ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed on X the legends who could finally receive the prestigious gold jacket next year. “First-time eligibles for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 include Rob Gronkowski, Ben Roethlisberger, Adrian Peterson, Richard Sherman, Cam Newton, Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, Andrew Whitworth, Alex Mack, Gerald McCoy and Eric Weddle,” he revealed.

By mid-February 2027, the players selected for this prestigious honor will finally be announced during the annual NFL Honors ceremony. Which of these players will ultimately have his bust placed among the greatest in NFL history?

How are the next Hall of Famers selected?

The selection process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 is governed by a 50-person Selection Committee—comprising NFL market media members, at-large delegates, and a Pro Football Writers of America representative—tasked with evaluating eligible nominees who have been retired for at least five full seasons.

The multi-stage evaluation reduces a vast initial pool of Modern-Era candidates down to 25 semifinalists, before trimming the list to 15 finalists. These 15 players join up to five non-modern finalists—comprising up to three Seniors candidates (retired 25+ years), one Coach nominee (retired at least one season), and one Contributor nominee—chosen by dedicated subcommittees.

During Super Bowl week, the full committee convenes to debate the 20 total finalists, requiring each candidate to earn at least 80% approval from voters to secure selection in a final class that ultimately yields between four and eight inductees.

The beginnings of the NFL Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame officially opened its doors on September 7, 1963, in Canton, Ohio—a location chosen because the NFL was originally founded there in 1920. Established to honor the legendary players, coaches, and contributors who shaped professional football, the institution inducted an inaugural class of 17 charter members.

That legendary first group included iconic pioneers and star players such as Jim Thorpe, Red Grange, George Halas, Curly Lambeau, Sammy Baugh, and Bronko Nagurski, forever setting the standard for gridiron excellence.

What does an NFL Hall of Famer receive?

When an NFL legend is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, they receive three iconic symbols of football immortality. The centerpiece is the iconic Gold Jacket, a custom-tailored blazer made by Haggar that inductees put on for the first time during the Enshrinement Ceremony.

They are also presented with a bronze Hall of Fame Ring, custom-crafted for each member and featuring a diamond setting, as well as a life-sized Bronze Bust sculpted in their likeness, which is permanently displayed in the Hall’s gallery in Canton, Ohio.

Bill Belichick did not receive the required 40 out of 50 votes from the selection committee during his first year of eligibility. Despite winning eight Super Bowls (six as a head coach), reports indicate that past controversies like Spygate and Deflategate created resistance among anonymous voters.

For many, it’s a travesty that Bill Belichick isn’t a first ballot Hall of Famer. Despite Spygate and Deflategate controversies, the fact that Belichick was snubbed from the golden jacket in his first year of eligibility is actually crazy. Still, there is a handful of NFL legends being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Belichick arguments to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer

Winning eight Super Bowls and six as a head coach should be more than a definitive argument alone to be a Hall of Fame member, but Belichick is more than just his rings.

Belichick has 333 total victories (including the postseason), ranking second all-time among NFL head coaches behind only Don Shula. He also had 21 winning seasons demonstrating elite consistency across more than two decades with a single franchise. Last but not least, Belichick was the architect of the defensive game plan for Super Bowl XXV with the Giants. That strategy is now enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Who were inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026?

The 2026 ceremony saw five new members enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Three of the players are from offense, while there is one defensive player and one from special teams:

• Drew Brees — Quarterback (New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers)
• Larry Fitzgerald — Wide Receiver (Arizona Cardinals)
• Luke Kuechly — Linebacker (Carolina Panthers)
• Adam Vinatieri — Kicker (New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts)
• Roger Craig — Running Back (San Francisco 49ers, and other teams)

Some of them have won Super Bowls, while others have set incredible records throughout their careers. These five players represent the elite of the modern era and will be honored with the prestigious Gold Jacket.

Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, will once again host this historic event. These renowned players, who represented multiple positions on the field, will finally receive the recognition they deserve.

Drew Brees, the QB in the 2026 Hall of Fame class

Selected in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft (No. 33 overall) out of Purdue by the San Diego Chargers, Drew Brees went on to redefine passing excellence after joining the New Orleans Saints.

Over his storied 20-year career, Brees earned 13 Pro Bowl selections, 5 All-Pro honors, and led the Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV as the game’s MVP, solidifying a legendary legacy that naturally culminates with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Kuechly’s legacy with the Panthers

Drafted ninth overall out of Boston College in 2012, Luke Kuechly spent his entire career as the heartbeat of the Carolina Panthers‘ defense and one of the most dominant linebackers in NFL history. Across eight brilliant seasons, his elite instincts and preparation earned him seven Pro Bowl selections, seven All-Pro honors, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and a Defensive Rookie of the Year title, cementing a legendary resume that now leads him straight to the Hall of Fame.

Arizona’s ace through the air

Larry Fitzgerald spent his entire legendary 17-season career as the bedrock of the Arizona Cardinals franchise. Renowned for his extraordinary hands, precise route running, and unmatched consistency, he earned 11 Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro honors, and delivered one of the most dominant postseason runs in NFL history during the Cardinals’ 2008 Super Bowl XLIII push, etching his name among the game’s all-time greatest receivers on his way to Canton.

Roger Craig, the backfield nightmare

A versatile offensive juggernaut who redefined the running back position, Roger Craig served as a vital focal point of the San Francisco 49ers’ 1980s dynasty before finishing his career with the Raiders and Vikings. Famous for his signature high-knee running style and unmatched pass-catching ability out of the backfield, he earned four Pro Bowl selections, two All-Pro honors, and three Super Bowl rings.

