it indicates he has widespread support from many voters-As we saw last year with Hay, any other contributor finalist that the BRP advances is not going to get elected. That BRP needs to select Kraft and force voters to elect or not.
Paul: I completely agree that the best case scenario is nominating Kraft. Given the math, there is a decent chance that he does not get elected. Once he learns why, particularly when that “ref” (to use his term) got in under the old system, he could easily mandate change. Frankly if he gets in over Belichick, that might also spur the change we all want. The worst case scenario (for future elections) would be Kraft and Belichick getting elected without any of the three seniors. Might embolden the Hall’s board to keep the current system.
It will be interesting if both Kraft and BillB are on the same ballot, any outcome remains possible..but 50 voters are asked to vote for 3 from the 5, they need not choose one over the other and I find it hard to believe that multiple seniors would benefit with votes applied to them and not Kraft or BillB. Think its far more likely that of those 150 voters, BillB and Kraft will both still clear the required 40+
Not sure how the math results in him not elected (we have heard mike holmgren was just a few votes away from elected, would have not 2 of 5 elected)
And not so sure Hall will look at perhaps the highest profile and qualified coach and contributor ever on the same ballot and view that as endorsement of current process, keeping in mind it was just a senior who was elected via this same process for 2025
But yes as we have seen results can be predictable, but all of us plus the voters know now better how process and math works…if there are voters who don’t want a class of 4 or just 1 from the 5 elected they will begin to think and strategize better to not “waste” votes by spreading around for candidates not getting 40+
I’m going to give my thoughts about the contributors
I’m so happy Clint Murchison is among the contributor semi finalists
I still can’t believe Virginia Halas McCaskey keeps making the contributor semi finalists I mean what has she done that’s Hall of Fame worthy other than two NFC championships and a Super Bowl championship with one of the greatest teams ever with one of the greatest defenses ever I think it’s a longevity think she turned 100 in January 2023 and died this February
I’m so glad Art Modell is not among the finalists I don’t want to see him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame because Cleveland would riot if he got in
I want the Contributor committee to address Robert Kraft before Clint Murchison because that way they can address one snub first addressing the other so like before I’m going with Robert Kraft
heres my 9 contributor semi finalists
Mike Giddings
Ralph Hay
Eddie Kotal
Robert Kraft
John McVay
Clint Murchison
Clark Shaughnessy
Seymour Siwoff
Jack Vainisi
Kraft will get the nomination and possibly even election but still pulling for Bucko Kilroy … being a former player, he might actually get elected if he got nominated over Kraft, though that likely wont happen.
Eddie Kotal should have already been elected, but is forgotten. He was the first NFL GM to sign up black players once the owners finally dropped their “agreement”.
Even MLB showed interest in his scouting system and methods.
John McVay did a great job with the 49ers, though he was more about being a liason between DeBartalo and Walsh, especially in corporate and economic structure. He did basically, the same role as Art Rooney Jr in Pitts, yet both depended on their main personnel people which was Razzano in SF and Haley, with assistance from Nunn, in Pitts.
I just hope Vainisi makes the Final 9.
Agreed with what you said brian 100% vanisi in the final 9 would be great
Check out this article Ken Crippen wrote
https://www.football-learning-academy.com/pages/blog?p=2026-pro-football-hall-of-fame-contributors-candidates
Pretty good read andy i agree broadcasters should not be nominated as contributors
Robert totally I have no idea why they are I find it ironic that Howard Cosell is among the finalists considering he’s never won the Pete Rozelle award
Pete Rozelle TV Media Award is decided by the PFHOF, the contributors BRP (7 voters + 2 non-voters) decide their semifinalists-two completely different processes and people involved in decision/outcomes
But yes agree, there are enough scouts, GMs, owners, league officials who had direct contributions to the game on the field and no need to include or elect members of the media
Paul totally what did you think about the article by Ken Crippen
RIP Nick Mangold. One of my favorites growing up. 7x Pro Bowler and 2x First Team all Pro is very impressive. I think he’s Canton worthy down the line. Glad he made past first cuts. He has many years left of eligibility. I think he could be due for a late induction , around ballot 17-20. We shall see. We have seen players pass away then get inducted quicker. I wish it weren’t that way, but that is life.
