Five former players were inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 8. The Hall’s 50-person Selection Committee met virtually in January to conduct its annual vote.
The Class of 2026 are quarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, linebacker Luke Kuechly and placekicker Adam Vinatieri. Craig was among the Finalists in the combined Seniors/Coach/Contributor group; the others came through the Modern-Era Players category.
Brees played 20 seasons in the NFL; 2001-05 San Diego Chargers, 2006-2020 New Orleans Saints. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. During his speech, he gave recognition to the start of his career with the San Diego Chargers and fellow 2001 draftee LaDainian Tomlinson.
Then Brees moved onto his time with the New Orleans Saints, which included reflections on his affinity for the city and fans plus his relationship with former head coach Sean Payton.
“You trusted me with the soul of the city, and I would have died to protect that calling.” Brees said. “I always wanted to make you right. And I know you trusted me, and that allowed us to be great.”
Fitzgerald, a former wide receiver, played 17 seasons (2004-2020), all with the Arizona Cardinals. He concluded his speech with a message to his father, who died on June 1, and his three sons.
“My dad who I lost recently, is also here in spirit, I can feel his presence,” Fitzgerald said. “He was the foundation of our family and the standard that I measure myself against. Dad, I know there were times when it must have felt like you were carrying the weight of the world, but you always showed up and your willingness to love and to sacrifice with the consistency is the blueprint I use to raise your grandsons.”
Vinatieri played 24 seasons; 1996-2005 New England Patriots, 2006-2019 Indianapolis Colts. The former place kicker is the NFL’s all-time leader with 599 field goals.
His speech was peppered with several jokes including one aimed at former quarterback and teammate Peyton Manning.
“Payton, thank you for donating your forehead for today’s teleprompter,” Vinatieri quipped. “A giant forehead means a big brain, and your football I.Q. is unmatched, buddy.”
Kuechly, a former linebacker, played eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers (2012-2019). As the first Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee who spent his entire career with the Carolina Panthers, Kuechly gave a shoutout to franchise legends Jon Beason and Thomas Davis for setting the standard at linebacker that he carried with him.
Craig, a former running back, spent 11 seasons in the NFL; 1983-1990 San Francisco 49ers, 1991 Los Angeles Raiders, 1992-93 Minnesota Vikings. Craig is the oldest member of the 2026 class and was voted in by the senior committee. His speech took a serious tone as he revealed he has been diagnosed with dementia. Craig’s speech, which was prerecorded. He reflected on his legacy and accomplishments, particularly during his eight seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
“When I learned that Bill Walsh wanted me, that meant something, because he saw something in me that others didn’t” Craig said. “The thousand yards rushing and thousand yards receiving means so much to me. We weren’t chasing numbers, we were chasing W’s, wins,” Craig said. “I didn’t realize I was making history.”
He became the first player ever to surpass 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season, doing so in 1985.
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