How Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft find themselves on course for a Canton reunion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Five iconic figures from across pro football’s past have advanced to the final stage of consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. The Blue Ribbon committees for the Coach, Contributor and Seniors categories delivered one finalist each in the first two groups and three in the last. All five now stand one step from enshrinement. They must receive approval from at least 80 percent of the full Selection Committee when it gathers during Super Bowl LX week in San Francisco.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRobert Kraft is the lone Contributor finalist. The longtime New England Patriots owner, who kept the franchise from relocating in the mid 1990s and later guided the organization through one of the most successful championship eras in league history. His influence on league business, stadium construction and media strategy has shaped the modern NFL.
Bill Belichick moves forward as the single Coach finalist. His career includes six championships with New England and a total of 333 victories across nearly five decades. His postseason record and defensive innovation remain central to his candidacy and secure his standing as one of the most accomplished coaches the sport has ever known.
Three legendary figures emerged from the Seniors committee. Ken Anderson spent sixteen seasons with Cincinnati, earned league MVP honors in 1981 and finished his career with more than 32,000 passing yards. Roger Craig helped redefine the role of the modern running back with his combination of rushing and receiving production and contributed to three championships in San Francisco. L.C. Greenwood powered Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain defenses and became one of the most disruptive pass rushers of the 1970s.
MORE: Shedeur Sanders responds to those who wanted to see him fail
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA pool of 26 Modern Era semifinalists remains in contention, featuring names such as Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri. That list will be reduced to 15 later this month. The final class will include between four and eight new members. The Class of 2026 will be revealed on February 5th at NFL Honors and officially enshrined on August 8th in Canton.
More news:
Vandy, Miami urged to play 13th game in Hawaii as a CFP qualifier
Giants need Jaxson Dart to learn a lesson from Drake Maye
Rajon Rondo's son is getting buckets as an 8th grader on varsity
4-star WR FatRat Brown just made a college commitment flip
