Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Discussion Thread (1 Viewer)

[Yogibear]

The list of Senior Nominees for the Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was just released today. Here's the list:

QUARTERBACKS (9): Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Roman Gabriel, John Hadl, Jack Kemp, Don Meredith, Earl Morrall, Jim Plunkett, Doug Williams.

BACKS/RUNNING BACKS (16): Alan Ameche, Ottis Anderson, Larry Brown, Earnest Byner, Roger Craig, John David Crow, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Verne Lewellen, Jack Manders, Mercury Morris, Don Perkins, Billy Sims, Herschel Walker, Byron “Whizzer” White, Paul "Tank” Younger.

ENDS/WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS (30): Fred Arbanas, Todd Christensen, Mark Clayton, Ben Coates, Gary Collins, Isaac Curtis, Carroll Dale, Lavvie Dilweg, Boyd Dowler, Mark Duper, Henry Ellard, Jimmie Giles, Charley Hennigan, Billy Howton, Harold Jackson, Keith Jackson, Billy "White Shoes” Johnson, Brent Jones, Homer Jones, Steve Jordan, Eric Martin, Stanley Morgan, Jay Novacek, Art Powell, Del Shofner, Lionel Taylor, Otis Taylor, Rick Upchurch, Bobby Walston, Billy Wilson.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (35): Heartley "Hunk” Anderson, Bruce Armstrong, Stew Barber, **** Barwegen, Ed Budde, Ox Emerson, Gale Gillingham, Charles "Buckets” Goldenberg, Ken Gray, Dennis Harrah, Jay Hilgenberg, Chris Hinton, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, George Kunz, Riley Matheson, Max Montoya, Jon Morris, Ralph Neely, John Niland, Bart Oates, Marvin Powell, Duane Putnam, **** Schafrath, Jerry Sisemore, Doug Smith, Walt Sweeney, Bob Talamini, Fuzzy Thurston, Jim Tyrer, Bob Vogel, Ed White, Ray Wietecha, Al Wistert.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (15): Houston Antwine, Gene Brito, Roger Brown, Earl Faison, Mark Gastineau, L.C. Greenwood, Ed "Too Tall” Jones, Jim Marshall, Leonard Marshall, Harvey Martin, Jerry Mays, Tom Sestak, Fred Smerlas, Neil Smith, Bill Stanfill.

LINEBACKERS (25): Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Cornelius Bennett, Bill Bergey, Matt Blair, Mike Curtis, Joe Fortunato, Larry Grantham, Tim Harris, E.J. Holub (also OL), Vaughan Johnson, Lee Roy Jordan, Seth Joyner, Greg Lloyd, Wilber Marshall, Rod Martin, Clay Matthews Jr., Bud McFadin, Karl Mecklenburg, Matt Millen, Tommy Nobis, Isiah Robertson, Pat Swilling, Darryl Talley, Keena Turner.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (27): **** Anderson, Bobby Boyd, Dave Brown, Joey Browner, Butch Byrd, Don Doll, Pat Fischer, Goose Gonsoulin, Dave Grayson, Cornell Green, Merton Hanks, Lester Hayes, Warren Lahr, Albert Lewis, Tim McDonald, Eddie Meador, Lemar Parrish, Jimmy Patton, Eugene Robinson, George Saimes, Jake Scott, Dennis Smith, Jack Tatum, Everson Walls, Charlie Waters, Abe Woodson, Louis Wright.

KICKERS/PUNTERS (3): Jim Bakken, Jim Breech, Nick Lowery.

SPECIAL TEAMS (2): Mel Gray, Steve Tasker.



Keep in mind that these are the SENIOR nominees. The MODERN-ERA nominees will be announced at a later time. Who do you believe has the best chance of getting into Canton?

 

[Manster]

**** Anderson is a shoe in

 

[bro1ncos]

I think a legitimate case can be made for all of the following:

QB - Anderson and Plunkett
RB - Craig and Foreman
REC - Christensen, Coates, Duper/Clayton (They were Bruce/Holt before Bruce and Holt), Morgan
OL - Hilgenberg, Jacoby
DL - Marshall, Marshall, Smith
LB - Banks, Bennett, Lloyd, Mecklenburg, Swilling, Talley
DB - Anderson, Hayes, Lewis, Robinson, Smith, Walls, Waters, Wright
ST - Lowery and Tasker

 

[FarFromHome]

