Posted on Nov 19

Nine semifinalists announced for Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026, including Anderson, Craig

Posted Nov 19, 2025

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 will feature nine semifinalists in the seniors category, highlighting a rich history of talent and achievement across multiple eras.

Why it matters: The selection process for the Hall of Fame is crucial in recognizing the contributions of players who may have been overlooked during their playing days or whose careers predate modern media coverage.

This year's list was trimmed from an initial pool of 34 candidates by a blue-ribbon committee, underscoring the competitive nature of the Hall of Fame selection process.
The committee's role is pivotal, as they will select three finalists who will advance to a vote before the Super Bowl in February.

What’s new: Among the notable names are former MVP Ken Anderson and versatile running back Roger Craig, both of whom played significant roles in shaping their respective franchises.

Anderson, a four-time Pro Bowler, led the Cincinnati Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance and retired with impressive stats, including over 32,000 passing yards.
Craig revolutionized the running back position, becoming the first player to record over 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in a single season in 1985, contributing significantly to the San Francisco 49ers' dynasty.

By the numbers: Each semifinalist brings a unique set of achievements that highlights their influence on the game.

Otis Taylor, a star wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, led the AFL in touchdown catches in 1967 and finished his career with over 7,300 receiving yards.
Henry Ellard, known for his time with the Los Angeles Rams, amassed 13,777 career receiving yards, ranking him among the top receivers in NFL history.

Yes, but: While these players made significant impacts, the competition remains fierce with the inclusion of modern-era finalists, one coach, and one contributor for the Class of 2026.

The evolution of the game makes it challenging for older players to compete with contemporary stars who have dominated headlines and statistics in recent years.
Nevertheless, the legacy of the seniors category is vital for honoring those who laid the groundwork for today’s athletes.

What to watch: As the selection process unfolds, all eyes will be on how the committee deliberates over the merit of each candidate.

The significance of community engagement and historical impact will likely weigh heavily in discussions, especially for players like Steve Tasker, who excelled in special teams, and L.C. Greenwood, a cornerstone of the Steelers’ legendary defense.

The bottom line: The journey to the Hall of Fame represents not only personal accolades but also the collective memory of the sport.

Recognizing these nine semifinalists provides an opportunity to reflect on the diverse talents that have shaped the NFL, and as the final selections approach, fans and analysts alike will debate the legacies of these deserving candidates.

Nine semifinalists announced for Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026, including Anderson, Craig

Alex Parker

Posted Nov 19, 2025

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 will feature nine semifinalists in the seniors category, highlighting a rich history of talent and achievement across multiple eras.

This year's list was trimmed from an initial pool of 34 candidates by a blue-ribbon committee, underscoring the competitive nature of the Hall of Fame selection process.

The committee's role is pivotal, as they will select three finalists who will advance to a vote before the Super Bowl in February.

What’s new: Among the notable names are former MVP Ken Anderson and versatile running back Roger Craig, both of whom played significant roles in shaping their respective franchises.

Anderson, a four-time Pro Bowler, led the Cincinnati Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance and retired with impressive stats, including over 32,000 passing yards.

Craig revolutionized the running back position, becoming the first player to record over 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in a single season in 1985, contributing significantly to the San Francisco 49ers' dynasty.

By the numbers: Each semifinalist brings a unique set of achievements that highlights their influence on the game.

Otis Taylor, a star wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, led the AFL in touchdown catches in 1967 and finished his career with over 7,300 receiving yards.

Henry Ellard, known for his time with the Los Angeles Rams, amassed 13,777 career receiving yards, ranking him among the top receivers in NFL history.

Yes, but: While these players made significant impacts, the competition remains fierce with the inclusion of modern-era finalists, one coach, and one contributor for the Class of 2026.

The evolution of the game makes it challenging for older players to compete with contemporary stars who have dominated headlines and statistics in recent years.

Nevertheless, the legacy of the seniors category is vital for honoring those who laid the groundwork for today’s athletes.

What to watch: As the selection process unfolds, all eyes will be on how the committee deliberates over the merit of each candidate.

The significance of community engagement and historical impact will likely weigh heavily in discussions, especially for players like Steve Tasker, who excelled in special teams, and L.C. Greenwood, a cornerstone of the Steelers’ legendary defense.

The bottom line: The journey to the Hall of Fame represents not only personal accolades but also the collective memory of the sport.

Recognizing these nine semifinalists provides an opportunity to reflect on the diverse talents that have shaped the NFL, and as the final selections approach, fans and analysts alike will debate the legacies of these deserving candidates.