Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 announced: Who made the cut?

Drew Brees

Brees received the Hall of Fame nod in his first season of eligibility. He spent 20 seasons in the NFL from 2001-2020, and was a 13-time Pro Bowler, seven-time NFL passing yards leader, six-time NFL completion percentage leader, five-time All-Pro, four-time NFL passing touchdowns leader, and two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He led the Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV, where he was also named the game’s MVP.

Brees finished his career with over 80,000 passing yards and 571 passing touchdowns, and has already been inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame.

Larry Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald is also a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He earned that distinction by way of a legendary 17-year career from 2004-2020, which saw him become an 11-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, and lead the NFL in receptions and receiving touchdowns twice apiece. He finished his career with over 17,000 receiving yards and 121 receiving touchdowns.

Luke Kuechly

Kuechly spent a short but impactful eight-year career with the Carolina Panthers from 2012-2019, and it was a memorable one as well. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro, and twice led the league in total combined tackles for a season – he finished his career with 1,092 tackles, 66 pass deflections, 18 interceptions, and 12.5 sacks. He was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. It was Kuechly’s second-year as a nominee.

Adam Vinatieri

Vinatieri was also on his second nomination for the honor after an incredible 24-year career from 1996-2019 that began as an undrafted kicker playing in the now-defunct NFL Europe. During the course of his career, he set the NFL record for most career field goals made, most consecutive field goals made, and most career points scored. He was a four-time Super Bowl Champion, a three-time Pro Bowler, and a three-time All-Pro.

Roger Craig

Craig spent 11 years in the NFL from 1980 to 1991and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a three-time All-Pro, and a three-time Super Bowl champion. He was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988 and led the league in receptions in 1985. He finished his career with 8,189 rushing yards, 4,911 receiving yards, and 73 total touchdowns.