I always felt like Roger Craig was one of the first modern day rbs. Had 7 or so 1000 total yard seasons. After a info dive I was quite surprised he was 6ft 220lbs. Really shows the difference in overall size from then until now. He always felt waaaaaay smaller then he was. Maybe it's just me

 

[Ilov80s]

I always felt like Roger Craig was one of the first modern day rbs. Had 7 or so 1000 total yard seasons. After a info dive I was quite surprised he was 6ft 220lbs. Really shows the difference in overall size from then until now. He always felt waaaaaay smaller then he was. Maybe it's just me

He has two 2000 yard seasons. Only 18 other playyers have ever recorded multiple 2000 yard seasons. He was the first to have 1000/1000. Faulk and CMC are the only other 2. I see strong case for giving Craig the nod.

 

[Yogibear]

The list of Modern-Era Nominees was just released today. Here's the list:

QUARTERBACKS (10): Drew Brees, Randall Cunningham, Jake Delhomme, Rich Gannon, Jeff Garcia, *-Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb, Steve McNair, Philip Rivers, Alex Smith.

RUNNING BACKS (21): Shaun Alexander, Mike Alstott (FB), Tiki Barber, Larry Centers (FB), Jamaal Charles, Corey Dillon, Warrick Dunn, Arian Foster, Eddie George, Frank Gore, Priest Holmes, Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson, Thomas Jones, Jamal Lewis, Marshawn Lynch, LeSean McCoy, Eric Metcalf (also WR/PR/KR), Lorenzo Neal (FB), *-Fred Taylor, Ricky Watters.

WIDE RECEIVERS (18): Anquan Boldin, Donald Driver, Larry Fitzgerald, *-Torry Holt, Chad Johnson, Brandon Lloyd, Brandon Marshall, Derrick Mason, Herman Moore, Muhsin Muhammad, Jordy Nelson, Jimmy Smith, Rod Smith, *-Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, *-Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker, Roddy White.

TIGHT ENDS (6): Vernon Davis, Zach Miller, Greg Olsen, Wesley Walls, Delanie Walker, Jason Witten.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (22): *-Willie Anderson (T), Matt Birk (C), Lomas Brown (T), Ruben Brown (G), Ryan Clady (T), David DeCastro (G), *-Jahri Evans (G), Jordan Gross (T), Ryan Kalil (C), Olin Kreutz (C), Nick Mangold (C), Logan Mankins (G), Tom Nalen (C), Maurkice Pouncey (C), Jeff Saturday (C), Josh Sitton (G), Joe Staley (T), Brian Waters (G), Richmond Webb (T), Erik Williams (T), Steve Wisniewski (G), *-Marshal Yanda (G).

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (13): John Abraham (DE also LB), Geno Atkins (DT), Jurrell Casey (DT), Elvis Dumervil (DE), La’Roi Glover (DT/NT), Robert Mathis (DE), Haloti Ngata (DT), Jay Ratliff (DE), Simeon Rice (DE), Justin Smith (DE), Ted Washington (NT/DT), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT), Kevin Williams (DT).

LINEBACKERS (14): NaVorro Bowman, Lance Briggs, Tedy Bruschi, Thomas Davis, James Farrior, London Fletcher, James Harrison, A.J. Hawk, *-Luke Kuechly, Clay Matthews III, Dat Nguyen, Takeo Spikes, *-Terrell Suggs, Lee Woodall.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (15): Eric Berry (S), Kam Chancellor (S), Nick Collins (S), DeAngelo Hall (DB), Rodney Harrison (S), James Hasty (CB), Carnell Lake (DB), Allen Rossum (DB), Asante Samuel (CB), Patrick Surtain (CB), Earl Thomas (S), Charles Tillman (CB), Troy Vincent (CB), Adrian Wilson (S), *-Darren Woodson (S).

PUNTERS/KICKERS (7): David Akers (K), Gary Anderson (K), Jason Hanson (K), John Kasay (K), Sean Landeta (P), Shane Lechler (P), *-Adam Vinatieri (K).

SPECIAL TEAMS (2): Josh Cribbs (KR/PR also WR), Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB).

There's a couple names that stick out like Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald. But, like I said, these are the Modern-Era Nominees. Which 5 of these names do you believe have the best shot at getting into Canton in 2026?

 

[Joe Schmo]

The list of Modern-Era Nominees was just released today. Here's the list:

QUARTERBACKS (10): Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers

RUNNING BACKS (21): Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber, Frank Gore, Priest Holmes, Marshawn Lynch, Ricky Watters.

