A star-studded class in Canton
The Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed five new members this weekend in Canton, Ohio. Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Roger Craig, Adam Vinatieri and Luke Kuechly were enshrined in front of a crowd that included dozens of Hall of Famers.
Brees headlined the class. The quarterback retires as one of the most productive passers in league history, having led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl title and rewritten passing records along the way.
Vinatieri's kick in the snow remembered
Vinatieri's speech brought back one of the most famous kicks in NFL history. His 45-yard field goal in a snowstorm during the 2001 playoffs lifted the New England Patriots past the Oakland Raiders and launched a dynasty.
Vinatieri won four Super Bowls and earned a reputation as the most reliable kicker in pressure moments. Fans in Canton gave him a long ovation when the snow kick played on the big screen.
Craig's emotional announcement
The most emotional moment came from Craig, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers. During his speech, Craig revealed he has vascular dementia. He said he wanted to raise awareness and urged players to take brain health seriously.
Fitzgerald and Kuechly rounded out the class. Fitzgerald was honored for two decades of steady excellence as one of the NFL's best receivers. Kuechly, a dominant linebacker for the Carolina Panthers, was praised for his preparation and football intelligence. The class of 2026 now takes its permanent place among the game's legends.