The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was officially unveiled during NFL Honors on Thursday night, and while the spotlight naturally turned to the names who did make it in, some of the biggest headlines came from those left on the outside looking in.
Among the most notable snubs? Patriots legend and former Browns head coach Bill Belichick, and longtime New England owner Robert Kraft.
Both were widely expected to be strong contenders, but neither made the cut this year. In a twist of irony that won’t go unnoticed in Cleveland, current Browns star Myles Garrett earned his gold jacket before Belichick - the coach who once roamed the sidelines in Cleveland before becoming synonymous with dynasty in Foxborough.
Garrett’s induction is a major moment for the Browns franchise. He becomes the latest in a proud line of Cleveland greats to be enshrined in Canton, following in the footsteps of offensive tackle Joe Thomas, who was the most recent Browns player to receive the honor.
While Garrett stood tall as the franchise’s newest Hall of Famer, several other Browns legends were in the mix for the 2026 class but ultimately fell short. Former head coach Marty Schottenheimer, a beloved figure in Cleveland and one of the most respected coaches of his era, was one of 12 coaches who advanced in the selection process. Schottenheimer’s impact on the Browns during the 1980s - particularly his ability to consistently build competitive teams - remains a defining chapter in the team’s modern history.
On the senior candidates list, linebacker Clay Matthews and offensive lineman Dick Schafrath both advanced in the process. Matthews, in particular, has long been viewed as one of the most deserving players still waiting for his Hall of Fame call.
His longevity, versatility, and leadership made him a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense for over a decade. Schafrath, a seven-time Pro Bowler and a key piece of Cleveland’s offensive line during the 1960s, continues to receive overdue recognition for his contributions.
Also nominated among the 2026 class were two of the most dynamic return men in Browns history: Eric Metcalf and Josh Cribbs. Both players brought electricity to the field every time they touched the ball, whether it was on special teams, offense, or in Cribbs’ case, even in wildcat formations. Their inclusion in the nomination pool is a testament to how game-changing return specialists have become in Hall of Fame conversations.
Looking ahead to the 2027 class, two more former Browns have become eligible: cornerback Joe Haden and offensive lineman Alex Mack. While neither is expected to be a first-ballot inductee, both had strong careers and were fan favorites during their time in Cleveland. Haden was a lockdown corner and emotional leader during some lean years for the franchise, while Mack anchored the offensive line with consistency and toughness.
As it stands, Cleveland has 18 members enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame - a list that reads like a who's who of NFL history. From the legendary Jim Brown and iconic coach Paul Brown to modern greats like Joe Thomas and Ozzie Newsome, the Browns’ legacy in Canton is as rich as any franchise in the league.
Here’s the full list of Browns Hall of Famers:
- Jim Brown
- Paul Brown
- Joe DeLamielleure
- Len Ford
- Frank Gatski
- Otto Graham
- Lou Groza
- Gene Hickerson
- Leroy Kelly
- Dante Lavelli
- Mike McCormack
- Bobby Mitchell
- Marion Motley
- Ozzie Newsome
- Joe Thomas
- Paul Warfield
- Bill Willis
- Mac Speedie
With Garrett now joining that elite company, the Browns’ Hall of Fame lineage continues to grow - and while others like Belichick and Schottenheimer may have to wait a bit longer, their legacies remain firmly etched in NFL history.