WIDE RECEIVERS (18): Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Torry Holt, Jimmy Smith, -Steve Smith Sr.,Reggie Wayne

TIGHT ENDS (6): Greg Olsen, Jason Witten.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (22):NA- I'll let others decide

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (13): Haloti Ngata (DT), Simeon Rice (DE), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT)

LINEBACKERS (14): James Harrison, -Terrell Suggs,

DEFENSIVE BACKS (15): Kam Chancellor (S), Rodney Harrison (S), *-Darren Woodson (S).

PUNTERS/KICKERS (7): Gary Anderson *-Adam Vinatieri (K).

My quick cut. Fitting that Brees and Rivers are up in the same class. Frank Gore gets a nod for longevity and viable production (compiler, sort of) while Priest Holmes gets the Terrell Davis nod of being electric in a short period of time. Don't think either get in this year but who knows. Fitz is a lock while the rest are in a fight to the death, gonna take a while to whittle this group down over the years. TE's are set but perhaps not both this year with Whitten probably going first. O=Line is a mystery to me so I pass. D-Line I like all three but think Wilfork is the top pick. Suggs should be a lock but his off field bs may hold him back. He is allegedly a bit of a punk. D-Backs, eh, dealers choice but I think it's a coin flip for Woodson and Harrison. Kickers got to be Vinatieri but Anderson should get in soon now that that damn is broke.

 

[Tau837]

I would vote for:

QB Brees - I think Rivers is deserving but won't make it any time soon; I think Eli is deserving but will not make it in the same class as Brees
WR Holt - I think Fitz is deserving, but I think Holt has waited long enough; I doubt voters will agree with me and expect Fitz to make it over Holt
G Evans - I could see TE Witten making it over Evans, and I think Witten is also deserving
LB Kuechly - nobrainer IMO; should have made it last year IMO
S Woodson - I think S Thomas and S Harrison are deserving, but I think Woodson has waited long enough; I could see Thomas making it over Woodson

 

[-OZ-]

I would vote for:

QB Brees - I think Rivers is deserving but won't make it any time soon; I think Eli is deserving but will not make it in the same class as Brees
WR Holt - I think Fitz is deserving, but I think Holt has waited long enough; I doubt voters will agree with me and expect Fitz to make it over Holt
G Evans - I could see TE Witten making it over Evans, and I think Witten is also deserving
LB Kuechly - nobrainer IMO; should have made it last year IMO
S Woodson - I think S Thomas and S Harrison are deserving, but I think Woodson has waited long enough; I could see Thomas making it over Woodson

Almost exactly how I see it except I’d vote fitz over holt like you expect. And Harrison over D Woodson.

 

[Anarchy99]

Listed by Hall of Fame Monitor Score

QUARTERBACKS (10): Drew Brees (140), Philip Rivers (98), Eli Manning (86), Rich Gannon (65), Steve McNair (60), Donovan McNabb (56), Randall Cunningham (55), Alex Smith (45), Jeff Garcia (42), Jake Delhomme (24)

RUNNING BACKS (21): Frank Gore (100), LeSean McCoy (82), Marshawn Lynch (69), Ricky Watters (65), Shaun Alexander (62), Tiki Barber (58), Priest Holmes (55), Fred Taylor (55), Warrick Dunn (54), Jamal Lewis (53), Corey Dillon (51), Eddie George (47), Steven Jackson (46), Mike Alstott (FB) (42), Jamaal Charles (41), Lorenzo Neal (FB) (40), Chris Johnson (39), Eric Metcalf (also WR/PR/KR) (38), Larry Centers (FB) (35), Arian Foster (34), Thomas Jones (33)

WIDE RECEIVERS (18): Larry Fitzgerald (141), Reggie Wayne (111), Steve Smith Sr. (100), Torry Holt (109), Anquan Boldin (81), Hines Ward (75), Jimmy Smith (73), Rod Smith (71), Brandon Marshall (69), Chad Johnson (62), Derrick Mason (61), Roddy White (56), Wes Welker (55), Muhsin Muhammad (55), Herman Moore (50), Donald Driver (46), Jordy Nelson (40), Brandon Lloyd (19)

TIGHT ENDS (6): Jason Witten (104), Greg Olsen (43), Vernon Davis (32), Wesley Walls (31), Delanie Walker (23), Zach Miller (17)