I have talked to Ken a few times and with his contributors article I am pretty much in agreement and understand his views and opinions with the class of 2026 group..I think Hays or one of several scouts would be great finalists, just seems like 2025 election showed that the full committee is more interested in, aware of and supportive of Kraft to the point no other contributor will be elected until he is. But I can appreciate and support Ken’s view, shared by other historians and some voters like Clark Judges, support for Hays-just not sure the full committee feels the same way
As to Mangold (RIP)-its very hard for centers to get into the PFHOF, has required All decade team and multiple first time all pro, not sure if he has enough to gain attention of votes, especially when Kreutz, Nolan and others can’t get any traction
I think this updated list of voters (including members of the three BRPs) is correct for class of 2026 election where Hall is now rotating voters each year…Myers, Kaufman, Cooney,Gosselin, Judge among recent BRP members not serving this year-will we see shifts in group think and results???……
https://www.profootballhof.com/hall-of-famers/becoming-a-hall-of-famer/
Paul I’ve talked to him a couple times too
Next press releases will be the three BRP final 9 – next week or the one after. Modern 25 follows right before Thanksgiving
the position cutdowns for the seniors that im interested in are at offensive linemen defensive backs and linebackers
Someone on ProFootballJournal in the comments section, mentioned that the BRP might be better off nominating one person instead of three to increase the odds of actual election–was that you Paul?–it might be a good idea, maybe starting next year, but the committee may also just re-nominate/endorse the three candidates in Powell, Baughan, maybe Tyrer, that have been rejected, hoping that the voters may reevaluate and vote someone in this time?
In the past, that might have worked with older voters that cut deals, but its doubtful with newer voters that arent supposed to collude in any way. You hope some voters are open to changing their minds or convinced to go in another direction but we will see? Maybe going from three to just one candidate, can increase the odds of election, rather than splitting votes?
If a senior doesnt get elected this year, drastic measures may have to happen next year. Yes, Kraft probably should get the contributor nomination to force voters into rejecting him or not, but compared to electing a deserving, senior player, he really should have to wait. His wealth and championships, which is his legacy … should be good enough.
Was not me but I don’t think the seniors BRP has that option under the election rules they are required to select 3 finalists. Was there concern after 2025 election that no selection of a coach or contrubutor doomed those categories and other future candidates? Unless rules change that allow direct election of seniors, contributors or coaches I think best approach for each BRP is to select strong and unique (not repeated) finalists each year. As to Seniors BRP, again advancing Powell,Baughan and Tyrer would seem to me as waste of time and counter productive, if aim is to give them another chance it may be to have them wait it out longer, maybe better chances if rules change. Many of us feel strongly about getting direct path back to electing 1-2 seniors a year, and some voters share that, but seems like Hall and many other voters simply do not care or not interested. Perhaps that chances over time but does not seem to be now or in near future. After Kraft and BillB, I do think that several seniors stand better chance against a contributor (if process does not change) and voters more aware of the math to consider how to best proceed to get at least 2 of 5 elected and not just 1
My predictions for seniors coaches and contributors
Seniors
Ken Anderson
Maxie Baughan
Roger Craig
Joe Jacoby
Bob Kuechenberg
Jim Marshall
Eddie Meador
Tommy Nobis
Everson Walls
Coaches
Bill Belichick
Tom Coughlin
Mike Holmgewn
Chuck Knox
Buddy Parker
Dan Reeves
Marty Schottenheimer
George Seifert
Mike Shanahan
Contributors
Bud Adams
Mike Giddings
Ralph Hay
Bucko Kilroy
Eddie Kotal
Robert Kraft
Clint Murchison
Jack Vainisi
Lloyd Wells
My predictions for the Modern Era semifinalists
Willie Anderson
Anquan Boldin
Drew Brees
Jahri Evans
Larry Fitzgerald
London Fletcher
Frank Gore
James Harrison
Rodney Harrison
Torry Holt
Luke Kuechly
Eli Manning
Robert Mathis
Maurkice Pouncey
Simeon Rice
Terrell Suggs
Steve Smith Sr
Adam Vinatieri
Reggie Wayne
Richmond Webb
Kevin Williams
Steve Wisniewski
Jason Witten
Darren Woodson
Marshall Yanda
100% agreed paul like you said advancing either Powell baughan or tyrer again would be a massive waste of time, I think they need 3 strong seniors to go up against belichick and Kraft
Robert that is if Kraft makes it
100% agreed andy only if kraft makes it
Trick is that the Senior BRP won’t know who the coach and contributor finalists are when they make their selections of 3 seniors
In my view there are not three strong seniors (may not even be one) to pull enough voters away from BillB and Kraft and get elected…the better strategy, if there is even one, would need to have one senior with overwhelming support and two with out..so that one senior could collect 40+ votes..even if Bill gets 45 and Kraft gets 45 = 90 out of 150 the first senior 42 is elected…while other two only get 9 and 9 votes
last year out of 49×3 147 total votes= it must have been something like 42 Sharpe (elected), 37 MikeH, Hays 20, Tyrer 20,Baughen 28
reminder we should see announcements of the 9 semifinalists for each BRP (seniors, coach, contributor) by end of next week, followed by modern 25 right before Thanksgiving
Seniors: K.Anderson, R.Craig and J.Jacoby. Coach: Mike Shanahan. Contributor: Ralph Hay ( I do not think that Kraft is going to make it, I could see BB maybe over Shanahan but I think both him and Holmgren should be in before BB) Moderns: Brees, Fritzgerald, W.Anderson and Torry Holt. I am going to go with WHO should get in and both of those two have waited long enough and have earned it.
