The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 128 Modern-Era nominees for the Class of 2026, a list stacked with first-time legends who defined an era of football.
Leading the group are three quarterbacks — Drew Brees, the NFL’s all-time passing leader at his retirement; Philip Rivers, a fixture of consistency for nearly two decades; and Alex Smith, celebrated for both his comeback story and steady play.
Joining them are Larry Fitzgerald, the league’s No. 2 all-time receiver; tight ends Jason Witten and Greg Olsen; running backs Frank Gore (No. 3 in career rushing yards) and LeSean McCoy; and defensive standouts Geno Atkins and Jurrell Casey.
In all, the nominees include 77 offensive players, 42 defenders, and nine special teamers. The list will be trimmed to 50 semifinalists in October, then 25, and eventually 15 finalists before the final vote ahead of Super Bowl LX. Between four and eight Modern-Era players will join the Class of 2026, set to be enshrined next August in Canton, Ohio.
