Hall of Fame unveils 128-player modern-era ballot for Class of 2026

The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio announced Wednesday a 128-player modern-era ballot for the Class of 2026 that includes 13 players in their first year of eligibility, headlined by quarterbacks Drew Brees and Alex Smith and receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The slate, which the Hall described as comprising 77 offensive players, 42 defensive players and nine special teams players, begins a multi-step vetting process that will pare the list to finalists ahead of next February's Super Bowl.

Among the 13 first-time eligible players are Brees, Fitzgerald, Philip Rivers, Greg Olsen, Jason Witten, Frank Gore, LeSean McCoy, David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey, Geno Atkins, Jurrell Casey and linebacker Thomas Davis, according to the Hall. Brees, a 13-time Pro Bowler, finished his career second all time in passing yards and touchdown passes, while Fitzgerald, an 11-time Pro Bowler, ranks second all time in receptions and receiving yards, the Hall noted.

A screening committee will reduce the 128 candidates to 50, plus ties if any, with the result to be announced in mid-October. Later this fall the full 50-member Hall of Fame selection committee will trim the field to 25 semifinalists and...