Last three? Luke K., Adam V., and R.Wayne and I would take LK as a 5th modern if I could, but not sure they are going to do that. Nope, Eli is still going to have to wait I think and I think Evans and Gore will be there. And Kevin Williams? Will he make the semis? I have been stumped with his lack of process for years.
Hope you are well, Paul! Glad to see you here still since I left X! “Saintmaria01”
Six head coaches in the National Football League whose teams won at least one Super Bowl (or NFL title game) are among the nine individuals who have been named as Semifinalists in the Coach category for possible election as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 presented by Visual Edge IT.
Just released by Hall
Members of the Coach Blue-Ribbon Committee made their selections from a list they earlier had reduced to 12 candidates. The committee will discuss the nine Semifinalists at length when it meets virtually Nov. 18 to select one Finalist to present to the full Selection Committee for its consideration when it casts ballots for a new class of enshrinees in early 2026.
The nine Semifinalists in the Coach category this year are: Bill Belichick, Tom Coughlin, Mike Holmgren, Chuck Knox, Buddy Parker, Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer, George Seifert and Mike Shanahan.
and who knows possibly like a few weeks ago we get three days of announcements this week…the two other BRP results….
Like before I don’t need to give my thoughts we all know the coaching finalist is going to be Bill Belichick
I got all nine right
Nine individuals who contributed to the sport of professional football in distinct ways have reached the Semifinalists stage for possible election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 presented by Visual Edge IT.
Members of the Contributor Blue-Ribbon Committee made their selections from a field of 21 in their most recent reduction vote. The committee will discuss the Semifinalists at length when it meets virtually Nov. 11 to select one Finalist for the full Selection Committee to consider when it votes for a new class of enshrinees in early 2026.
The nine Semifinalists in the Contributor category this year are: K.S. “Bud” Adams, Roone Arledge, Ralph Hay, Frank “Bucko” Kilroy, Robert Kraft, Art Rooney Jr., Clark Shaughnessy, Seymour Siwoff and Buddy Young.
Man, you guys are quick–just saw it posted on the HOF Facebook page, 13 minutes ago–you beat me to it.
and thinking we see the 9 senior semifinalists tomorrow….
solid group of contributors, selection of their 1 finalist likely will come down to who carries more weight with the outcome in that BRP – Kraft supporters vs Hay supporters
Question: which contributor could benefit of theres a deadlock between Kraft and hay
My thoughts about the contributor semi finalists
I’m a little disappointed Clint Murchison didn’t make the list but still I hope his appearance gives him momentum
I think Bud Adams belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame but how is it that he makes the list and Clint Murchison doesn’t
As usual I’m going with Robert Kraft
Adams was instrumental in founding the afl
Here’s what I’d say to 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
One thing that might help Robert Kraft is one of the voters on the contributor committee is Ron Borges the New England representative hopefully it helps
Thats the best way to present Kraft wonderful job andy
Robert thanks I appreciate it
Robert to answer your question which contributor could benefit if there’s a deadlock between Kraft and Hay it would most likely be Kraft because Ron Borges the New England representative is on the contributor committee and voters will probably be like since Hay had his chance last year and wasn’t elected let’s give Kraft his chance this year
I feel Robert, or hoping, that Kilroy or Shaughnessy could break a tie between Hay and Kraft. The BRP will go with Kraft though, after Hay was rejected last year.
