The race is on for a place in Canton! A staggering 128 modern-era players have been nominated for the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This impressive list includes thirteen players in their first year of eligibility, a testament to their remarkable careers. The quarterback position boasts the most first-year nominees, with Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, and Alex Smith all vying for enshrinement. This elite group also features standout players like wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, tight ends Greg Olsen and Jason Witten, and running backs Frank Gore and LeSean McCoy.
The diverse field of nominees showcases the incredible talent across all positions. 77 offensive players, 42 defensive players, and nine special teams players are in the running for this ultimate honor. The selection process is rigorous and multi-staged. First, a Screening Committee will narrow the field down to 50 nominees in mid-October. Following this, the 50-person Hall of Fame Selection Committee will further reduce the candidates to 25 semifinalists. Later in the fall, another vote will determine the 15 Modern-Era Player Finalists. Ultimately, the Class of 2026 will consist of three to five Modern-Era Players.
The nominees span decades of exceptional athleticism and highlight some of the most memorable names in NFL history. Quarterbacks like Eli Manning and Donovan McNabb, running backs such as Marshawn Lynch and Emmitt Smith, and defensive stalwarts including Luke Kuechly and Ray Lewis are just a few of the legendary players vying for induction. The selection process is overseen by Ernst & Young LLP, ensuring transparency and integrity in the voting process.
Beyond the Modern-Era Players, three Seniors Finalists, a Coach Finalist, and a Contributor Finalist will also be considered. The final selection meeting will be held before Super Bowl LX, with the successful candidates requiring at least 80% support from the Selection Committee. The Class of 2026 will be enshrined next August, adding to the pantheon of football's greatest players.
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Originally published at: https://www.nfl.com/news/128-modern-era-players-nominated-for-pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2026
