The NFL Hall of Fame released its semifinalist list for those chosen few who may get into the football Hall of Fame for 2026.
Among the names, five seem to totally overshadow the list.
Even over some beloved favorites who were finalists for 2025.
Running back Frank Gore
Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2005, and played for 16 seasons. What makes Gore so special is that, except for his rookie season, he was at least a 1000-yard rusher every single year he was in San Francisco. Yes, he got injured in 2010 with a fractured hip, but he would have had another big year if it weren’t for that.
He is also third on the all-time leading rushing yard list with 16,000. That alone should put somebody in the Hall of Fame, but that’s just me.
Frank’s character, his longevity, and his willingness to be a mentor in later years prove why his name overshadows others and should be a first ballot Hall of Famer
Tight end Jason Witten
Witten has a resume unlike any other. He has franchise records over current Hall of Famers. He leads the Cowboys in all-time receptions, yards, most consecutive starts, and most games played in Cowboys history.
Jason was so tough as well; he only missed one game over his entire career because he had a broken jaw. He has a list of accolades, including being the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2012.
There should be no argument that Jason Witten is a first ballot Hall of Famer, and he overshadows a lot of the other names.
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald
Besides having virtually every single Arizona Cardinal record, Fitzgerald is also second in most receiving yards and most receptions, only behind Jerry Rice.
He also holds postseason records that not even Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford’s amazing 2021 year could beat.
Larry is the epitome of an NFL wide receiver.
Quarterback Phillip Rivers
Rivers might be the only one that doesn’t make it to the Hall of Fame, but his name highly overshadows a lot of names on this list. His time with Antonio Gates was as special as Pat Mahomes' time with Travis Kelce.
He is fifth all-time in passing yards. His gameplay was outstanding, and he was the kind of trash talker who didn’t trash-talk with cursing. Some might say he was the modern-day choker, but playing in the same era and conference as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
Rivers not having the rings might hold him out of the Hall of Fame, but if no,t Eli Manning has to be inducted too due to their history.
Quarterback Drew Brees
This isn’t even a contest. Brees has all the credentials, he has all the stats, he has every Saints record, and people only mention Arch because they have to. He was and is the best quarterback in Saints history, and it should not even be a debate.
He’s won a Super Bowl and the most epic way imaginable. Lifted a city out of the depths of despair after having a nickname called the “Ain’ts.”
If Brees isn’t a first ballot Hall of Famer, they did the Hall of Fame wrong.