Agreed 100 % appreciate the feedback brian thats the exact answer I was looking for BTW I would have rather see vanisi or kotal over roone arledge
if memory serves with the seniors they just released the three nominees and not the final 9 if i recall: best way i think 1 senior can get through would be not to nominate the following as senior finalists again: Maxie Baughan Art Powell and Jim Tyrer
Robert that’s right and what did you think my answer to the question which contributor could benefit if there’s a deadlock between Kraft and Hay
andy your answer is 100% spot on most likley they would favor kraft in case of a tie because voters are more familiar with kraft than hay
The election bylaws call for release of the 9 senior semifinalists, was told by a voter last year that they missed sending out that as separate press release because of the rush of so many announcements in November, more optimistic that we get that list this year-perhaps next week
Im thinking early next week
Well, at least we know there are two new spots this year without Sharpe and Hayes. Could Dilweg, D Anderson, Marshall, Greenwood or some other new combination of players take those spots in the Final 9?
My pick greenwood and
dick anderson
According to Frank Cooney, the cutdown to 9 seniors will happen this week but wont be revealed till later in the month … before Thanks-eating?
Brian like you i hope that cecil Isabell doesn’t make the final 9 and takes a spot away from a deserving senior
*Isbell
You’re not going to believe what I found out
Bill Polian was the voter who told other voters not to vote for Jim Tyrer according to this ESPN article that came out before the vote
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43359812/a-worms-hof-voters-candidacy-chiefs-great
Honestly andy I don’t blame him at all
Robert you don’t how come
Check out this website the Lions made detailing the Hall of Fame case for Lomas Brown
https://view.ceros.com/detroit-lions/the-case-for-lomas/p/1
Polian violated the by-laws. Collusion is real. He probably wasnt punished.
Yep that came out after election and was grounds (under election bylaws) for Hall to remove him but they didn’t. I don’t care the reason or the candidate but efforts to collect votes for or against any candidate by actively contacting voters is wrong and should have no place in the integrity of this process
Bill Polian also said during Episode 93 of the Eye Test for Two he Bill Belichick Ozzie Newsome and Ron Wolf all members of the Blue Ribbon Panel that elected the Centennial Class studied film of the pre 60s players and rated them and concluded that all the players from that era who deserve to be in are in so there’s no need to worry about seniors pre 60s
If that doesn’t tell you what happened to Lavvie Dilweg Verne Lewellen Ox Emerson Cecil Isbell and Al Wistert in the room I don’t know what does yet they still elected Bobby Dillon Duke Slater Mac Speedie and Ed Sprinkle
Paul totally
There are a large number of historians (who frankly have studied the pre SB era far more extensively than others) who would strongly disagree with that determination made by some members of the Centennial Class BRP whose film study somehow instead led to election of Ed Sprinkle
The following i would have taken over Ed Sprinkle
Lavvie Dilweg
Ox Emerson
Verne Lewellen
Al Wistert
My final choice would be Wistert
Ken Crippen has studied film of Lavvie Dilweg Ox Emerson and Al Wistert and done scouting reports of them which you can find on the Football Learning Academy website as part of the historical scouting reports and contributor profiles
Here’s a couple snippets of his scouting reports on Lavvie Dilweg Ox Emerson and Al Wistert from the Football Learning Academy website
Lavvie Dilweg
Based on film study, he was a beast on defense. He usually lined up in the seven-technique or nine-technique position. He was extremely quick off the ball and was able to shed blocks easily. That quickness also allowed him to drop into coverage with other ends or backs. His reaction times were very fast and he closed in on plays quickly. On offense, he showed excellent route-running abilities and made quick cuts with excellent footwork.
Ox Emerson
On film, Emerson played well in all three phases of the game. He had a real nose for the football and was in on almost every play. On offense, he was able to get to the second and third levels of the defense. The team ran well to his side. He was quick off the snap and had excellent explosion. A hard hitter. On defense, he could stuff the run and was alert. His motor never stopped. He stopped runs up the middle and was quick enough to get to runs on the outside. He showed good pursuit on plays downfield and was able to quickly disengage from blocks.
