Twenty-six former NFL players were named as semifinalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class on Tuesday (November 25), according to a ProFootballHallof.com news release

The list includes five players eligible for the first time, two who have reached the semifinalist stage for the first time and 19 who were previously semifinalists for the 2025 class. Quarterbacks Drew Brees and Philip Rivers; running back Frank Gore; wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald; and tight end Jason Witten represent the first-year eligible players. Quarterback Eli Manning; running back Fred Taylor; wide receivers Torry Holt, Steve Smith Sr. and Reggie Wayne; offensive linemen Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans and Marshal Yanda, linebackers Luke Keuchly and Terrell Suggs; defensive back Darren Woodson; and kicker Adam Vinatieri represent the semifinalists who made it to the final round of last year's class.

The full list of semifinalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class is included below per ProFootballHallof.com:

OFFENSE

Quarterback (3): Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers.
Running back (2): Frank Gore, Fred Taylor.
Wide receiver (5): Larry Fitzgerald, Torry Holt, Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne.
Tight end (1): Jason Witten.
Offensive line (6): Willie Anderson, Lomas Brown, Jahri Evans, Richmond Webb, Steve Wisniewski, Marshal Yanda.

DEFENSE

Defensive back (3): Rodney Harrison, Earl Thomas, Darren Woodson.
Linebacker (2): Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs (also DE).
Defensive line (3): Robert Mathis (also LB), Vince Wilfork, Kevin Williams.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Place kicker (1): Adam Vinatieri.

Kristina

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