1 of 5 | Longtime New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is among 15 modern-era player finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2026. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald and Frank Gore are among 15 modern-era Hall of Fame finalists, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Tuesday.
The trio is joined by Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning, Terrell Suggs, Adam Vinatieri, Reggie Wayne, Kevin Williams, Jason Witten, Darren Woodson and Marshal Yanda. The 15 finalists were selected from a group of 26 semifinalists, who were announced Nov. 25.
Philip Rivers, who recently ended his retirement to play for the Indianapolis Colts, former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward and Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas were among semifinalists who didn’t advance.
The group of 15 modern-era finalists will be considered for induction by the Hall of Fame selection committee and unveiled Feb. 5 at the NFL Honors in San Francisco. The committee can elect up to five modern-era players for the 2026 class. Each player must receive a minimum positive vote of 80% for election.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, Kenny Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood are finalists in the seniors category. Voting for that group is conducted separately. At least one of those candidates must be elected — with a maximum of three allowed — according to Hall of Fame bylaws.
The modern-era player pool for the class of 2026 started with 128 nominees. That total was reduced to 52 before the 26 semifinalists were announced.
UPI Pictures of the Year 2025: Winning moments in Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (C) celebrates with teammates after the Dodgers defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in 11 innings in Game 7 to win the World Series in Toronto on November 1, 2025. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI | License Photo