Originally selected in the second round of the 1983 draft (No. 49 overall) out of Nebraska, the 1988 NFL Offensive Player of the Year became the first player in league history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season, leaving behind an indelible mark on football history as he takes his place in the Hall of Fame.

The kicker who made history

One of the most clutch postseason performers in NFL history, Adam Vinatieri built a legacy defined by ice-cold precision over a remarkable career spanning more than two decades. Going undrafted out of South Dakota State in 1995 before catching on in the league, he went on to become the NFL’s all-time leading scorer with 2,673 points while capturing four Super Bowl titles between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts.

The next season is still a few months away, so the Kansas City Chiefs can continue celebrating their Super Bowl title before the heavy part of the offseason begins. They were able to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in the last game they played largely thanks to their offense.

When you have the best quarterback in the NFL the expectations are very high. With Patrick Mahomes on the field and Andy Reid calling the plays, the Chiefs can move the ball against any defense. Although there is another player that has the same merit than those two.

The impact that Travis Kelce has in Kansas City can’t be just measured with stats, but his numbers are yet another argument that confirms how important he is. Kelce is in the conversation to be called the greatest tight end ever with what he has done so far. Although a rookie just left him outside of his top 5 players at the position.

Darnell Washington leaves Travis Kelce out of his Top 5 TEs

The Georgia Bulldogs dominated college football the last two years winning back-to-back titles. Their defense was the key with players like Jalen Carter in it, but they also had some weapons on offense. This tight end wasn’t precisely a piece they used very often, although his size had some scouts projecting him to be selected early in the NFL Draft.

Darnell Washington ended up being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 93^rd overall pick. Despite he was the eighth tight end picked after falling all the way to the third round, there is no doubt he has potential to be really useful. What’s curious is that he left Kelce out of his best five players at the position in a recent interview at the “All things covered” podcast.

In his list he included a current teammate like Pat Freiermuth, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers, Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens, Darren Waller of the New York Giants, and Zach Ertz of the Arizona Cardinals. To be fair, his reasoning is not directed to Kelce’s ability.

His decision of leaving him out is the role he has in the offense being utilized mainly as a receiver. “Yes, he’s listed as a tight end. He’s in tight end formations here and there. But to me, he’s just a bigger receiver. He’s mainly split out. That’s their offense”, Washington explained.

Schilling had a remarkable career in Major League Baseball with the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Boston Red Sox; and you could argue that he was a lock to make it to the Hall of Fame in 2021 once and for all.

Then again, his support for Donald Trump, those who stormed the Capitol, and other controversial stances regarding social justice issues made the media question whether he was worthy of the HoF or not.

Jose Canseco And Curt Schilling Go Back-And-Forth On Social Media

But for former MLB All-Star Jose Canseco, there wasn’t a single doubt: Schilling should not make the Hall of Fame. In fact, he went as far as to say that him beingenshrined would be a disgrace.

Schilling didn’t hesitate to fire back at ‘The Chemist’, stating that his career was a bigger disgrace to the game, referring to Canseco’s well-documented use and distribution of steroids in the Majors.

Canseco, once again, threw a jab at Schilling by replying with a video of him on the Congress claiming that he had never used steroids during his 19-year career in the league, back from when he demanded MLB took Jose’s MVP award away.

Curt Schilling Asks To Be Left Out Of The 2022 Hall Of Fame Ballot

Curt Schilling also recently made the news for demanding the Hall of Fame not to include his name in the 2022 ballot. Instead, he’ll try and make it via the veterans committee, as he knows the media will never vote for him because of his personal views:

“I will not participate in the final year of voting. I am requesting to be removed from the ballot. I’ll defer to the veterans committee and men whose opinions actually matter and who are in a position to actually judge a player. I don’t think I’m a Hall of Famer as I’ve often stated but if former players think I am then I’ll accept that with honor,” Schilling said via a statement.

Well, Schilling has a bit of a point here. His induction into the Hall of Fame should be all about what he did during his playing days. Then again, there are some things that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially nowadays.

As it happens every year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame recently announced the list of the 15 modern-era finalists to be enshrined in the 2021 class. This time, 6 of the 15 eligible players will be finalists for the first time ever.

As you may know by now, out of all 15, just 5 will get the nod and the gold jacket, making this decision pretty difficult considering just how many incredibly talented players this class features.

Besides previously-eligible players like Clay Matthews Jr and Ronde Barber, this class will be headlined by modern legends of the game, such as Peyton Manning, Calvin Johnson, Charles Woodson, Jared Allen, and Reggie Wayne.

You would expect at least Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson to be a lock to get the minimum of 80% of approval, meaning that there will only be three spots left in this year’s Hall of Fame class.

List Of All Finalists For The 2021 Pro Football Hall Of Fame Class

+ Jared Allen, Defensive End
+ Ronde Barber, Cornerback/Safety
+ Tony Boselli, Tackle
+ LeRoy Butler, Safety
+ Alan Faneca, Guard
+ Torry Holt, Wide Receiver
+ Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver
+ John Lynch, Safety
+ Peyton Manning, Quarterback
+ Clay Matthews Jr., Linebacker
+ Sam Mills, Linebacker
+ Richard Seymour, Defensive End/Defensive Tackle
+ Zach Thomas, Linebacker
+ Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver
+ Charles Woodson, Cornerback/Safety

Due to the pandemic, this will be the first time that the committee will hold its annual voting and meeting virtually. This meeting will take place on January 19, with the results set to be announced at a later date.