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Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald took center stage Tuesday as the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its 15 modern-era finalists, placing two of the most defining offensive players of the past two decades on the doorstep of enshrinement. Both legends are finalists in their first year of eligibility, underscoring the immediate impact they left on the league and their franchises.
First-Year Eligible Stars Lead the Class
Brees and Fitzgerald are joined among first-year eligible finalists by tight end Jason Witten and running back Frank Gore. Their inclusion reflects a class shaped by longevity, production, and sustained excellence at premium offensive positions. Brees finished his career second all time in passing yards and touchdown passes, while Fitzgerald ranks second only to Jerry Rice in both receptions and receiving yards. Witten and Gore similarly stand near the top of the NFL’s all-time leaderboards at their respective positions.
Returning Finalists and Guaranteed Candidates
Several familiar names returned to the finalist stage, including Eli Manning, Reggie Wayne, Jahri Evans, Marshall Yanda, Terrell Suggs, and Darren Woodson. Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, and Adam Vinatieri automatically moved forward after reaching the final round of voting for the 2025 class. Defensive tackle Kevin Williams reached finalist status for the first time in his sixth year of eligibility, adding further depth to a historically strong ballot.
Career Legacies That Define Eras
Brees’ résumé extends beyond statistics. After arriving in New Orleans in 2006, he became the face of a franchise and a symbol of the city’s recovery following Hurricane Katrina, culminating in a Super Bowl title and Super Bowl MVP following the 2009 season. Fitzgerald, meanwhile, spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals, delivering one of the most dominant postseason performances in NFL history during the team’s 2008 Super Bowl run. Vinatieri’s clutch kicking defined multiple championship moments, while Kuechly’s short but dominant career reshaped the modern linebacker standard.
What Comes Next in the Selection Process
The 50-member selection committee will vote on the finalists next month, with the results revealed on Feb. 5 during “NFL Honors.” Between three and five modern-era players will be inducted under the current format. The committee will also consider senior candidates Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, and L.C. Greenwood, along with coaching candidate Bill Belichick and contributor Robert Kraft, with up to three additional inductees possible. After last year produced the smallest class in two decades, the spotlight now turns to whether this group delivers a larger and more star-studded Hall of Fame class.
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