Al Wistert
On film, Wistert showed excellent agility and kept his balance, even on slippery fields (the 1948 NFL Championship Game was definitely a test). He showed excellent instincts and was excellent in all three phases of the game. In run blocking, he got off the snap quickly to engage the defender. Once he released from the defender, he quickly looked for second and third level guys to block. He could pull in either direction and hit the defender with force. He could seal and wall off the defender in any direction to open a hole for the runner. On pass blocking, he showed excellent lateral movement and agility. His head was on a swivel when he was not engaged with a defender. He always looked for a block and made great decisions. He was also quick enough to pick up missed blocks by his teammates. When he played left guard, he showed enough agility to drop back and protect against the rushing right defensive end coming around the outside of the left tackle.
Here’s a link to Football Learning Academy
https://www.football-learning-academy.com/
I actually didn’t have a problem with Harold Carmichael Jimbo Covert and Ed Sprinkle being elected as part of the Centennial Class can someone tell what what the problem with them was
Voters are subjective of course Andy P, but accusations of recentism were made by historians who felt that there were–and still are–much more deserving players than Carmichael or especially Covert, who played only eight years and was All-Pro twice before having injury problems. Sprinkle was good but had more a reputation, than on-field production, though many felt he was deserving. More deserving than Gene Brito or Jim Katcavage though? Very doubtful.
I had no problem with Carmichael but felt at the time that Benton, Howton, Powell, Pearson and Branch had better cases. I also came around on Speedie, a skilled pass catcher, who had his best years, despite low TD numbers, in the AAFC.
Being a Cowboys fan, I liked Cliff Harris but felt other safeties, like Jimmy Patton, Dick Anderson, Jake Scott, Deron Cherry and Dave Grayson were more deserving of election. I had no problem with Dillon or Donnie Shell being elected, though Dillon played on bad Packers’ teams.
If you had been here at that time Andy, you would have seen how disappointed most of us were when Chuck Howley didnt advance on the BRP but we all did write-in votes that kept the hope alive until he was finally elected. Good thing, because todays voters probably wouldnt have done it.
Brian at least Branch and Pearson have since been elected I didn’t know about this website then wish I had then I could have expressed my thoughts about the Centennial Class
I have saved among my photos the picture that was in the press release announcing the Centennial Class finalists every time someone has been elected I’ve crossed out a name I’ve crossed out 22 of the 38 candidates or 57% percent of the candidates
Here’s what I’m talking about
https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2019/12/finalists-for-special-centennial-slate-revealed/
Sorry I’m posting a link an old article but it includes the picture I’m telling you about
might get 9 senior finalists announced this week, and 25 modern candidates next week (as those votes have been completed), also coaches BRP meets Tuesday to select their one finalist-don’t expect that announcement until early Dec with all group of 5 finalists
Just announced…..The semifinalists (25) for the ProFootballHOF
Class of 2026 will be revealed next Tuesday, 11/25, LIVE on @gmfb
at 9a ET on @nflnetwork
9 Senior Semifinalists Announced:
Ken Anderson,
Roger Craig,
Henry Ellard,
L.C. Greenwood,
Joe Jacoby,
Eddie Meador,
Stanley Morgan,
Steve Tasker and
Otis Taylor.
I just saw the Senior group announcement, outstanding group of players! All are worthy, my final three:
Ken Anderson
Roger Craig
Joe Jacoby
I would put in ALL three Seniors before any CC but that is me. Will see if, and I think it is an if, Kraft and B.Billicheck are put forward by those BRP. If not, then I think we could see a good group of Seniors get in. They are all long overdue!!
Yep its an interesting (and odd group) of 9, compared to 2025 we have just two returning (Anderson and SMorgan)-likely outcome from different membership on the Senior BRP, hence different mix of views on deserving candidates.
Given those changes its hard to say who would emerge as final 3 but suspect post 1980s players have advantage here, which would seem to favor Anderson, Craig, Jacoby…three WRs would seem to hurt chances for any of those…
Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, Joe Jacoby, Eddie Meador, Otis Taylor were also among the 12 semifinalists considered for class of 2024, while Ken Anderson, and Eddie Meador were semifinalists considered for class of 2023.
