Larry Fitzgerald is top 50.
The former Cardinals wide receiver was announced on Wednesday as one of the 50 modern-era player finalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, an outcome that was expected.
In fact, Fitzgerald's case is so strong for Canton in this, his first year of eligibility, that it will be a surprise if he is not among the final 15 considered for enshrinement the week of Super Bowl LX in early February. The list is then whittled to seven, and of the seven remaining, a player must get 80 percent of the vote (voters can only pick up to five) to get inducted.
The class must have at least three and up to five (plus between one and three from the pool of coaches, seniors, and/or contributors.)
In April, Fitzgerald said he was trying not to think about the potential of being a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
"I don't want to get my hopes up and for some reason it doesn't work out," he said. "It's completely out of my control."
Five other players who played for the Cardinals are also among the finalists, including wide receiver Anquan Boldin. The other four are defensive end Simeon Rice, tackle Lomas Brown, edge rusher John Abraham, and edge rusher Terrell Suggs. There are actually 52 players currently still on the list, since all ties at the cutoff make it to the next step.
Two former Cardinals are also in consideration for the seniors component of the class: running back Ottis Anderson and defensive back Pat Fischer.
There will be another vote to reduce the number of modern-era candidates to 25 (plus ties) in early December, with the group of 15 announced around the first of the year.
It's noteworthy that four players – tackle Willie Anderson, wide receiver Torry Holt, linebacker Luke Kuechly, and kicker Adam Vinatieri – all automatically will be in the final 15 because they reached the final seven list last year.
It's hard to see Fitzgerald not getting the nod into the Hall on his first chance. He made 11 Pro Bowls and an AP All-Pro team three times. His 1,432 receptions and 17,492 receiving yards are both second in NFL history, both behind Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. He had 121 touchdowns in 263 career games.
Among the other players up for the honor this year are quarterbacks Drew Brees, Eli Manning and Philip Rivers.
