CANTON, Ohio (WKRC) – The Cincinnati Bengals have four Pro Football Hall of Famers. Could there soon be more?
A total of 162 players have been nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 in the Seniors category. The nominees consist of 90 offensive players, 67 defensive players, and five special teamers — and five of them are former Cincinnati Bengals.
To be eligible for nomination in this category, players must have last played at least 25 full seasons ago, no more recently than the 2000 season. Candidates must have five years of service and at least one recognized postseason honor. Notable nominees include quarterback Ken Anderson, wide receiver Isaac Curtis, offensive lineman Max Montoya, defensive back Lemar Parrish, linebacker Bill Bergey, and kicker Jim Breech.
The Seniors Screening Committee, established in 2025 to enhance the selection process, will narrow the list to 50 players, plus any ties for the 50th spot, in the coming weeks. Following this, the Seniors Blue-Ribbon Committee will further reduce the list in several stages. By late fall, the committee will select three Seniors as Finalists for potential election with the Class of 2026.
Charlie Joyner, Anthony Munoz, Terrell Owens and Ken Riley all played for the Bengals in their careers and all are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.