The Pro Football Hall of Fame has revealed its 15 modern-era finalists for the Class of 2026, and once again, some familiar names with deep ties to Alabama football are in the spotlight - and some are left waiting.
Let’s start with Willie Anderson, the dominant right tackle from Auburn and Vigor High School in Prichard. Anderson is back on the finalist list for the fifth straight year, and this time, he didn’t even have to sweat it out.
Because he made the top seven in last year’s selection process without getting inducted, he automatically advanced to this year’s final 15. That’s a testament to just how close he’s been - and how much respect he commands among Hall of Fame voters.
Anderson’s resume speaks for itself. Taken 10th overall in the 1996 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, he quickly became a cornerstone of their offensive line.
From 1997 to 2006, he missed just two games, anchoring a unit that paved the way for nine different 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, a three-time first-team All-Pro, and a nightmare for elite pass-rushers - going toe-to-toe with legends like Bruce Smith, Michael Strahan, and Reggie White.
And when Corey Dillon broke the rookie rushing record in 1997 and then set the overall single-game rushing mark in 2000, Anderson was the one clearing the path.
He’s already in the Bengals’ Ring of Honor. Now, his Hall of Fame case is knocking loudly at the door.
But while Anderson moves forward, another Alabama-connected standout saw his Hall hopes stall again. Robert Mathis, the former Alabama A&M pass-rusher and Indianapolis Colts sack artist, didn’t make the cut to the final 15.
It’s the fifth consecutive year Mathis has reached the semifinalist stage but not advanced. He remains one of the most feared edge rushers of his era, but for now, his wait continues.
There was also a twist involving Philip Rivers - the longtime NFL quarterback and current high school coach at St. Michael Catholic in Alabama.
Rivers, who starred at Athens High School before becoming a franchise QB in the league, had been in the mix for the Class of 2026. But his recent return to the field - starting the last three games for the Indianapolis Colts - resets his Hall of Fame clock.
Players must be retired for five full seasons to be eligible, so Rivers won’t be back in the conversation until the Class of 2031.
The Hall of Fame journey is a long one, and this year’s process started back in September with 128 modern-era nominees. That list was trimmed to 52 in October, then to 26 in November, and now we’re down to 15 finalists.
These players all wrapped up their careers between 2001 and 2020, and only five of them can be enshrined in the Class of 2026. To get in, each finalist must earn at least 80 percent of the vote.
The final selection committee will meet ahead of Super Bowl LX, with the new class announced during the NFL Honors show on February 5. The process is intense: the 15 modern-era finalists are narrowed to 10, then to 7, and from there, voters can select up to five.
Here’s the full list of modern-era finalists for the Class of 2026:
Quarterbacks: Drew Brees, Eli Manning
Running back: Frank Gore
Wide receivers: Larry Fitzgerald, Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne
Tight end: Jason Witten
Offensive linemen: Willie Anderson (T), Jahri Evans (G), Marshal Yanda (G)
Defensive lineman: Kevin Williams
Linebackers: Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs
Defensive back: Darren Woodson
Specialist: Adam Vinatieri (K)
Several of these names - like Fitzgerald, Brees, and Gore - feel like locks. But as always, the debate around the final few spots will be fierce.
Outside the modern-era pool, a few other notable names are in the running through the Hall’s other categories. The seniors committee has nominated Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, and L.C.
Greenwood. Bill Belichick is the coach finalist, and longtime Patriots owner Robert Kraft is the contributor finalist.
Those candidates are voted on separately, with a maximum of three allowed in from those categories.
It’s worth noting the rich history Alabama holds in Canton. Sixteen Hall of Famers have roots in the state - from legends like Don Hutson and Bart Starr to more recent inductees like DeMarcus Ware and Ozzie Newsome. Willie Anderson is hoping to add his name to that elite group.
This year’s class won’t be easy to crack - it rarely is - but Anderson’s case is as strong as ever. If the voters are looking for dominance, consistency, and a guy who made life miserable for defenders every Sunday, they don’t have to look far.