But as we have discussed in past, if they are going to compete against BillB and Kraft among the 5 for just 3 slots..the math will very likely doom any senior for class of 2026 election..which is really frustrating and unfortunate
Paul,
Yes, I see what you are saying, but that is IF the BRP for both the Coach and Contributors put forth RK and BB, maybe but maybe not. If they do not, and pick someone else, it is possible, then that will be improve the chance of all three Seniors.
My 3 would be Anderson, Craig and JJ and if I had to pick one, Craig.
This is all very very frustrating and very unfortunate and I hope it changes with the class of 2027 since this does not to help the Seniors at all. That is what the voters wanted, this does nothing but cause more issues.
Disappointed Wistert and Dilweg didnt make it but maybe Tasker has a real chance?
I dunno, kinda silly to nominate four receivers–counting Tasker–out of nine candidates. Why is Jacoby the only member of the offensive line, maybe it can help him?
My Final 3
Meador
Jacoby
K Anderson
Prediction
Tasker
K Anderson
LC Greenwood
Though he was good against the run, Greenwood’s pass rushing wasnt enough. If he gets voted in, its because of his postseason play.
Arent there enough Steelers voted in?
Here are my thoughts
I got 4/9
I’m glad LC Greenwood made it
How does Bob Kuechenberg an eight time finalist and one of the top finishers in the past not make it
How does Tommy Nobis not make it either
I’m surprised Steve Tasker made it
With no pre 60s candidates I think the door is closed unless there’s a special election for pre 60s candidates
I really hope they change the process after this because it’s not working
I’m a Washington fan, so it is a great day that Jacoby made it as the only OL in the final 9.
This is a really solid list.
Not crazy that it weighted so heavily to the offense. Way too many WR that aren’t as good as the modern WRs. Holt and
Smith are much better candidates than any of the senior finalists.
But none of the 9 are ridiculous finalists. Big step foward.
Considering the many other deserving seniors, having Steve Tasker among the 9 is in fact completely ridiculous-especially considering how recently he was a modern finalists and the voters never supported him enough to even make final 15..hence likely not electable if a senior finalists-waste of a slot there
There is chance Hay is contributor finalist and not Kraft (but Kraft is likely the fav there)…but no doubt BillB will be the coach finalist…as we have discussed for months be very prepared for an outcome in which no senior is elected, it is very possible to occur
I’ll be lost for words If we end up with one senior elected over two years. The new system is rotten.
Boknows totally the new system is rotten
Let’s wait and see who’s selected as finalists in each category before we throw a fit
Andy can we please move on from the selection process its getting old
Robert your right I’ll try I can’t help it though
Thats the thing, with Hester elected as a returner and support for Vinatieri as a kicker, maybe voters are ready to put in Tasker as a gunner? He did get support there for awhile as a modern candidate.
To ensure a deserving, though recent senior, Jacoby would make alot of sense but would he get enough votes if a receiver or QB were paired with him?
Nobody cares about Meador amongst voters but this is a great chance for Greenwood, who everyone knows about. We all know that great teams get the benefit of doubt compared to bad teams with a great player. This notion could also help Roger Craig, who I would be happy with. A complete player.
I really would like to see if Ellard could advance ahead of Morgan or Taylor–the AFL representative with Powell failing to advance–but we will see. He wasnt the deep threat that Morgan was, but ran deep patterns that emphasized the Gillman-Coryell offense. He never had a QB other than a strong-armed, Jim “Chris” Everett, for awhile.
Tasker was never a modern finalist, he won’t be elected and guessing he won’t be senior semifinalist in coming years
No doubt Matthew Stafford will be in the HOF and he won’t wait long.
Likely still has a wait unless he secures MVP plus another SB
reminder-The semifinalists (25) for the ProFootballHOF
Class of 2026 will be revealed tomorrow (Tuesday, 11/25), Live on @gmfb
at 9a ET on @nflnetwork, with PFHOF press release at same time
List is 26 and great to see LBrown Webb SWix and KWilliams make this stage….plus “Reduction voting also has occurred in the Coach, Contributor and Seniors categories. The results of those ballots – selection of Finalists for the Class of 2026 – will be announced Dec. 3.”
Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Modern-Era Player Semifinalists breakdown by positions
OFFENSE (17)
Quarterback (3): Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers.
