National Football League: Eli Manning? Bill Belichick? Who’s Next for Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Updated Aug. 5, 2025, 10:57 p.m. ET
Eric Williams, NFL Reporter
This year’s four-person class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, consisting of Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates, and Sterling Sharpe, marked the smallest group since 2005. However, expectations are high for the upcoming year.
For starters, several first-time eligible candidates boast impressive résumés, including Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, and Frank Gore. Additionally, coaching legend Bill Belichick will be eligible for the first time. Each of these candidates has a good chance of being inducted into the Hall as newcomers.
Moreover, there are other players who have been persistent repeat finalists knocking on the door—such as Torry Holt, Willie Anderson, and Reggie Wayne—making it likely that more than four candidates will be inducted in Canton come 2026. Anderson, Holt, Adam Vinatieri, and Luke Kuechly were among the final seven modern-era candidates this year, automatically advancing to the final 15 in the upcoming selection process. how to go to okada from moa
Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates, and Sterling Sharpe were officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 2. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
To qualify for the Hall of Fame, players need to be retired for a minimum of five years, while the waiting period for coaches has been reduced from five years to just one. Before the 2025 class selection, voters in the modern-era category narrowed the candidates down from 10 to 5, voting on each individually. A player needs 80% of the vote to be inducted, with nearly all of those who reach this threshold eventually making it.
However, the Hall implemented stricter guidelines last year to maintain membership exclusivity, allowing for at least four inductees but no more than eight from the 20 finalists, which consist of 15 modern-day finalists and up to five from seniors, coaching, and contributor categories.
The modern-day finalists are reduced from 10 to seven, followed by a vote for five candidates. The requirement remains at 80%, with a minimum of three votes needed. If three candidates do not achieve 80%, the top three vote-getters will progress. This new voting structure has led to a fractured selection process within the committee, making it more challenging for players to gain induction.
As a member of the 50-person Hall of Fame selection committee, I have the privilege of voting on these candidates annually. It’s a demanding process filled with intense debates leading to well-deserved candidates finally donning their gold jackets. Here’s an early look at some of the top candidates for the upcoming class.
Strong Candidates
Head Coach Bill Belichick
As the mastermind behind the New England Patriots, Belichick crafted the most remarkable dynasty in NFL history, securing an NFL record of six Super Bowls as a head coach. He also picked up two titles as a defensive coordinator with the New York Giants and played a key role in the development of the greatest player in league history, quarterback Tom Brady. During Belichick’s 24 seasons in New England, the Patriots claimed 17 AFC East titles, made 13 AFC Championship Game appearances, and participated in nine Super Bowls. It’s time to open the doors to Canton!
Quarterback Drew Brees
Drew Brees ranks second all-time in both passing yards and passing touchdowns, trailing only Tom Brady. The Purdue alum led the New Orleans Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV, earning MVP honors. With a formidable 13 Pro Bowl selections, Brees has led the league in passing seven times. His career statistics speak volumes, making his induction seem inevitable.
Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald stands shoulder to shoulder with only Jerry Rice in terms of career receptions (1,432) and receiving yards (17,492). He was a multifaceted receiver who also excelled at run blocking, serving as a model player for the Arizona Cardinals. He has earned the right to wear a gold jacket.
Running Back Frank Gore
Finishing as the NFL’s third all-time leading rusher with 16,000 rushing yards across his 16 seasons, Frank Gore is a five-time Pro Bowler who rushed for more than 1,000 yards nine times while helping propel the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl after the 2012 season.
Wide Receiver Torry Holt
A six-time finalist and a cornerstone of the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf,” Holt compiled 920 career receptions for 13,382 yards and 74 touchdowns over his 11 NFL seasons. Despite being caught in a competitive logjam at receiver, Holt has shown patience and is worthy of induction into Canton.
Potential Candidates with Challenges
Offensive Tackle Willie Anderson
Regarded as one of the top right tackles during his playing days, Anderson is a five-time finalist in a position that often struggles to make headway in the selection process. His candidacy gained traction last year, placing him among the top seven, thereby giving him a fighting chance for 2026 minana esports roster.
