Quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald are the standout names among the four modern era finalists in their first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Joining them are tight end Jason Witten and running back Frank Gore, both of whom are also first-year eligible candidates.
The finalists include a total of 15 candidates, with Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, and Adam Vinatieri having secured their spots after advancing to the final seven in the voting for the 2025 class. Additionally, six returning finalists are Eli Manning, Reggie Wayne, Jahri Evans, Marshall Yanda, Terrell Suggs, and Darren Woodson. This year marks the first time Kevin Williams has reached the finalist stage in his sixth year of eligibility.
The 50-person selection committee will cast their votes on these finalists next month, with results scheduled to be revealed on February 5 during the “NFL Honors” ceremony. Between three to five of these finalists will be inducted, continuing the current format established last year. In addition to the modern era finalists, the committee will also evaluate senior candidates Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, and L.C. Greenwood, along with coaching candidate Bill Belichick and contributor Robert Kraft. One to three of these finalists will be inducted into the Hall.
Last year, only four individuals were inducted, marking the smallest class in two decades. Brees and Fitzgerald are regarded as the leading new candidates this year. Brees ranks second all-time to Tom Brady with 80,358 passing yards and 571 touchdown passes. He began his career with the San Diego Chargers before signing with the New Orleans Saints in 2006, where he played a pivotal role in the team”s recovery from Hurricane Katrina and helped secure the franchise”s first Super Bowl championship following the 2009 season, earning MVP honors in the process.
Fitzgerald, drafted third overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2004, spent his entire career with the franchise. With 1,432 receptions and 17,492 receiving yards over 17 seasons, he is second only to Jerry Rice in both categories. Fitzgerald surpassed 1,000 receiving yards on nine occasions and played a crucial role in leading the Cardinals to their only Super Bowl appearance after the 2008 season, where he set postseason records with 546 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches.
Witten is recognized as one of the most productive tight ends in history, amassing 1,228 catches and 13,046 receiving yards, ranking second all-time. He was named an All-Pro twice during his career with the Dallas Cowboys. Gore is third on the all-time rushing list with 16,000 yards, having achieved nine seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards and earning five Pro Bowl selections.
Kuechly made a brief yet significant impact in his career; drafted in the first round by the Carolina Panthers in 2012, he earned five All-Pro selections and seven Pro Bowl nods while being named Defensive Rookie of the Year. Over eight seasons, he led all NFL linebackers in tackles, takeaways, interceptions, and passes defensed.
Vinatieri remains one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, having made game-winning field goals in New England”s first two Super Bowl victories. He is remembered for his remarkable kick that forced overtime during the “Tuck Rule” game against the Raiders in 2001. As the NFL”s all-time leader in points and field goals made, his postseason records further cement his legacy.
Holt played an integral role in the Rams” “Greatest Show on Turf,” contributing to their Super Bowl victory in 1999. He led the league in receiving yards in 2000 and had a standout year in 2003 when he made his only All-Pro team.
Notably absent from the list of advancing finalists are quarterback Philip Rivers, who was removed from the ballot after coming out of retirement, as well as offensive lineman Steve Wisniewski, who is in his final year of eligibility as a modern era candidate. Running back Fred Taylor and receiver Steve Smith Sr., both finalists from the previous year, also did not progress.
