Congratulations to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025
who will be officially enshrined this Saturday in Canton, Ohio. What a tremendous and well-deserved honor. I’m especially excited for Sterling Sharpe, one of the greatest wide receivers the game has ever seen. Though his career was tragically cut short by injury, his impact was undeniable. Honestly, I didn’t expect him to make it this year — but I’m glad to have been proven wrong. It’s incredibly gratifying to see him finally receive the recognition he so rightly deserves.
Of course, that surprise won’t stop me from looking ahead. So, here’s my early prediction for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, which will be officially announced at the NFL Honors ceremony this coming February.
Note: This list reflects who I believe will get in, not necessarily who I think should.
HALL OF FAME LOCKS
Drew Brees, QB
San Diego Chargers (2001–05), New Orleans Saints (2006–20)
One reason I expected Eli Manning to be inducted last year was the increasing logjam of elite quarterbacks on the ballot — and that continues with this year’s candidates. Making his debut on the ballot, Drew Brees is joined by fellow first-timer Philip Rivers, who (in a bit of poetic symmetry) was traded for Manning on draft night and eventually replaced Brees in San Diego.
But make no mistake: Brees is a first-ballot lock. A 13-time Pro Bowler and two-time Offensive Player of the Year, Brees delivered New Orleans’ first and only Super Bowl title, earning MVP honors in the process. He led the league in passing yards a record seven times and is responsible for five of the 15 5,000-yard seasons in NFL history.
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