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Some of the defining figures of NFL football are being enshrined into the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame today. Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald, a uniquely accurate passer and one of the most sure-handed receivers in league history, respectively, lead the star-studded list of five inductees.
It's impossible to think about the story of the NFL without Brees and Fitzgerald. Brees led his New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl XLIV win over Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, giving hope to a city still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina less than five years prior. Fitzgerald, meanwhile, fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII, an unforgettable game in which the Arizona Cardinals legend famously chased James Harrison down the field and nearly made the tackle on his 100-yard pick-six.
Here's what we know about all five inductees as they prepare to be enshrined on ESPN at noon ET.
Brees overcame a serious shoulder injury early in his career to become one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history. The longtime point guard of Sean Payton's rhythm passing scheme, Brees made 12 Pro Bowls with the Saints, led the league in passing yards seven times and passing touchdowns four times. Brees had a chance at another Super Bowl in 2018, but a missed Los Angeles Rams pass interference call in the NFC Championship Game cost him the opportunity.
Fitzgerald powered through inconsistent quarterback play over much of his 17 seasons in Arizona. While he only led the league in catches twice and touchdowns another two times, his longevity and reliability are the staples of his greatness. Fitzgerald is second only to Jerry Rice in both receiving yards (17,492) and receptions (1,432). He also had a legendary performance in his lone Super Bowl appearance, catching seven passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
One of the most cerebral linebackers in NFL history, Kuechly anchored the Carolina Panthers defense amid their run to Super Bowl 50. He only played eight seasons but had practically a perfect career from an individual perspective, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year then making an All-Pro team each season until he retired. Kuechly retired at 28 and didn't need any longer to make his mark on the NFL.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Craig was the pass-catching running back who helped Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers win three Super Bowls over their 1980s dynasty. His best season came in 1988, when he finished third in MVP voting after rushing for 1,502 yards and nine touchdowns to go along with 76 catches for 534 yards through the air. Craig has been eligible for the Hall of Fame since 1999, so his wait is finally over.
Vinatieri is a four-time Super Bowl champion with the most made field goals in NFL history (599). He made three first-team All-Pro teams, leading the NFL in field goal percentage each of those seasons. Both Manning and Tom Brady have Vinatieri to thank for his clutch kicking in Super Bowl wins.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees: Meet the 5 NFL legends being honored
Continue reading...
It's impossible to think about the story of the NFL without Brees and Fitzgerald. Brees led his New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl XLIV win over Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, giving hope to a city still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina less than five years prior. Fitzgerald, meanwhile, fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII, an unforgettable game in which the Arizona Cardinals legend famously chased James Harrison down the field and nearly made the tackle on his 100-yard pick-six.
Here's what we know about all five inductees as they prepare to be enshrined on ESPN at noon ET.
2026 Football Hall of Fame inductees
Drew Brees
Brees overcame a serious shoulder injury early in his career to become one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history. The longtime point guard of Sean Payton's rhythm passing scheme, Brees made 12 Pro Bowls with the Saints, led the league in passing yards seven times and passing touchdowns four times. Brees had a chance at another Super Bowl in 2018, but a missed Los Angeles Rams pass interference call in the NFC Championship Game cost him the opportunity.
Larry Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald powered through inconsistent quarterback play over much of his 17 seasons in Arizona. While he only led the league in catches twice and touchdowns another two times, his longevity and reliability are the staples of his greatness. Fitzgerald is second only to Jerry Rice in both receiving yards (17,492) and receptions (1,432). He also had a legendary performance in his lone Super Bowl appearance, catching seven passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
Luke Kuechly
One of the most cerebral linebackers in NFL history, Kuechly anchored the Carolina Panthers defense amid their run to Super Bowl 50. He only played eight seasons but had practically a perfect career from an individual perspective, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year then making an All-Pro team each season until he retired. Kuechly retired at 28 and didn't need any longer to make his mark on the NFL.
Roger Craig
A four-time Pro Bowler, Craig was the pass-catching running back who helped Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers win three Super Bowls over their 1980s dynasty. His best season came in 1988, when he finished third in MVP voting after rushing for 1,502 yards and nine touchdowns to go along with 76 catches for 534 yards through the air. Craig has been eligible for the Hall of Fame since 1999, so his wait is finally over.
Adam Vinatieri
Vinatieri is a four-time Super Bowl champion with the most made field goals in NFL history (599). He made three first-team All-Pro teams, leading the NFL in field goal percentage each of those seasons. Both Manning and Tom Brady have Vinatieri to thank for his clutch kicking in Super Bowl wins.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees: Meet the 5 NFL legends being honored
Continue reading...
