PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A legendary Arizona Cardinals player is one step closer to being named among the greatest of all time.
On Tuesday, the NFL announced former Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is among the final 15 for consideration to be named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2026 class.
This is Fitzgerald’s first year of Hall of Fame eligibility.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)(Ross D. Franklin | AP)
“Fitzgerald will make the Hall of Fame at some point, and many think it could be now,” a release from the Cardinals said.
Next, a vote will trim the list of 15 to just seven. A selection committee will then vote for five among those seven players. Players who receive at least 80% of that vote will be named the newest members of the Hall of Fame.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be announced on Feb. 5, 2026, at the NFL Honors presentation during Super Bowl week.
Fitzgerald spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals after being drafted third overall in 2004. His 1,432 catches and 17,492 yards receiving in 17 seasons rank second all-time to Jerry Rice. He’s sixth all-time in career receiving touchdowns.
Also with an Arizona Cardinals connection, edge rusher Terrell Suggs is included on the top 15 list. Suggs played one season with the Cardinals out of his 17-year career.
Below is the full list of the 15 finalists:
quarterback Drew Brees (first-time on ballot)wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (first-time on ballot)running back Frank Gore (first-time on ballot)tight end Jason Witten (first-time on ballot)tackle Willie Andersonwide receiver Torry Holtlinebacker Luke Kuechlykicker Adam Vinatierirusher Terrell Suggsguard Jahri Evansquarterback Eli Manningwide receiver Reggie Waynedefensive tackle Kevin Williamssafety Darren Woodsonoffensive lineman Marshal Yanda
Quarterback Phillip Rivers was a semi-finalist for 2026, but he reset his Hall-of-Fame clock when he suited up for the Indianapolis Colts late this season.
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