2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class Announced

The official announcement for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was made on Thursday, which notably excluded Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft from the honors.

The inductees include Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, kicker Adam Vinatieri, San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and running back Roger Craig from the San Francisco 49ers.

Craig’s induction is particularly significant. He was the first player to record both 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season and won three Super Bowl championships while playing for the 49ers, as well as for the Los Angeles Raiders and Minnesota Vikings. Surprising many, he entered the Hall of Fame ahead of renowned figures like Belichick, Kraft, Ken Anderson, and LC Greenwood.

In the lead-up to the NFL Honors event, the absence of Belichick and Kraft raised eyebrows and caused quite a stir in the NFL community.

Among the inductees, Vinatieri stands out as the only member from the Patriots’ dynasty. He earned four Super Bowl titles during his time both with the Patriots and the Colts, establishing himself as one of the most reliable kickers of his era.

Fitzgerald, a celebrated wide receiver, was known for his remarkable consistency on the field. He was selected to the Pro Bowl eleven times and was an All-Pro. Playing from 2004 to 2020, he recorded 1,432 catches, totaling 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns—all while making his mark entirely with the Cardinals, including an appearance in one Super Bowl.

Kuechly anchored the Panthers’ defense from 2012 to 2019, making the Pro Bowl in seven of his eight NFL seasons. He earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2012, followed by Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. By the end of his career, Kuechly had accumulated 1,092 tackles, 18 interceptions, and 12.5 sacks, earning a spot on the Hall of Fame’s 2010 All-Team.

Brees, who led the Saints, wrapped up his career as a Super Bowl champion and holds the franchise records for both passing yards and touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl thirteen times and was honored as Offensive Player of the Year on two occasions, finishing his 20-season career with 80,358 passing yards and 571 touchdowns.