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (22): Jahri Evans (G) (97), Marshal Yanda (G) (83),Logan Mankins (G) (79), Steve Wisniewski (G) (76),Maurkice Pouncey (C) (75), Jeff Saturday (C) (75), Richmond Webb (T) (74), Tom Nalen (C) (67), Joe Staley (T) (64), Lomas Brown (T) (63), Ruben Willie Anderson (T) (62), Olin Kreutz (C) (58), Brian Waters (G) (53), Matt Birk (C) (52), Erik Williams (T) (51), Nick Mangold (C) (51), Ruben Brown (G) (49), Ryan Kalil (C) (48), David DeCastro (G) (46), Josh Sitton (G) (48), Ryan Clady (T) (40), Jordan Gross (T) (38)

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (13): Kevin Williams (DT) (105), Geno Atkins (DT) (76), Haloti Ngata (DT) (64), La’Roi Glover (DT/NT) (63), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT) (60), Justin Smith (DE) (58), John Abraham (DE also LB) (57), Ted Washington (NT/DT) (55), Simeon Rice (DE) (53), Robert Mathis (DE) (47), Elvis Dumervil (DE) (41), Jurrell Casey (DT) (40), Jay Ratliff (DE) (33)

LINEBACKERS (14): Luke Kuechly (119), Terrell Suggs (95), James Harrison (75), NaVorro Bowman (69), Lance Briggs (59), James Farrior (56), London Fletcher (56), Clay Matthews III (52), Thomas Davis (44), Takeo Spikes (44), Tedy Bruschi (42), A.J. Hawk (31), Lee Woodall (26), Dat Nguyen (13)

DEFENSIVE BACKS (15): Earl Thomas (S) (79), Darren Woodson (S) (67),Carnell Lake (DB) (58), Eric Berry (S) (54), Troy Vincent (CB) (52), Asante Samuel (CB) (49), Rodney Harrison (S) (48), Adrian Wilson (S) (41), James Hasty (CB) (40), Patrick Surtain (CB) (38), Charles Tillman (CB) (36), Kam Chancellor (S) (32), DeAngelo Hall (DB) (32), Nick Collins (S) (30), Allen Rossum (DB) (9)

PUNTERS/KICKERS (7): Adam Vinatieri (K) (93), Gary Anderson (K) (65), Shane Lechler (P) (63), Sean Landeta (P) (47), Jason Hanson (K) (38), David Akers (K) (35), John Kasay (K) (24),

SPECIAL TEAMS (2): Josh Cribbs (KR/PR also WR) (27), Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB) (25)

 

[Chaka]

LECHLER!!!!

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

Listed by Hall of Fame Monitor Score

QUARTERBACKS (10): Drew Brees (140), Philip Rivers (98), Eli Manning (86), Rich Gannon (65), Steve McNair (60), Donovan McNabb (56), Randall Cunningham (55), Alex Smith (45), Jeff Garcia (42), Jake Delhomme (24)

RUNNING BACKS (21): Frank Gore (100), LeSean McCoy (82), Marshawn Lynch (69), Ricky Watters (65), Shaun Alexander (62), Tiki Barber (58), Priest Holmes (55), Fred Taylor (55), Warrick Dunn (54), Jamal Lewis (53), Corey Dillon (51), Eddie George (47), Steven Jackson (46), Mike Alstott (FB) (42), Jamaal Charles (41), Lorenzo Neal (FB) (40), Chris Johnson (39), Eric Metcalf (also WR/PR/KR) (38), Larry Centers (FB) (35), Arian Foster (34), Thomas Jones (33)

WIDE RECEIVERS (18): Larry Fitzgerald (141), Reggie Wayne (111), Steve Smith Sr. (100), Torry Holt (109), Anquan Boldin (81), Hines Ward (75), Jimmy Smith (73), Rod Smith (71), Brandon Marshall (69), Chad Johnson (62), Derrick Mason (61), Roddy White (56), Wes Welker (55), Muhsin Muhammad (55), Herman Moore (50), Donald Driver (46), Jordy Nelson (40), Brandon Lloyd (19)

TIGHT ENDS (6): Jason Witten (104), Greg Olsen (43), Vernon Davis (32), Wesley Walls (31), Delanie Walker (23), Zach Miller (17)

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (22): Jahri Evans (G) (97), Marshal Yanda (G) (83),Logan Mankins (G) (79), Steve Wisniewski (G) (76),Maurkice Pouncey (C) (75), Jeff Saturday (C) (75), Richmond Webb (T) (74), Tom Nalen (C) (67), Joe Staley (T) (64), Lomas Brown (T) (63), Ruben Willie Anderson (T) (62), Olin Kreutz (C) (58), Brian Waters (G) (53), Matt Birk (C) (52), Erik Williams (T) (51), Nick Mangold (C) (51), Ruben Brown (G) (49), Ryan Kalil (C) (48), David DeCastro (G) (46), Josh Sitton (G) (48), Ryan Clady (T) (40), Jordan Gross (T) (38)

