Few other candidates have come close to Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald as the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class’s leading contenders. Despite their differences, both players enjoyed extraordinary careers that changed the game of football in ways that are still felt today. Both of them were first ballot nominees, a testament to just how transcendent their contributions to professional football were.
Drew Brees was originally drafted by the San Diego Chargers. After five seasons there, he signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2006. By the end of his tenure with the Saints, Brees had become perhaps the most prolific quarterback in NFL history. He’s second all-time in passing yards, with a world-class 80,358 yards, behind only Tom Brady. Plus, dumping gunslingin’ for 571 touchdown passes, earning his place as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Brees was named to the Pro Bowl 13 times during his career and a first-team All-Pro in 2006. He was named the AP Offensive Player of the Year twice, in 2008 and 2011. During his tenure, Brees gave New Orleans its first Super Bowl championship after the 2009 season. He won the MVP award as they beat the Indianapolis Colts, quarterbacked by Peyton Manning.
Larry Fitzgerald confined his entire 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals. Drafted third overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, Fitzgerald soon became one of the best wide receivers in football. He’s caught 1,432 passes and gained 17,492 receiving yards, both second all-time behind Jerry Rice. His sustained level of production is clear in that he has nine 1,000+ yard receiving seasons.
On the field, Fitzgerald was a key player in helping the Cardinals reach their only Super Bowl appearance after the 2008 season. During that postseason, he set single-season records with 546 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level when it mattered most.
Legendary in their own right, both Brees and Fitzgerald left indelible marks on their franchises and the league as a whole. Their nominations for the Hall of Fame highlight their impressive careers and impact on the game of professional football.
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