The Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists were announced Tuesday morning. And one Patriots legend who’s been eligible since 2014 did not make the cut.
Rodney Harrison was not among the 15 finalists. The former safety has been a finalist in year’s past.
Former Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri is a finalist in this year’s pool. Because Vinatieri was a finalist for last year’s class, he automatically advanced to the final 15 for the 2026 class.
This is Vinatieri’s second year of eligibility. The legendary kicker — who helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls before winning one with the Indianapolis Colts — is the NFL’s all-time leading scorer with 2,673 points. He also holds the record for most career field goals made with 599 and most consecutive field goals made with 44.
There are only four kickers in the Hall of Fame — Morten Andersen, Jan Stenerud, George Blanda, and Lou Groza.
Others who were named finalists include quarterbacks Eli Manning and Drew Brees, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and defensive end Terrell Suggs.
The full list of finalists is as follows:
- Willie Anderson
- Drew Brees
- Jahri Evans
- Larry Fitzgerald
- Frank Gore
- Torry Holt
- Luke Kuechly
- Eli Manning
- Terrell Suggs
- Adam Vinatieri
- Reggie Wayne
- Kevin Williams
- Jason Witten
- Darren Woodson
- Marshal Yanda
The selection committee can now select up to five players for the 2026 class.
Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft are also Hall of Fame finalists for the Coach, Contributor and Seniors category. Only three people from those categories can move forward.
The class of 2026 will be announced Feb. 5 at the NFL Honors.