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (13): Kevin Williams (DT) (105), Geno Atkins (DT) (76), Haloti Ngata (DT) (64), La’Roi Glover (DT/NT) (63), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT) (60), Justin Smith (DE) (58), John Abraham (DE also LB) (57), Ted Washington (NT/DT) (55), Simeon Rice (DE) (53), Robert Mathis (DE) (47), Elvis Dumervil (DE) (41), Jurrell Casey (DT) (40), Jay Ratliff (DE) (33)

LINEBACKERS (14): Luke Kuechly (119), Terrell Suggs (95), James Harrison (75), NaVorro Bowman (69), Lance Briggs (59), James Farrior (56), London Fletcher (56), Clay Matthews III (52), Thomas Davis (44), Takeo Spikes (44), Tedy Bruschi (42), A.J. Hawk (31), Lee Woodall (26), Dat Nguyen (13)

DEFENSIVE BACKS (15): Earl Thomas (S) (79), Darren Woodson (S) (67),Carnell Lake (DB) (58), Eric Berry (S) (54), Troy Vincent (CB) (52), Asante Samuel (CB) (49), Rodney Harrison (S) (48), Adrian Wilson (S) (41), James Hasty (CB) (40), Patrick Surtain (CB) (38), Charles Tillman (CB) (36), Kam Chancellor (S) (32), DeAngelo Hall (DB) (32), Nick Collins (S) (30), Allen Rossum (DB) (9)

PUNTERS/KICKERS (7): Adam Vinatieri (K) (93), Gary Anderson (K) (65), Shane Lechler (P) (63), Sean Landeta (P) (47), Jason Hanson (K) (38), David Akers (K) (35), John Kasay (K) (24),

SPECIAL TEAMS (2): Josh Cribbs (KR/PR also WR) (27), Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB) (25)

Put the 75 and above in

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Brees
Fitz
Holt
Kuechly
Thomas

 

[Joe Schmo]

LECHLER!!!!

No, there's already one too many punters in the hof, no need to clog up the opportunities for the real football players to get in first.

 

[Chaka]

LECHLER!!!!

No, there's already one too many punters in the hof, no need to clog up the opportunities for the real football players to get in first.

LECHLER!!!!

 

[Yogibear]

LECHLER!!!!

No, there's already one too many punters in the hof, no need to clog up the opportunities for the real football players to get in first.

Actually, there's only one TRUE punter in the Hall of Fame. Ray Guy, who got voted in 2014. All the other "punters" that are in the Hall of Fame played other positions as well.

 

[Joe Schmo]

Shane Lechler or Brian Mitchell?

 

[TheDirtyWord]

SENIOR NOMINEES

Roger Craig - The prototype for the multi-dimensional RB who was the first to break the 1000/1000 barrier, his first 7 years in the NFL saw him average 1548 YFS & 9 TD's while being a key cog on 3 Super Bowl winning teams. A critical component to establishing the West Coast offense, he's been overlooked for far too long.

Todd Christensen - Never really understood the lack of love for him other than his longevity simply wasn't up to snuff for HOF consideration. But for a 4 year period, he was an elite TE whose production would translate to todays elite production standards; 1983-1986 he averaged 87/1099/8 making either 1st or 2nd team All-Pro in each season.

Mark Gastineau - No doubt, the guy is a complete tool. But from 1980-1985 he had 92 sacks in 88 games and was a 3x 1st team All-Pro. Yes, his off the field exploits (Brigitte Nielsen, crossing the picket line, boxing career, 'you hurt me Brett')...color him as pretty much a child with no maturity whatsoever. But quite frankly, he popularized the sack as it was becoming an official stat.

MODERN NOMINEES

Brees & Fitzgerald = First ballot

Luke Keuchly - Was a bit surprised he didn't make it in during his first year of eligibility. But I'm not sure there has ever been a more cerebral defensive player...who pretty much knew your offense as well as you did. I actually think he retired early because he recognized the value of his brain, and that was more important to him than squeezing a few more years out of his career when he felt it as threatened.

Terrell Suggs - Just an all around the field terror who came to define along side Ray Lewis & Ed Reed, the rock solid defensive foundation of the Ravens.

