Kevin Williams will have to wait at least one more year for his gold jacket.
The former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle, a dominant force during his time in the NFL and a player many believe is Hall of Fame-worthy, was not among those inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This was Williams’ sixth year of eligibility, but notably, it was the first time he advanced to the list of 15 finalists - a significant step forward, even if it didn’t end with a trip to Canton this time around.
Williams was a cornerstone of the Vikings’ defensive front throughout the 2000s, best known as one half of the feared “Williams Wall” alongside Pat Williams. His blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ made him one of the most disruptive interior linemen of his era. From stuffing the run to collapsing pockets, Williams was the kind of player who didn’t always rack up eye-popping stats but made life miserable for opposing offenses - and made his teammates better in the process.
While his omission from this year’s class is disappointing for Vikings fans and defensive line aficionados alike, there’s still reason to believe his day is coming. The fact that he finally cracked the finalist list signals growing momentum behind his candidacy, and that often matters in the long run when it comes to Hall of Fame voting.
As for this year’s inductees, the Class of 2026 features five players - and two of them have ties to Minnesota, in one way or another.
Roger Craig, the versatile running back best remembered for his time with the San Francisco 49ers, was finally selected. While his stint with the Vikings was brief - just two seasons at the tail end of his career in 1992 and 1993 - his overall impact on the game was undeniable. Craig was ahead of his time as a dual-threat back, and his induction feels long overdue.
Then there’s Larry Fitzgerald, a first-ballot selection and a no-brainer for Canton. While he never suited up for the Vikings, Fitzgerald’s connection to Minnesota runs deep.
The Minneapolis native grew up in the Twin Cities and famously served as a Vikings ballboy during his youth. His Hall of Fame career with the Arizona Cardinals - marked by elite production, consistency, and class - has now come full circle with this honor.
Joining them in the Class of 2026 are quarterback Drew Brees, linebacker Luke Kuechly, and kicker Adam Vinatieri.
Brees, another first-ballot inductee, redefined the quarterback position with his precision, leadership, and relentless work ethic. Whether it was his record-setting numbers or his Super Bowl run with the Saints, Brees was a lock the moment he retired.
Kuechly, despite a relatively short career, left a lasting impression. His football instincts were off the charts, and he was the heart of the Panthers’ defense for nearly a decade. He played with a rare combination of intelligence, physicality, and sideline-to-sideline speed that made him a perennial All-Pro.
And then there’s Vinatieri - arguably the greatest clutch kicker in NFL history. From his game-winners in the snow to his Super Bowl heroics, Vinatieri’s résumé speaks for itself. He was a steady hand in the most pressure-packed moments the league has ever seen.
As for Williams, the road to Canton continues. Next year’s ballot won’t make things any easier - it’s shaping up to be a loaded class.
Among the first-time eligibles for 2027 are some heavy hitters, including his former teammate Adrian Peterson, who seems like a lock for first-ballot induction. Other big names set to debut include Ben Roethlisberger, Rob Gronkowski, Cam Newton, Richard Sherman, and Andrew Whitworth.
That kind of star power could crowd the conversation, but Williams’ case remains strong. His impact on the game - especially as a disruptive interior lineman in an era that didn’t always value that position statistically - deserves recognition.
Getting to the finalist stage is often the hardest part. Once you’re there, the odds tend to improve.
So no Hall of Fame speech from Kevin Williams this summer. But don’t count him out. His contributions to the game haven’t been forgotten - and eventually, the voters will recognize what Vikings fans have known for years: Kevin Williams belongs in Canton.