"The class, announced Thursday night as part of the NFL Honors show in San Francisco, is led by quarterback Drew Brees, one of two quarterbacks in league history to throw for more than 80,000 yards, and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who finished his career second only to Hall of Famer Jerry Rice in career receptions and receiving yards. Joining them will be linebacker Luke Kuechly and kicker Adam Vinatieri. Running back Roger Craig, one of the three Seniors finalists, will also be in the 2026 Hall class."
"Brees was relatively small in stature (6-foot, 209 pounds), but he compensated with uncanny accuracy and instincts in the pocket, not to mention a computer-like ability to read defenses. It wasn't an easy road for Brees, a second-round pick by the Chargers in 2001. He was replaced by Philip Rivers and suffered a major throwing-shoulder injury in 2005, prompting many to wonder if he'd ever be the same. As it turned out, he got better."
"Brees and Fitzgerald are in their first year of eligibility, and Kuechly and Vinatieri are in their second year. Not in the class is former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who was the finalist from the coaches' sub-committee, and New England owner Robert Kraft, the finalist from the contributors' sub-committee. This year's class was chosen by the Hall's board of selectors in a virtual meeting. The new Hall of Famers will be enshrined on Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio."
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 comprises five inductees: quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, linebacker Luke Kuechly, kicker Adam Vinatieri and running back Roger Craig. Brees finished with 80,358 passing yards, 571 touchdown passes and 7,142 completions, and ranked third in completion percentage at 67.7 percent. Fitzgerald finished second in career receptions and receiving yards only to Jerry Rice. Brees and Fitzgerald were first-year eligibles while Kuechly and Vinatieri were in their second year. The Hall's board of selectors chose the class in a virtual meeting, with enshrinement set for Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio.
Read at ESPN.com
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