The Dallas Cowboys are still waiting for their next Hall of Fame moment.
For the second straight year, no Cowboys were included in the Pro Football Hall of Fame class, as the 2026 inductees were officially announced. Headliners included legendary quarterback Drew Brees, who left his mark with the Saints and Chargers, and all-time great wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, a model of consistency and excellence for the Arizona Cardinals.
But for Dallas, the wait continues.
Tight end Jason Witten and safety Darren Woodson were both among the finalists this year. Witten was on the ballot for the first time, while Woodson made his fourth straight appearance as a finalist. Neither heard their name called.
Witten: A First-Ballot Resume, But Not Yet a First-Ballot Result
Let’s start with Witten. He’s the kind of player who usually gets in-eventually.
Eleven Pro Bowls. Second all-time in both receptions and receiving yards among tight ends.
He was the definition of reliability, toughness, and production in his prime. The fact that he reached finalist status in his first year of eligibility is a strong signal that his Hall of Fame moment is coming.
It just wasn’t this year.
Woodson: Running Out of Time in the Modern-Era Window
For Woodson, the situation is more urgent. He’s now 22 years removed from his final NFL snap, and with players only eligible as modern-era candidates for 25 years after retirement, the clock is ticking. After that, it’s up to the Seniors Committee-a much tougher road.
Woodson was more than just a five-time Pro Bowler. He helped redefine the safety position with his versatility-able to play the run with physicality and also cover the slot like a corner.
He was a cornerstone of a Cowboys defense that ranked No. 1 in the league and helped deliver championships. His case is strong, but the window is narrowing.
Witten and Woodson overlapped for just one season-2003, Witten’s rookie year and Woodson’s final campaign. Now, they’re both standing at the doorstep of Canton, waiting for the knock.
But that raises a bigger question: Who’s next? Which recent or current Cowboys have a real shot at a gold jacket?
Let’s take a closer look.
QB Tony Romo | Hall of Fame Odds: 0.9%
Romo’s path is murky at best. As a player, he put up impressive numbers and had stretches of elite play, but the postseason success just wasn’t there.
That’s a tough hurdle to clear for a quarterback. His second act as a broadcaster started strong, but recent years have cooled some of that buzz.
If he ever makes it to Canton, it may take a Seniors Committee push-and even that feels like a long shot.
WR Dez Bryant | Hall of Fame Odds: 0.8%
Dez was a nightmare for defenders at his peak. His physicality at the catch point, body control, and nose for the end zone made him one of the most feared receivers in the league for a stretch.
But his career was shorter than most Hall of Famers-just nine seasons, with three Pro Bowl nods. He didn’t make it to the semifinals in his first year of eligibility, and when you compare his numbers to other wideouts still waiting (like Hines Ward and Steve Smith Sr.), it’s clear that Bryant has a steep hill to climb.
QB Dak Prescott | Hall of Fame Odds: 4%
Dak’s still writing his story, and the path is clear-but narrow. He needs a healthy, productive second act to his career, and he needs hardware.
An MVP award and, more importantly, a Super Bowl ring would vault him into the conversation. His numbers are already solid, but without team success, it’s hard to see him making the leap.
LT Tyron Smith | Hall of Fame Odds: 75%
Now we’re getting into serious territory. Tyron Smith was one of the premier left tackles of his generation.
From 2013 to 2020, he made seven straight Pro Bowls and earned four All-Pro selections (twice First-Team). Injuries slowed him down in the back half of his career, but when he was healthy, he was elite.
He retired in 2024 and will be eligible for the 2030 class. If the voters focus on peak performance, Smith has a strong shot.
RG Zack Martin | Hall of Fame Odds: 100%
Martin is as close to a lock as it gets. Eleven seasons.
Nine Pro Bowls. Nine All-Pro selections.
He was consistently viewed as the best guard-and often the best offensive lineman-in football during his prime. He’ll be eligible the same year as Smith, and it’s hard to imagine a 2030 class without him.
If you’re building a Hall of Fame résumé from scratch, Martin’s is textbook.
WR CeeDee Lamb | Hall of Fame Odds (as of 2023): 35%
Lamb is off to a phenomenal start. Through six seasons, his numbers stack up favorably with Larry Fitzgerald’s at the same point in their careers.
Fitzgerald had the edge in touchdowns, but Lamb holds slight advantages in receptions and yards. The key for Lamb will be longevity.
If he can sustain this level of production-and add a few accolades along the way-he’s absolutely on a Hall of Fame trajectory.
Final Word
The Cowboys are a storied franchise with a rich Hall of Fame history, but the pipeline has slowed in recent years. Witten and Woodson are knocking.
Tyron Smith and Zack Martin are waiting in the wings. And younger stars like CeeDee Lamb are building their case.
The gold jackets will come. But for now, Dallas fans will have to keep waiting.