Brees, Fitzgerald Headline 2026 Hall Nominees

A screening committee trimmed an initial 128 modern‑era nominees to 52 candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, headlined by first‑time eligibles Philip Rivers, Frank Gore, Larry Fitzgerald and Jason Witten and led by Drew Brees, who heads five nominees from the New Orleans Saints. Several other first‑year candidates advanced, including Greg Olsen, LeSean McCoy and Maurkice Pouncey. The full 50‑member selection committee will next cut the list to 25 and then 15 finalists for a vote before the Super Bowl. Four players who reached the final seven in 2025 — Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri — are already guaranteed spots among the 15 finalists. Fitzgerald, in his first year of eligibility, finished his Cardinals career with 1,432 catches and 17,492 receiving yards (second all‑time to Jerry Rice) and is widely viewed as a top new candidate alongside Brees. Analysts say the class is deep and competitive, especially at center, tight end and running back, and only a small number (between four and nine) will ultimately be elected from this field.