CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Former St. Xavier High School standout Luke Kuechly will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer after being named to the Class of 2026.
The announcement was made Thursday during the NFL Honors program in San Francisco.
Kuechly, a linebacker who played eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers from 2012 to 2019, was inducted in his second year of eligibility. He was named Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012. Kuechly earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was named a first-team All-Pro five times.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, kicker Adam Vinatieri, Roger Craig and Drew Brees stand of stage during the NFL Honors award show, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Two former Cincinnati Bengals players were not selected for induction. Offensive tackle Willie Anderson was among the 15 modern-era finalists. Anderson has been a finalist for four consecutive Hall of Fame classes and played for the Bengals from 1996 to 2007 before finishing his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a three-time first-team All-Pro and was inducted into the Bengals Ring of Honor in 2022.
Former Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson was one of five senior finalists. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1981, when he led Cincinnati to its first Super Bowl appearance. He retired following the 1986 season.
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Also selected to the Class of 2026 were quarterbacks Drew Brees and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, both first-ballot Hall of Famers. Kicker Adam Vinatieri was also chosen after a career that included two Super Bowl-winning field goals. Roger Craig was selected among the senior, coach and contributor candidates.