NFL: Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald among Hall of Fame inductees

"The Pro Football Hall of Fame unveiled its 2026 induction class during the NFL Honours ceremony on Thursday night, with five players selected for enshrinement later this year. Quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald were both elected in their first year of eligibility. They will be joined by kicker Adam Vinatieri and linebacker Luke Kuechly, who were each in their second year of eligibility, while former San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig was selected as a Seniors finalist."

"As with previous classes, the 2026 group also drew attention for notable omissions. Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft were among the contributors, coaches and Seniors finalists who were not selected. Belichick, who became eligible for the Hall for the first time this year, was left out amid widespread criticism following reports of his omission."

"Brees retired following the 2020 season after a storied career with the New Orleans Saints. A 13-time Pro Bowl selection, he led the NFL in passing seven times and recorded a record five seasons with at least 5,000 passing yards. His 80,538 career passing yards were the most in league history at the time of his retirement, a mark later surpassed by Tom Brady."

Five players were chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026: Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Adam Vinatieri, Luke Kuechly and Seniors finalist Roger Craig. Brees and Fitzgerald were elected in their first year of eligibility; Vinatieri and Kuechly were selected in their second year. The board of selectors met virtually in January to choose the class. The five inductees will be enshrined on August 8 in Canton, Ohio, a class slightly larger than the previous year's four. The group prompted attention for notable omissions, including former Patriots coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft. Brees retired after the 2020 season with 80,538 career passing yards, and Fitzgerald finished second all-time in receiving yards and receptions.

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