The Pro Football Hall of Fame has officially announced its Class of 2026, headlined by legendary quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, according to Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) of NFL Network.
Joining the first-ballot duo in Canton are linebacker Luke Kuechly, all-time leading scorer Adam Vinatieri, and senior candidate Roger Craig. The announcement was made Thursday night during the NFL Honors ceremony in San Francisco.
Brees enters the Hall after a historic 20-year career, finishing as the NFL's second all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. Fitzgerald, a mainstay for the Arizona Cardinals for 17 seasons, ranks second all-time in both career receptions and receiving yards. Kuechly and Vinatieri were both elected in their second year of eligibility, while Craig finally received the call after 28 years of waiting as a senior finalist.
Notably absent from this year's induction class are finalists Bill Belichick and Eli Manning, who did not receive the required 80 percent of the vote for induction this year. The formal enshrinement ceremony is scheduled for August 8 in Canton, Ohio.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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