SerpApi.Org
The Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomes five new members when the Class of 2026 is enshrined in Canton, Ohio on Saturday, August 8. The Class of 2026 includes a pair of superstars who were elected in their first year of eligibility, quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Since the Hall opened in 1963, there have been 94 legends selected in their first year of eligibility. That number will likely grow next year, as some big names are first-year eligible for the Class of 2027.
First things first, though. Joining Brees and Fitzgerald in the Class of 2026 are Adam Vinatieri, Luke Kuechly and Roger Craig. It is worth noting that Vinatieri and Kuechly were finalists for the Class of 2025, the first year they were on the ballot. Two first-year eligibles were Class of 2026 finalists — Frank Gore and Jason Witten. So those two must be considered strong candidates for the Class of 2027.
A maximum of five modern-day candidates can be voted in each year. If Gore and Witten at least have a good chance of getting in, that could leave just three potential openings. There’s always the glut at wide receiver, where Reggie Wayne (a seven-time finalist) and Torry Holt (a six-time finalist) are still waiting.
Another all-time great receiver joins the fray in 2027 when Antonio Brown is eligible for the first time. What are the chances Brown leapfrogs Wayne and Holt? Or do these three receivers cancel each other out?
Brown is one of nine modern-era candidates on the ballot for the first time next year.
Class of 2027 first-time eligible candidates
Adrian Peterson
It’s not enough to say Adrian Peterson is fifth on the NFL’s all-time rushing yards list (14,918), because Gore is third on the list (16,000) and he didn’t get in as a first-timer. However, here’s why Peterson has a leg up on Gore: He’s one of nine players in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season and he still holds the NFL’s single-game rushing record (296). Should have best chance among these nine to be in the Class of 2027.
Ben Roethlisberger
Eli Manning has been a finalist each of the last two years but failed to get in both times. Ben Roethlisberger, who came into the league with Manning in 2004, likely jumps Manning in next year’s voting. While Manning is a two-time Super Bowl MVP, the rest of his career was slightly up and down. Roethlisberger has won two Super Bowls and started in a third. He’s also seventh all-time in passing yards and ninth in touchdown passes (Manning is 11th in both categories).
Rob Gronkowski
While Witten is second on the all-time list for both receptions and receiving yards by a tight end, Rob Gronkowski is 10th on the receptions list and sixth in yards. Where Gronk stands out is in touchdown catches — he ranks third behind Hall of Famers Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez. He also holds the record for most TD receptions by a tight end in a season (17). Oh, and then there’s the matter of four Super Bowl rings.
Cam Newton
In 11 NFL seasons, Cam Newton established himself as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history. Five years ago, Newton held the record for career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (75), but Josh Allen passed him last season and Jalen Hurts is not far behind. Newton is third in career rushing yards by a QB behind Lamar Jackson and Michael Vick, but Allen and Hurts are on pace to pass him in a few years. Newton does have an NFL MVP to his credit, and — unlike Allen and Vick — he’s led a team to the Super Bowl. It’s doubtful Newton gets in on the first try, but he’ll receive some votes.
Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown tailed off precipitously in the last few seasons of his career, which is why he’s just outside the top 20 in each of the three major receiving stat categories. But Brown had a five-year stretch that might be unequaled. From 2013-17, Brown averaged 116 receptions, 1,570 yards and 10 touchdowns. Between his reputation as a hothead in the locker room and off-field allegations during his career, it seems doubtful Brown will jump past any of the receivers ahead of him on the list of major candidates.
Richard Sherman
One of the best cornerbacks of his era, Richard Sherman was a Super Bowl champion and three-time first-team All-Pro. Of the 94 first-ballot Hall of Famers, only seven are cornerbacks. Sherman might be deserving, but first-ballot might be tough.
Andrew Whitworth
Andrew Whitworth was one of the best offensive tackles of his era, and he played a key role in the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl LVI title. He’s worthy, but he’ll have to wait his turn behind guards Marshal Yanda and Jahri Evans, both of whom are three-time finalists.
Eric Weddle
Eric Weddle will immediately be one of the most deserving safety candidates, but he shouldn’t get in before Earl Thomas, who became eligible in 2025 and has been a semifinalist the last two years.
Alex Mack
Only two centers have ever been selected in their first year of eligibility (Jim Langer, Jim Otto). Mack must wait his turn behind Maurkice Pouncey, who became eligible last year. And he’ll likely be jumped by Jason Kelce when he becomes eligible in 2029.
Related: Matthew Stafford, Travis Kelce Among NFL Stars Approaching Milestones in 2026
Related: Remember When: Jim Brown Gave Cleveland Browns the Finger From Across the Pond
