The call to Canton grows louder for Larry Fitzgerald.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced their 25 modern-era semifinalists for the 2026 class, and the former Cardinals wide receiver was -- not surprisingly -- among the names. (Because of a tie for the final spot, there are officially 26 semifinalists.)
Fitzgerald is one of three players who played for Arizona on the list. Tackle Lomas Brown and edge rusher Terrell Suggs are also in contention. Two former Cardinals are also in consideration for the seniors component of the class: running back Ottis Anderson and defensive back Pat Fischer.
Fitzgerald is one of five players who are on the list in their first year of eligibility, joining quarterback Drew Brees, quarterback Philip Rivers, tight end Jason Witten and running back Frank Gore.
He is also one of five receivers in the final 26, along with Reggie Wayne, Torry Holt, Steve Smith Sr., and Hines Ward.
But Fitzgerald is a favorite to get into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot, even after rules changes last year made it more difficult for entry. He almost certainly will reach the top 15 -- which will be announced in late December -- that will get into the discussion Super Bowl week in February. The list is then cut 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.)
Fitzgerald told azcardinals.com in April he's trying not to think about being a first-ballot pick, but he has a hefty resume and his Canton residence is a matter of when, not if. 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.
Brown played 46 games and three seasons for the Cardinals from 1996-98, including the 1998 playoff team, in his 18 NFL seasons. Despite retiring in 2002, this is the first year Brown has reached the semifinal stage. Suggs played 13 games during the 2019 season for the Cardinals, a small part of his 17-year career.