Offensive Guard Jahri Evans
Another skilled lineman, Evans is a finalist for the second time in his third year of eligibility. Being a six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, he was a crucial part of one of the most dominant offenses of his era, capped off by the contributions of Drew Brees.
Safety Rodney Harrison
The two-time finalist inexplicably missed the cut this year. His stats compare favorably with those of other leading safeties from his time, emphasizing the need for another examination. A fierce hitter and versatile player during his 15 seasons in the NFL, Harrison boasts 34 interceptions and 30 sacks, in addition to being a two-time Super Bowl champion. He is honored in both the Patriots and Chargers’ Hall of Fame.
Linebacker Luke Kuechly
A first-team or second-team All-Pro in seven of his eight NFL seasons, Kuechly was awarded the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and earned a spot on the league’s 2010 All-Decade team. It was surprising not to see him inducted last year, but he should certainly be a contender this time with stats comparable to Hall of Fame linebacker Patrick Willis, who made it in during his third year of eligibility.
Kicker Adam Vinatieri
Often considered the most clutch kicker in NFL history, Vinatieri earned recognition in the final seven during his first year of eligibility and is expected to be a strong candidate again. A four-time Super Bowl champion, he holds the NFL records for field goal attempts (715), field goals made (599), and points scored (2,763). Yet, the path for kickers to join the Hall remains a challenge.
Wide Receiver Reggie Wayne
A six-time finalist, Wayne faces stiff competition among the myriad receivers aiming for Canton. wiggins injury He is one of only nine players in NFL history with at least 1,000 receptions, 14,000 yards, and 80 touchdowns.
Tight End Jason Witten
The longtime Cowboy ranks fourth all-time in receptions—not just among tight ends, but for all pass-catchers. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) Statistically, Witten stands among the elites at his position, with 1,228 receptions and 13,046 receiving yards—20th all time in the NFL and second among tight ends to Tony Gonzalez. sss log in online
Challenging Path Ahead
Running Back Marshawn Lynch
Known for Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” defense, the Seahawks wouldn’t have reached back-to-back Super Bowls without Lynch, who was instrumental in their offense. Between 2011 and 2014, he amassed an impressive 5,357 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns. jordan clarkson and kobe Although his overall rushing yards tally of 10,419 sits at 29th all-time, he ranks eighth in postseason rushing yards with 970.
Quarterback Eli Manning
As a two-time Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP, Manning’s playoff performances certainly warrant Hall of Fame consideration. However, concerns linger regarding his regular-season record, which stands at 117 wins and 117 losses as a starter, including 9-26 in his last three seasons. His career passer rating of 84.1 ranks 60th in NFL history. While he was never an All-Pro and only made four Pro Bowls, he wasn’t regarded as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league during his tenure.
Quarterback Philip Rivers
One of the NFL’s Iron Men, Rivers has played 252 games, the second-most for quarterbacks in league history, trailing only Brett Favre. He holds the record for all-time passing yards (63,440) and touchdowns (421) for the Chargers, while ranking sixth in both categories across NFL history. However, Rivers’ postseason record is a disappointing 5-7, and he never made it to a Super Bowl.
Wide Receiver Steve Smith
A first-time finalist in 2025, Smith shocked many when he won the triple crown in 2005 by leading the league in receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions. He retired ranked eighth in receiving yards and twelfth in touchdowns. Smith was a key player for the Carolina Panthers during a time of limited playmakers.
Outside Linebacker Terrell Suggs
Suggs was a finalist in his initial year of eligibility, finishing with 139 sacks—ranking him eighth all-time in the NFL. Every player with more sacks than him in NFL history has already been inducted into the Hall, which bodes well for his future chances.
Running Back Fred Taylor
Taylor ended his career with 11,695 rushing yards, ranking 17th all-time. The only players ranked above him that aren’t in the Hall of Fame are Frank Gore, who just became eligible this year, and Adrian Peterson.
Others to Watch:
David DeCastro, Julian Edelman, Todd Gurley, LeSean McCoy, Greg Olsen, Maurkice Pouncey, Earl Thomas, Darren Woodson, and Marshal Yanda.
Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for more than a decade, covering the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN, and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. Follow him on X at @eric_d_williams.
What are your thoughts on potential candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame?