Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees ranks second all-time in completions, attempts, passing yard and passing touchdowns. File Photo by AJ Sisco/UPIAlex ButlerTue, November 25, 2025 at 4:53 PM UTC·2 min readNov. 25 (UPI) -- Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald were among five former NFL stars to advance to the semifinals of Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in their first year of eligibility, officials announced Tuesday.
Philip Rivers, Frank Gore and Jason Witten joined Brees and Fitzgerald in making the semifinals in their first year of eligibility.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat group of five will join 19 players who advanced to the semifinals in 2025 and former offensive linemen Lomas Brown and defensive lineman Kevin Williams to form a list of 26 modern-era candidates for the semifinal round of 2026.
Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Richmond Webb, Steve Wisniewski and Marshal Yanda join Brown as the former offensive linemen in the group.
The group also includes defensive tackles Vince Wilfork and Kevin Williams, safeties Rodney Harrison, Earl Thomas and Darren Woodson, linebacker Luke Kuechly, pass rushers Robert Mathis and Terrell Suggs, wide receivers Reggie Wayne, Hines Ward, Steve Smith Sr., and Torry Holt, running back Fred Taylor and kicker Adam Vinatieri.
Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald ranks second in NFL history in catches and receiving yards. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPIBrees and Fitzgerald are considered the top new semifinalists.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBrees, a four-time runner-up for MVP, ranks second in NFL history in pass attempts, completions, yards and touchdown passes, trailing only Tom Brady.
Former Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers made the semifinal stage for Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in his first year of eligibility. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPIFitzgerald ranks second all-time in catches an receiving yards, trailing only Jerry Rice. His 121 receiving touchdowns trail only Rice, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Cris Carter and Marvin Harrison.
A screening committee trimmed an initial group of 128 modern-era nominees to 52 in October. The pool of semifinalists will be trimmed to 15 later this year.
Longtime San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore is among 26 modern-era candidates who made the semifinal round for Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPIFinalists from the coach, contributor and seniors categories for induction will be announced Dec. 3. A total group of 20 finalists will be presented before Super Bowl LX, including the 15 modern-era players, three seniors, a coach and contributor.
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