PHOENIX – Thursday night saw the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame committee announce the 2025 class at NFL Honors. Chargers’ legend Antonio Gates headlined the four-person class with Sterling Sharpe, Jared Allen, and Eric Allen joining him in Canton.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Eyes are now focused on next year’s class with a stacked list of first-time eligible NFL legends. Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, and five-time pro bowler Frank Gore are all eligible to be inducted in 2026.
One of, arguably, the most deserving names might be Arizona Cardinals’ legend Larry Fitzgerald, who has a strong case for a first-time eligible player.
Feb 1, 2009; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) carries the ball after a catch en route to scoring a touchdown as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) gives chase in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Fitzgerald’s 17,492 receiving yards is 2nd all-time, only behind Jerry Rice. Outside of Fitzgerald, the top seven all-time receiving list are all hall of famers, with three being first-ballot.
The 11-time pro-bowler is 13th in all-time touchdown leaders at 121, one spot ahead of newest inductee Gates. Fitzgerald was voted All-Pro once and elected to the Hall of Fame All-2010s team.
Dec. 23, 2007; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Atlanta Falcons at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Since being drafted to Arizona in 2004, Fitzgerald was the face of the franchise, playing over 250 games for the Cardinals and bringing them to their only Super Bowl. Fitzgerald’s induction in 2026 would be the first Cardinal since Duke Slater in 2020 to be honored in Canton.
Cardinals’ owner Michael Bidwill elected for Arizona Sports Hall of Fame
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