Tiki Barber - I'm on an island on this one...but I also don't think the HOF should be popularity contest. And Barber from 2000-2006 averaged 122 YFS/game, along with 8 TD's/year.

 

[Desert_Power]

Brees & Fitzgerald = First ballot

I'd be surprised if this were not the case.

 

[JetMaxx]

Gary Anderson makes that kick, Randall wins the Super Bowl thereafter and becomes a HOF QB.

 

[Yogibear]

Well, the list of Senior Nominees got cut down to 52 today. Here they are:

QUARTERBACKS (5): Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Roman Gabriel, Jack Kemp, Don Meredith.

RUNNING BACKS (6): Ottis Anderson, Larry Brown, Roger Craig, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Paul “Tank” Younger.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS (9): Mark Clayton, Isaac Curtis, Lavvie Dilweg, Henry Ellard, Harold Jackson, Billy "White Shoes” Johnson, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Otis Taylor.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (11): Jay Hilgenberg, Chris Hinton, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, Marvin Powell, **** Schafrath, Jerry Sisemore, Walt Sweeney, Jim Tyrer, Al Wistert.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (4): L.C. Greenwood, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Jim Marshall, Harvey Martin.

LINEBACKERS (8): Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Mike Curtis, Larry Grantham, Lee Roy Jordan, Clay Matthews Jr., Matt Millen, Tommy Nobis.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (8): **** Anderson, Bobby Boyd, Pat Fischer, Lester Hayes, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Lemar Parrish, Everson Walls.

SPECIAL TEAMS (1): Steve Tasker.

Now, who do you believe from the list of remaining Senior Nominees will make it to Canton in 2026?

 

[Yogibear]

Today, the list of 12 Coaches that are candidates was released. Here's the list:

Bill Arnsparger

Bill Belichick

Tom Coughlin

Alex Gibbs

Mike Holmgren

Chuck Knox

Buddy Parker

Dan Reeves

Marty Schottenheimer

George Seifert

Mike Shanahan

Clark Shaughnessy



Out of those 12 coaches, who do you believe has the best chance of making to Canton in 2026?

 

[Tau837]

Today, the list of 12 Coaches that are candidates was released. Here's the list:

Bill Arnsparger

Bill Belichick

Tom Coughlin

Alex Gibbs

Mike Holmgren

Chuck Knox

Buddy Parker

Dan Reeves

Marty Schottenheimer

George Seifert

Mike Shanahan

Clark Shaughnessy



Out of those 12 coaches, who do you believe has the best chance of making to Canton in 2026?

IMO Belichick is a nobrainer, despite all the damage he has done to his legacy over the past several years.

 

[FairWarning]

Well, the list of Senior Nominees got cut down to 52 today. Here they are:

QUARTERBACKS (5): Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Roman Gabriel, Jack Kemp, Don Meredith.

RUNNING BACKS (6): Ottis Anderson, Larry Brown, Roger Craig, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Paul “Tank” Younger.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS (9): Mark Clayton, Isaac Curtis, Lavvie Dilweg, Henry Ellard, Harold Jackson, Billy "White Shoes” Johnson, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Otis Taylor.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (11): Jay Hilgenberg, Chris Hinton, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, Marvin Powell, **** Schafrath, Jerry Sisemore, Walt Sweeney, Jim Tyrer, Al Wistert.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (4): L.C. Greenwood, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Jim Marshall, Harvey Martin.

LINEBACKERS (8): Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Mike Curtis, Larry Grantham, Lee Roy Jordan, Clay Matthews Jr., Matt Millen, Tommy Nobis.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (8): **** Anderson, Bobby Boyd, Pat Fischer, Lester Hayes, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Lemar Parrish, Everson Walls.

SPECIAL TEAMS (1): Steve Tasker.

Now, who do you believe from the list of remaining Senior Nominees will make it to Canton in 2026?

Top 5 - Craig, Otis Taylor, Hinton, Marshall, Nobis

All of the DL and LBs are worthy,

 

[Yogibear]

Well, the list of Modern-Era Candidates for the Class of 2026 got cut down to 52. Here's the list:

QUARTERBACKS (3): Drew Brees, *Eli Manning, Philip Rivers.

RUNNING BACKS (8): Warrick Dunn, Eddie George, Frank Gore, Marshawn Lynch, LeSean McCoy, Lorenzo Neal (FB), *Fred Taylor, Ricky Watters.

