University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Fitzgerald Reaches Final 15 For 2026 Hall of Fame Class
12/30/2025 10:05:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH— Pitt football legend Larry Fitzgerald moved one step closer to enshrinement in Canton on Tuesday, as the former Pitt Panthers and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver was named one of 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Fitzgerald is in his first year of eligibility and remains firmly in contention with two votes remaining in the Hall of Fame selection process. The next round of voting will reduce the field from 15 finalists to seven, with up to five players ultimately earning induction.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history, Fitzgerald's résumé places him among the elite. He was selected to 11 Pro Bowls, earned three Associated Press First Team All-Pro honors and finished his career with 1,432 receptions for 17,492 yards, both totals ranking second all-time behind Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Fitzgerald also recorded 121 touchdown receptions across 263 career games.
The group of 15 modern-era finalists includes several first-year eligible players, among them quarterbacks Drew Breesand Eli Manning, running back Frank Gore and tight end Jason Witten. Other finalists include Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans, Torry Holt, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, Reggie Wayne, Kevin Williams, Darren Woodson and Marshal Yanda.
Fitzgerald's path to the Hall of Fame began in Pittsburgh, where he starred for the Panthers from 2002–03. A unanimous All-American and the 2003 Biletnikoff Award winner, Fitzgerald established himself as one of the most accomplished players in program history.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 will be announced Feb. 5 during the NFL Honors show as part of Super Bowl week in San Francisco, Calif. The Hall's selection committee may elect up to five players from the final seven, with induction requiring approval from at least 80 percent of the voters.
