Fifteen players are one step closer to football immortality. The NFL and Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the list of modern-era finalists for the Class of 2026 on Tuesday. Among the 15 players are four who advanced automatically due to last year’s voting, six other finalists from last ye ar, four first-year eligible candidates and one first-time finalist in his sixth year of eligibility. Here’s a look at the group, along with their credentials (listed alphabetically): Willie Anderson, offensive tackle: Cincinnati Bengals (1996-07), Baltimore Ravens (2008), fifth year as a finalist Drew Brees, quarterback: San Diego Chargers (2001-05), New Orleans Saints (2006-20), first year of eligibility Jahri Evans, offensive guard: New Orleans Saints (2006-16), Green Bay Packers (2017), third year as a finalist Larry Fitzgerald, wide receiver: Arizona Cardinals (2004-20), first year of eligibility Frank Gore, running back: San Francisco 49ers (2005-14), Indianapolis Colts (2015-17), Miami Dolphins (2018), Buffalo Bills (2019), New York Jets (2020), first year of eligibility Torry Holt, wide receiver: St. Louis Rams (1999-08), Jacksonville Jaguars (2009), seventh year as a finalist Luke Kuechly, linebacker: Carolina Panthers (2012-19), second year as a finalist Eli Manning, quarterback: New York Giants (2004-19), second year as a finalist Terrell Suggs, outside linebacker/defensive end: Baltimore Ravens (2003-18), Arizona Cardinals (2019), Kansas City Chiefs (2019), second year as a finalist Adam Vinatieri, kicker: New England Patriots (1996-05), Indianapolis Colts (2006-19), second year as a finalist Reggie Wayne, wide receiver: Indianapolis Colts (2001-14), seventh year as a finalist Kevin Williams, defensive tackle: Minnesota Vikings (2003-13), Seattle Seahawks (2014), New Orleans Saints (2015), first year as a finalist (sixth year of eligibility) Jason Witten, tight end: Dallas Cowboys (2003-17, 2019), Las Vegas Raiders (2020), first year of eligibility Darren Woodson, safety: Dallas Cowboys (1992-03), fourth year as a finalist Marshal Yanda, offensive guard/tackle: Baltimore Ravens (2007-19), second year as a finalist The selection committee can elect up to five modern-era players for the class of 2026. A player must receive a minimum positive vote of 80% to make the Hall of Fame. Aside from the modern-era group above, there are five other finalists in the senior category (Kenny Anderson, Roger Craig, L.C. Greenwood), coach category (Bill Belichick) and contributor category (Robert Kraft). Voting for these five is separate from the modern-era group, with a minimum of one and maximum of three being elected. The Class of 2026 will be announced at NFL Honors in San Francisco on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, ahead of Super Bowl LX. Those selected will be officially enshrined in August at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. ...read more read less