As the NFL world turns its attention to San Francisco for Thursday night’s NFL Honors show, three names with deep Cincinnati ties are hoping this is the year they finally get the call to Canton. Former Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson, former Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson, and Carolina Panthers legend Luke Kuechly - who starred at Cincinnati’s St. Xavier High School - are all in the mix for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026.
Ken Anderson, the Bengals’ all-time great signal-caller, is one of five finalists in the senior, coach, and contributor category - a group reserved for those whose playing careers ended at least 25 years ago. He’s joined by Patriots owner Robert Kraft, legendary New England head coach Bill Belichick, former 49ers running back Roger Craig, and Steelers defensive end L.C. Greenwood.
Now, Kraft has already been ruled out for this year’s class, according to reports, and Belichick - despite his iconic résumé - is also expected to fall short in his first year of eligibility. That opens the door for Anderson, Craig, or Greenwood, but here’s the catch: only the top vote-getter is guaranteed enshrinement unless multiple candidates receive at least 40 of the 50 available votes.
The Hall of Fame voting process is a tight squeeze. Each of the 50 voters selects three of the five finalists.
If no one reaches the 40-vote threshold, only the top vote-getter makes it in. That means even legends can get left out - and often do.
Ken Anderson’s case is one of the more hotly debated in recent years. He’s got the numbers, the accolades, and the respect of his peers.
A four-time Pro Bowler and NFL MVP in 1981, Anderson led the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance and retired with a then-record completion percentage. His supporters argue that he was ahead of his time - a cerebral quarterback with pinpoint accuracy and a command of the West Coast offense that helped shape the modern passing game.
But not everyone agrees. Back in January, ESPN’s Damien Woody stirred the pot on social media, tweeting, “There is no world where Ken Anderson should get a vote over Bill Belichick.” That take didn’t sit well with a number of NFL voices - including former Bengals right tackle Willie Anderson, who quickly jumped to Ken’s defense in the replies.
Willie, meanwhile, has his own Hall of Fame hopes riding on this year’s vote. He’s one of 15 modern-era player finalists, and this marks his fifth straight year as a finalist.
The former All-Pro was a dominant force on the Bengals’ offensive line for over a decade - a technician with rare power and footwork who routinely shut down some of the best edge rushers of his era. His case has gained momentum in recent years, thanks in part to a growing appreciation for the impact of elite offensive linemen on the modern game.
Then there’s Luke Kuechly, the Cincinnati native who became the heart and soul of the Carolina Panthers defense during his eight-year career. A seven-time Pro Bowler and 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Kuechly was a sideline-to-sideline machine with elite instincts and leadership. Though his career was cut short by injuries, his impact was undeniable - and many feel he deserves a spot in Canton sooner rather than later.
All three men were denied entry last year, with Willie Anderson and Kuechly falling short in the 2025 class. But this year feels different. With Belichick and Kraft reportedly out of the running, the door could be open for a long-overdue nod to Ken Anderson - and perhaps a breakthrough for Willie or Kuechly.
The wait ends Thursday night. Canton is calling - and for these Cincinnati-connected legends, it might finally be time to answer.