Surprised? You shouldn’t be.
Arizona Cardinals great Larry Fitzgerald is among the 128 modern-era nominees for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
He marks one of 13 players entering their first year of eligibility, joining Drew Brees, Frank Gore, Greg Olsen and Thomas Davis, among others.
.@CalaisCampbell isn’t surprised one bit by @LarryFitzgerald‘s Pro Football Hall of Fame nomination in his first year of eligibility.
“I think everybody’s expectation is that Larry’s going to be a first-ballot, unanimous decision immediately. He earned that.” pic.twitter.com/znATizKyso
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) September 24, 2025
“I don’t think it’s any surprise. I think everybody’s expectation is that Larry’s going to be a first-ballot, unanimous decision immediately,” former teammate Larry Fitzgerald told Arizona Sports on Wednesday. “He earned that. I have so many memories of talking about legacy and just the impact that he wanted to have on the game when we were younger.
“He used to say he’s not even worried about the Hall of Fame. He doesn’t think about it, but we know it means a lot to him. He earned it. Very deserving. I’m a big fan of Larry Fitzgerald as is the rest of the world. When it comes to playing this game, he played it the right way. Very much inspiration, a big influence on my career. I’m very happy for him.”
Fitzgerald never officially retired, but after five years removed from his playing days, he was eligible for next year’s class.
The wide receiver certainly left his mark in the Valley after coming to Arizona as the third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.
His 1,432 career receptions is the record for most by a player with a single team in NFL history. Fitzgerald ranks second all-time behind Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice (1,549).
He posted nine seasons of at least 1,000 yards and paced the NFL twice in touchdown totals from 2012-13.
Can’t forget about his Super Bowl run in 2008, either, where he racked up 30 catches for 546 yards and seven touchdowns in four playoff games.
That’s the stuff of legends.
What’s next in the Pro Football Hall of Fame voting process?
The next step in the Hall of Fame process centers around a screening committee reducing the list to 50 players, which includes ties.
That list will be announced in October.
From there, it will get reduced to 25 semifinals in the fall before 15 finalists are announced.
Per the Hall of Fame bylaws, the 2026 class can contain three, four or five modern-era players.
Which other NFL wide receivers are eligible alongside Larry Fitzgerald?
Here are the other wide receivers nominated for the Hall of Fame class of 2026:
– Anquan Boldin
– Donald Driver
– Larry Fitzgerald
– Torry Holt
– Chad Johnson
– Brandon Lloyd
– Brandon Marshall
– Derrick Mason
– Herman Moore
– Muhsin Muhammad
– Jordy Nelson
– Jimmy Smith
– Rod Smith
– Steve Smith Sr.
– Hines Ward
– Reggie Wayne
– Wes Welker
– Roddy White
