The NFL announced 128 modern-era players nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026. There are 13 players in their first year of eligibility among the 128 Modern-Era players, including Alex Smith and Frank Gore. Here’s the complete list of the 13 first-timers:
QB Drew Brees
QB Philip Rivers
QB Alex Smith
WR Larry Fitzgerald
TE Greg Olsen
TE Jason Witten
RB Frank Gore
RB LeSean McCoy
OL David DeCastro
OL Maurkice Pouncey
DL Geno Atkins
DL Jurrell Casey
There are 16 former 49ers who were nominated for the 2026 class, including Jeff Garcia, Smith, Gore, Ricky Watters, Anquan Boldin, Brandon Lloyd, Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Joe Staley, Justin Smith, Ted Washington, NaVorro Bowman, Takeo Spikes, Lee Woodall, David Akers, and Gary Anderson.
Smith, a former No. 1 overall pick of the 49ers, is likely a long shot. Still, he persevered through quite a bit, so it has to be an honor for Smith to see his name listed.
Gore’s argument for the Hall of Fame is always the same. He has the volume stats, but critics believe it’s due to longevity. The counter to that would be how few running backs lasted 16 seasons. He’s also the all-time leading rusher for the 49ers franchise, and is third all-time in career rushing yards behind Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. If you’re third all-time in any category, you should be recognized as one of the greatest of all time. Gore might not be a first ballot Hall of Famer, although there’s an argument for that, too, but it shouldn’t be long before we’re writing about his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
About the Author: Insidethe49