WIDE RECEIVERS (7): Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, *Torry Holt, Jimmy Smith, *Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, *Reggie Wayne.

TIGHT ENDS (2): Greg Olsen, Jason Witten.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (12): *Willie Anderson (T), Lomas Brown (T), Ruben Brown (G), *Jahri Evans (G), Olin Kreutz (C), Nick Mangold (C), Logan Mankins (G), Maurkice Pouncey (C), Richmond Webb (T), Erik Williams (T), Steve Wisniewski (G), *Marshal Yanda (G).

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (6): John Abraham (DE also LB), Robert Mathis (DE), Haloti Ngata (DT), Simeon Rice (DE), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT), Kevin Williams (DT).

LINEBACKERS (4): London Fletcher, James Harrison, *Luke Kuechly, *Terrell Suggs.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (6): Rodney Harrison (S), Asante Samuel (CB), Earl Thomas (S), Charles Tillman (CB), Troy Vincent (CB), *Darren Woodson (S).

PUNTERS/KICKERS (3): Gary Anderson (K), Shane Lechler (P), *Adam Vinatieri (K).

SPECIAL TEAMS (1): Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB).


Out of those 52 names, who do you believe has the best chance of making it to Canton in 2026?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Well, the list of Senior Nominees got cut down to 52 today. Here they are:

QUARTERBACKS (5): Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Roman Gabriel, Jack Kemp, Don Meredith.

RUNNING BACKS (6): Ottis Anderson, Larry Brown, Roger Craig, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Paul “Tank” Younger.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS (9): Mark Clayton, Isaac Curtis, Lavvie Dilweg, Henry Ellard, Harold Jackson, Billy "White Shoes” Johnson, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Otis Taylor.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (11): Jay Hilgenberg, Chris Hinton, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, Marvin Powell, **** Schafrath, Jerry Sisemore, Walt Sweeney, Jim Tyrer, Al Wistert.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (4): L.C. Greenwood, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Jim Marshall, Harvey Martin.

LINEBACKERS (8): Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Mike Curtis, Larry Grantham, Lee Roy Jordan, Clay Matthews Jr., Matt Millen, Tommy Nobis.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (8): **** Anderson, Bobby Boyd, Pat Fischer, Lester Hayes, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Lemar Parrish, Everson Walls.

SPECIAL TEAMS (1): Steve Tasker.

Now, who do you believe from the list of remaining Senior Nominees will make it to Canton in 2026?

Bob Kuechenberg would get my vote, I'm bias though

 

[B Maverick]

QUARTERBACKS (3): Drew Brees, *Eli Manning, Philip Rivers.

Brees In. Rivers is better than Eli IMO, but neither are HOF. Hall of very good for me.

RUNNING BACKS (8): Warrick Dunn, Eddie George, Frank Gore, Marshawn Lynch, LeSean McCoy, Lorenzo Neal (FB), *Fred Taylor, Ricky Watters.

Gore should be in. The rest for me are not HOF.

WIDE RECEIVERS (7): Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, *Torry Holt, Jimmy Smith, *Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, *Reggie Wayne.

Fitz should be in. Holt and Wayne are maybe. I could see an argument either way. Boldin, Smith, Smith jr and Ward are Hall of very good for me.

TIGHT ENDS (2): Greg Olsen, Jason Witten.

Both Hall of very good for me but Like Holt and Wayne I could see an argument for Witten.

 

[Runkle]

If Eli gets in, I quit

 

[Tau837]

I would vote for:

QB Brees - I think Rivers is deserving but won't make it any time soon; I think Eli is deserving but will not make it in the same class as Brees
WR Holt - I think Fitz is deserving, but I think Holt has waited long enough; I doubt voters will agree with me and expect Fitz to make it over Holt
G Evans - I could see TE Witten making it over Evans, and I think Witten is also deserving
LB Kuechly - nobrainer IMO; should have made it last year IMO
S Woodson - I think S Thomas and S Harrison are deserving, but I think Woodson has waited long enough; I could see Thomas making it over Woodson

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Brees
Larry Fitz
Witten
Wilfork
Woodson
Brian Mitchell

 

[Yogibear]

Well, the list of Senior Nominees just got cut down to 34 today. Here's the list:

QUARTERBACKS (3): Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Roman Gabriel.

RUNNING BACKS (4): Roger Craig, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Paul “Tank” Younger.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS (7): Isaac Curtis, Lavvie Dilweg, Henry Ellard, Harold Jackson, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Otis Taylor.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (5): Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, Jim Tyrer, Al Wistert.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (2): L.C. Greenwood, Jim Marshall.

