‘Absurd’ – Hall of Fame finalists are revealed as fans can’t believe shocking snubs

It’s the Pro Football Hall of Fame, not the Hall of Very Good.

The 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame were announced this week, forming a strong field while leaving many notable players out.

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Like every year, there are going to be snubs—that’s just the nature of it. Not everyone can be a Hall of Fame player, and this year’s field was no exception.

The 15 finalists this year include four first-ballot nominees and four players who automatically moved to this stage after reaching last year’s final seven, as required by Hall of Fame rules.

The four automatic finalists are Willie Anderson, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri.

The four first-ballot nominees include Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Frank Gore and Jason Witten.

Kevin Williams has reached the final round for the first time in his candidacy. Rounding out the 15 are other returning finalists in Jahri Evans, Eli Manning, Terrell Suggs, Reggie Wayne, Darren Woodson and Marshal Yanda.

The Selection Committee can elect up to five modern-era players to the Class of 2026, with each requiring at least 80 percent of the vote for induction.

In addition, five other candidates are eligible: Seniors category finalists Kenny Anderson, Roger Craig, and L.C. Greenwood, along with Coach finalist Bill Belichick and Contributor finalist Robert Kraft.

Voting for these five is conducted separately from the modern-era players, and under the Hall’s current rules, a minimum of one and a maximum of three individuals from this combined group may be elected.

Although there is no fixed number of inductees for each class, the Hall of Fame’s current bylaws require that between four and eight new members be selected.

While it’s a stacked finalist class, a few names stood out as surprising omissions to fans.

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“No Vince Wilfork is absurd,” one fan posted on X.

“How is Rodney Harrison not even a finalist? 1 of 2 players to have 30 plus INTs and 30 plus sacks. The other is Ray Lewis,” another fan commented.

“No idea how Marshawn Lynch isn’t a HOF finalist,” one more fan added.

Again, not everyone can make it, and not everyone even reaches finalist status. Sure, Wilfork, Harrison, and Lynch all have a case, some stronger than others, and a handful of players not listed do as well, but that’s just how it goes.

Out of the 15 finalists, a handful won’t get in, and some may never be inducted.

Out of the bunch, Brees and Fitzgerald are locks to be first-ballot Hall of Famers. They are two of the greatest to ever play the game.

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After that, it’s truly anyone’s guess.

Here’s hoping Belichick and Kraft get inducted together and give us all an awkward hug.

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