Terrell Suggs, Darren Woodson Miss Hall of Fame Cut Again - But Their Cases Are Far From Closed
The wait continues for two Arizona State legends. Terrell Suggs and Darren Woodson, both finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, were left off the list of inductees revealed Thursday night at the NFL Honors.
Instead, this year's class heading to Canton includes quarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, linebacker Luke Kuechly, and kicker Adam Vinatieri - a group that’s as decorated as it is deserving. But for Suggs and Woodson, both of whom have resumes that scream “Hall of Famer,” the snub stings, especially considering how close they’ve come in recent years.
Let’s break down where things stand - and why both men still have strong cases to eventually get their gold jackets.
Terrell Suggs: A Dominant Force Off the Edge
When you talk about pure disruption on a football field, Terrell Suggs is a name that should come up early and often. The former Sun Devil defensive end was a nightmare for offenses during his time at Arizona State from 2000 to 2002.
He still holds the school records for most tackles-for-loss in a career and in a single season. And in 2002, he shattered the NCAA single-season sack record with 24.
That kind of production doesn’t just happen - it’s a testament to his motor, technique, and instincts.
The Baltimore Ravens saw the potential and made him the 10th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. From there, Suggs carved out one of the most impactful careers of his generation.
He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 and helped lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII title the following season. He later added a second ring with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, capping off a career that spanned nearly two decades.
Suggs advanced to the final round of Hall of Fame voting this year - a significant milestone. That means he’ll automatically return as a finalist in 2027, keeping his path to Canton alive and well. And with his career accolades, longevity, and postseason success, his induction feels more like a “when,” not an “if.”
Darren Woodson: The Heart of a Dynasty Defense
Darren Woodson’s story is the kind of arc that defines football greatness. He walked on at Arizona State in 1988, earned a scholarship, and by his senior year, was a team captain. That underdog mentality never left him - and it fueled a remarkable NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Drafted in the second round in 1992, Woodson quickly became a cornerstone of one of the NFL’s most dominant dynasties. He won three Super Bowl titles with the Cowboys and was a five-time Pro Bowler. From 1994 to 1996, he was a first-team All-Pro three years running - a stretch that cemented his status as one of the league’s premier safeties.
Woodson was known for his versatility - a rare blend of physicality, speed, and football IQ that allowed him to cover tight ends, support in the run game, and quarterback the secondary. He was a tone-setter, a leader, and the kind of player coaches build defenses around.
This year marked Woodson’s 18th year of eligibility as a modern-era candidate, meaning he has just two more cracks at induction before moving to the senior pool - a category that’s often even more competitive. That clock adds a sense of urgency, but it doesn’t diminish his credentials. If anything, it highlights how overdue his enshrinement really is.
The Road Ahead: A Crowded Field in 2027
Looking ahead to 2027, the Hall of Fame ballot is shaping up to be another gauntlet. First-time eligibles include some true heavyweights: Adrian Peterson, Ben Roethlisberger, and Rob Gronkowski - all of whom bring multiple championships, accolades, and iconic moments to the table.
That makes the path for Suggs and Woodson a little steeper, but not impassable. Suggs, as a returning finalist, already has momentum. Woodson, while facing a narrowing window, remains one of the most respected players not yet enshrined - and his case only grows stronger as the years go by.
It’s also worth noting that Suggs and Woodson weren’t the only high-profile finalists left out this year. Eli Manning, Jason Witten, and Frank Gore - all with Hall of Fame-caliber careers - also missed the cut.
That’s how tough the selection process has become. But it also underscores just how elite the company is at this stage of the process.
Final Word
For Arizona State fans and football purists alike, the snubs of Terrell Suggs and Darren Woodson are frustrating - but far from final. Both players have the credentials, the impact, and the legacy to earn their place in Canton.
Suggs will be back on the ballot next year, this time with automatic finalist status. Woodson, with two years left in his modern-era eligibility, still has time - and a very strong case.
Sometimes, the Hall of Fame journey isn’t a straight line. But for players like Suggs and Woodson, who left indelible marks on the game, the destination still feels inevitable.