LINEBACKERS (6): Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Larry Grantham, Lee Roy Jordan, Clay Matthews Jr., Tommy Nobis.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (6): **** Anderson, Bobby Boyd, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Lemar Parrish, Everson Walls.

SPECIAL TEAMS (1): Steve Tasker.

Now, out of those 34 Senior Nominees, who do you believe has the best chance of making it to Canton in 2026?

 

[FairWarning]

Craig
O Taylor
Tyrer if O Taylor doesn’t get in (one of those two chiefs makes it),
Either of the two DL are deserving
Nobis

 

[dutch]

How the hell does Steve Tasker keep making these cutdowns? He is an ok special teamer but did very little to affect the outcome of games otherwise. He was less than a punter, imo.

 

[Boston]

Just took a look at Chuck Foreman's stats and he played a year with the Pats...I have no memory whatsoever of him playing for them.

 

[massraider]

Roger Craig and Mike Shanahan are both glaring ones to me.

Belichick should get in over anyone, I don't care if he dates the Olsen Twins. But Shanahan was an innovator, saved Elway from a Marino fate, and his tree is still coaching, and the zone blocking system that his team invented will probably get Terrell Davis in the Hall

 

[Boston]

Roger Craig and Mike Shanahan are both glaring ones to me.

Belichick should get in over anyone, I don't care if he dates the Olsen Twins. But Shanahan was an innovator, saved Elway from a Marino fate, and his tree is still coaching, and the zone blocking system that his team invented will probably get Terrell Davis in the Hall

TD is already in.

 

[Zeppelin]

Roger Craig and Mike Shanahan are both glaring ones to me.

Belichick should get in over anyone, I don't care if he dates the Olsen Twins. But Shanahan was an innovator, saved Elway from a Marino fate, and his tree is still coaching, and the zone blocking system that his team invented will probably get Terrell Davis in the Hall

Terrell Davis is already in the Hall of Fame.

 

[massraider]

Roger Craig and Mike Shanahan are both glaring ones to me.

Belichick should get in over anyone, I don't care if he dates the Olsen Twins. But Shanahan was an innovator, saved Elway from a Marino fate, and his tree is still coaching, and the zone blocking system that his team invented will probably get Terrell Davis in the Hall

Terrell Davis is already in the Hall of Fame.

Pfft.

Lame.

Alex Gibbs the O-line coach should be in for sure,. Shoutout Olandis and Mike Anderson!

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Well, the list of Senior Nominees just got cut down to 34 today. Here's the list:

QUARTERBACKS (3): Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Roman Gabriel.

RUNNING BACKS (4): Roger Craig, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Paul “Tank” Younger.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS (7): Isaac Curtis, Lavvie Dilweg, Henry Ellard, Harold Jackson, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Otis Taylor.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (5): Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, Jim Tyrer, Al Wistert.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (2): L.C. Greenwood, Jim Marshall.

LINEBACKERS (6): Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Larry Grantham, Lee Roy Jordan, Clay Matthews Jr., Tommy Nobis.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (6): **** Anderson, Bobby Boyd, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Lemar Parrish, Everson Walls.

SPECIAL TEAMS (1): Steve Tasker.

Now, out of those 34 Senior Nominees, who do you believe has the best chance of making it to Canton in 2026?

Craig
Kuechenberg
Tyrer
Marshall slightly over Greenwood
Nobis

 

[Yogibear]

Today, the list of 21 Contributor Nominees was released. Here's the list:

K.S. "Bud" Adams

Roone Arledge

Howard Cosell

John Facenda

Mike Giddings

Ralph Hay

Frank "Bucko" Kilroy

Don Klosterman

Eddie Kotal

Robert Kraft

Virginia McCaskey

John McVay

Clint Murchison

Art Rooney Jr.

Clark Shaughnessy

Seymour Siwoff

Amy Trask

Jack Vainisi

Lloyd Wells

John Wooten

Buddy Young



Out of those 21Contributor Nominees, who do you believe has the best chance of getting into Canton in 2026?

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Today, the list of 21 Contributor Nominees was released. Here's the list:

K.S. "Bud" Adams

Roone Arledge

Howard Cosell

John Facenda

Mike Giddings

Ralph Hay

Frank "Bucko" Kilroy

Arledge
Facenda
Rooney, Jr.
Kraft
Siwoff
Hay

There would be no NFL w/o Ralph Hay

 

[Snoopy]

Kilroy was here.