Quarterbacks Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, along with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, tight end Jason Witten, and running back Frank Gore, have reached the semifinal stage of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.
These five newcomers are part of the 26 modern-era candidates who progressed through the voting conducted by the 50-member selection committee for the 2026 class. The committee will soon narrow this list down to 15 finalists, who will be voted on prior to the Super Bowl in February.
Four players have already secured spots in the final 15 by making it to the last seven in the 2025 class: Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, and Adam Vinatieri. Other returning finalists include Eli Manning, Fred Taylor, Steve Smith Sr., Reggie Wayne, Jahri Evans, Marshall Yanda, Terrell Suggs, and Darren Woodson.
Joining the semifinal stage for the first time are offensive lineman Lomas Brown and defensive lineman Kevin Williams. Additional semifinalists include Hines Ward, Richmond Webb, Steve Wisniewski, Rodney Harrison, Earl Thomas, Vince Wilfork, and Robert Mathis.
In addition to the 15 modern-era finalists, the selection committee will also evaluate three senior candidates, one coach, and one contributor for the 2026 class. Between four and eight new members are expected to be elected in the second year of this current selection format. Last year marked the smallest class in two decades, with only four individuals being inducted.
Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald stand out as the top new candidates this year. Brees ranks second all-time behind Tom Brady with 80,358 passing yards and 571 touchdown throws. He began his career with the San Diego Chargers before joining the New Orleans Saints in 2006, where he significantly contributed to the city”s recovery following Hurricane Katrina. Brees led the Saints to their first Super Bowl title after the 2009 season, earning MVP honors in the process.
Over his illustrious career, Brees was selected to the Pro Bowl 13 times, received AP Offensive Player of the Year awards in 2008 and 2011, and was named an All-Pro in 2006, in addition to being a second-team All-Pro four times.
Larry Fitzgerald dedicated his entire career to the Arizona Cardinals, having been drafted third overall in 2004. His 1,432 receptions and 17,492 receiving yards in 17 seasons place him second all-time, trailing only Jerry Rice. Fitzgerald surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark nine times and was instrumental in leading the Cardinals to their only Super Bowl appearance after the 2008 season. During that postseason, he set single-season records with 546 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches.
Philip Rivers ranks seventh all-time in passing yards with 63,440, primarily playing for the Chargers. He was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times and earned the 2013 AP Comeback Player of the Year award. Jason Witten is regarded as one of the most prolific tight ends, with 1,228 catches and 13,046 receiving yards, the second-highest totals in history. Witten achieved All-Pro honors twice and was a second-team All-Pro on two additional occasions.
Frank Gore stands third all-time in rushing yards with 16,000, boasting nine seasons with over 1,000 yards and five Pro Bowl selections. Luke Kuechly, despite a shorter career, made a significant impact, being a five-time All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowler. He was the 2012 Defensive Rookie of the Year and led all linebackers in tackles, takeaways, interceptions, and passes defensed during his tenure.
Adam Vinatieri is known for being one of the clutchest kickers in NFL history, having made decisive field goals in the initial two Super Bowl victories for the New England Patriots. He is the NFL”s all-time leader in points and field goals, with a remarkable 56 field goals and 238 points scored in the postseason.
Torry Holt played a vital role in the St. Louis Rams offense during their “Greatest Show on Turf” era, contributing to their Super Bowl victory in 1999 and another appearance two years later. Holt led the NFL in receiving yards in 2000 and in both catches and yards in 2003, finishing his career with 920 receptions, 13,382 yards, and 74 touchdowns. Willie Anderson, recognized as one of the top right tackles of his time, was a first-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals and made three consecutive All-Pro teams from 2004 to 2006.
