Pro Football Hall Names 26 Semifinalists for 2026

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 26 modern-era semifinalists for its Class of 2026 on Tuesday, highlighting a competitive field that includes several first-year eligible stars and returning contenders from previous cycles.

The selection committee reduced the initial pool of 128 nominees to these semifinalists through initial voting, with the list extended to 26 due to a tie for the final spot. Among the newcomers advancing in their debut year are quarterbacks Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, tight end Jason Witten, and running back Frank Gore. Brees, who spent 15 seasons with the New Orleans Saints after starting with the San Diego Chargers, ranks second in NFL history with 80,358 passing yards and 571 touchdown passes. He led the Saints to their first Super Bowl victory after the 2009 season, earning MVP honors in the game against the Indianapolis Colts. Fitzgerald, a 17-year Cardinals veteran drafted third overall in 2004, holds the second-most receptions (1,432) and receiving yards (17,492) in league history, behind only Jerry Rice. He surpassed 1,000 receiving yards nine times and set postseason records with 546 yards and seven touchdown...