Running back (2): Frank Gore, Fred Taylor.
Wide receiver (5): Larry Fitzgerald, Torry Holt, Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne.
Tight end (1): Jason Witten.
Offensive line (6): Willie Anderson, Lomas Brown, Jahri Evans, Richmond Webb, Steve Wisniewski, Marshal Yanda.
DEFENSE (8)
Defensive back (3): Rodney Harrison, Earl Thomas, Darren Woodson.
Linebacker (2): Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs (also DE).
Defensive line (3): Robert Mathis (also LB), Vince Wilfork, Kevin Williams..
SPECIAL TEAMS – 1
Place kicker (1): Adam Vinatieri.
The List of 26 came out …
Wizniewski, Webb, Brown made it.
Watters and Williams fail to advance. Rodney Harrison and Anquan Boldin fail to advance which could help Fitzgerald.
Pouncey, Olsen and McCoy as first year eligibles also fail to advance.
Eli Manning again advances, as does Robert Mathis and Kevin Williams.
Paul, I think James Harrison advanced … not Rodney but let me double check. Looking at Frank Cooney article …
My bad … Cooney had it wrong. It was Rodney Harrison advancing.
Defensive players are light this year.
Other than that imbalance, I generally like the list. Still surprised that Ngata (really interesting comp with Wilfork) and Lynch (my favorite RB on the list) don’t get more traction, but their candidacies are young.
Very happy to see Kevin Williams advance–has long been a strange omission.
My opinion:
Obvious HOFers: Brees, Fitzgerald, Holt, S. Smith, Wayne, Witten, Anderson, Evans, Webb, Wisniewski, Yanda, Thomas, Woodson, Kuechly, Suggs, Williams, Vinatieri
Borderline: Rivers, Gore, Taylor, Ward, Brown, Harrison, Mathis, Wilfork
Not HOFers: Manning
If it up to me: Brees, Fitzgerald, Holt, Kuechly, Suggs (with apologies to Thomas and Woodson)
Surprised that Lomas Brown made it over Nick Mangold or Pouncey.
Frank Gore may take momentum from Fred Taylor.
Like Paul, Happy for Wiz and Webb
Surprised Mathis advanced again with Freeney already elected.
Wilfork could cancel out Williams.
Poor Tory Holt. Can he overcome all the receivers advancing?
Like last year, hoping Thomas doesnt leapfrog over Woodson. With all the damn receivers, not sure Woodson or Witten get elected.
My Final 5
Brees
Kuechly
Woodson
Witten
Wizniewski
Prediction
Brees
Fitzgerald
Kuechly
Anderson
Holt
Glad your back TonyP …
Stafford is having a great year but the Rams need to go all the way I believe to help get him elected. With his stats, an MVP award could help as well but alot of football left to be played. If he can win MVP and at least lead his team into an NFC Championship game, I feel younger voters will help him possibly get elected but he will still wait till at least 2037, when flag football will end pro tackle football, forever … haha
https://www.zoneblitz.com/hall-of-fame-names-semifinalists-for-class-of-2026/
I had 21/25 missed on LBrown/Wilford/Williams/SWis
but don’t see anything here that changes what final 15 will look like nor I how I see the election of moderns going…
Brees/Fitz(locks) +LukeK……then the real unknown as election math could get us a 4th or not..no real way to know as could be one of WAnderson/Woodson/AdamV or votes split and none
So what happens with Rivers if he throws a pass this year? His clock restarts?
As soon as he is moved to active game day roster (even if he never even takes a snap) his clock restarts to new 5 season waiting period before eligible
my updated Finalists List
Willie Anderson
Drew Brees
Jahiri Evans
Larry Fitzgerald
Frank Gore
Torry Holt
Luke Kuechley
Eli Manning
Terrell Suggs
Reggie Wayne
Adam Vinatieri
Steve Wisniewski
Jason Witten
Darren Woodson
Marshal Yanda
Well, it’s official now. Rivers is now eligible for 2031. That frees up one spot for next 5 years. I do think he would get in before 2031 if on the ballot. Eli now has a clearer path after Brees and Roethlisberger get in. Ben is could see wait a year. His Pro Bowl/AP accolades are “weak”. Eli being a 2x SB MVP puts him in an elite class. The rest to achieve that are among the best ever at their position.