### Eli Manning and Other NFL Legends Vie for Hall of Fame Induction in 2026 - The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced its list of finalists for the Class of 2026, featuring notable players including Eli Manning, Drew Brees, and Adam Vinatieri. This marks the second consecutive year that Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, has been nominated for induction. The selection committee will convene before Super Bowl LX to determine which players will be enshrined, with the results to be revealed during the "NFL Honors" broadcast on February 5, 2026 [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/giants-legend-eli-manning-finalist-142305633.html][https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/final_15_revealed_for_hall_of_fame_class_of_26/s1_17049_43265106]. ### Breakdown of the 2026 Hall of Fame Finalists 1. **Returning Finalists**: - Eli Manning (Giants) - Adam Vinatieri (Colts, Patriots) - Reggie Wayne (Colts) - Torry Holt (Rams) - Willie Anderson (Bengals) 2. **First-Year Candidates**: - Drew Brees (Saints) - Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals) - Frank Gore (49ers) - Jason Witten (Cowboys) 3. **Notable Snubs**: - Rodney Harrison (Patriots) - Hines Ward (Steelers) - Steve Smith (Panthers) 4. **Selection Process**: - The Hall of Fame's 50-member selection committee will evaluate the finalists, with discussions taking place prior to Super Bowl LX [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/adam-vinatieri-voted-hall-fame-154053050.html][https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/sports/nfl/drew-brees-eli-manning-pro-football-hall-of-fame-finalists-list/3680971]. ### Key Data Points on Finalists - **Super Bowl Wins**: - Eli Manning: 2 - Drew Brees: 1 - Adam Vinatieri: 4 (most in NFL history) - **Career Touchdowns**: - Drew Brees: 571 - Eli Manning: 366 - Larry Fitzgerald: 121 (receiving touchdowns) - **Years Active**: - Manning: 2004-2019 - Brees: 2001-2020 - Vinatieri: 1996-2019 This data highlights the significant achievements of the finalists, underscoring their impact on the game [https://abc30.com/post/brees-fitzgerald-lead-pro-football-hall-of-fame-finalists/18333024][https://973thegame.iheart.com/content/2025-12-30-2026-pro-football-hall-of-fame-finalists-revealed]. ### Conclusion: A Competitive Race for the Hall of Fame - **Major Findings**: 1. Eli Manning is once again a finalist, reflecting his enduring legacy in the NFL. 2. The 2026 class features a mix of returning candidates and first-time nominees, making for a competitive selection process. 3. The Hall of Fame's selection committee will play a crucial role in determining which legends will be honored. - **Next Steps**: The final decision will be made public during the "NFL Honors" event, where fans and players alike will await the announcement of the newest inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame [https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-news-league-announces-15-modern-era-finalists-2026-hall-of-fame-class][https://www.stampedeblue.com/indianapolis-colts-news/119961/reggie-wayne-adam-vinatieri-named-finalists-for-pro-football-hofs-2026-class].