Drew Brees, Eli Manning and Adam Vinatieri were announced Tuesday among the 15 finalists vying to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2026 class.
The list of up to five new members of the Hall of Immortals, in the category of Players of the Modern Era, will be announced on February 5 during the broadcast of the ‘NFL Honors’ ceremony, in the run-up to Super Bowl LX, to be held on February 8.
Eli Manning, of the New York Giants
Eli Manning is one of the finalists for the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame.
Manning played for the New York Giants from 2004 to 2019.
He is the only quarterback in history to beat Tom Brady, the all-time leading winner of Lombardi Trophies with seven, in two Super Bowls.
Drew Brees, of the New Orleans Saints
Another heavy favorite to be part of the 2026 class is Drew Brees.
He is a legend of the New Orleans Saints, a team he led to victory in Super Bowl XLIV, where he was honored as the Most Valuable Player.
Brees, a 13-time Pro Bowl selection, holds several NFL records, including the most seasons with more than 5,000 yards per pass, with five, and the most consecutive games with a touchdown catch, with 54.
Other names
Kicker Adam Vinatieri also aspires to see his bronze bust among NFL history thanks to his 24-year career in which he played for the New England Patriots, with whom he won three Super Bowls, and the Indianapolis Colts, a team with which he added another championship ring.
Rounding out the list of 15 candidates are Larry Fitzgerald, a star wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals from 2004 to 2020 who was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection; tackle Willie Anderson, a former Cincinnati Bengals star who finished his career with the Baltimore Ravens.
Frank Gore, running back who shined during his time with the San Francisco 49ers; Torry Holt, former St. Louis Rams wide receiver.
Also Luke Kuechly, an aggressive linebacker who played for Carolina Panthers; Terrell Suggs, a defensive back who shined for the Ravens.
Reggie Wayne, who spent his career from 2001 to 2014 as a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.
Kevin Williams, former Minnesota Vikings tackle.
Former Dallas Cowboys players Jason Witten and Darren Woodson; and Marshal Yanda, who played for the Ravens.
In addition to these 15 candidates, there are five aspirants to enter the Hall of Fame in the Senior category, from which three new members may be elected.
There are also three former players, Kenny Anderson, Roger Craig and LC Greenwood; one coach, Bill Belichick; and one contributor, Robert Kraft.
Filed under: NFL Hall of Fame Finalists
With information from EFE
