the game.
Raiders Among 128 Nominees for Pro Football Hall of Fame‘s Class of 2026
The Pro Football Hall of Fame recently announced a thorough list of 128 modern-era players under consideration for induction into the Hall’s Class of 2026, marking an initial step in the multi-stage selection process. Eleven players who previously played for the Las Vegas Raiders are among those nominated, highlighting the franchise’s rich history and enduring contributions to professional football.
Did You Know? The pro Football Hall of Fame, established in 1963, recognizes players, coaches, and other contributors who have achieved exceptional distinction in the sport.
The nominated players will now navigate a rigorous evaluation process. A Screening Committee is scheduled to reduce the list to 50 candidates in mid-october. Following this reduction, the full 50-person Hall of Fame Selection Committee will further refine the roster to 25 Semifinalists.Ultimately,15 Modern-Era Player Finalists will be discussed during the annual selection meeting,which takes place ahead of Super Bowl LX.
The Class of 2026 is expected to include between three and five inducted members determined by the committee’s voting.
| Nominee |
|---|
| napoleon mccallum |
| Henry Ellard |
| Richard Seymour |
| Zachary Rolston |
| Fred Biletnikoff |
| Howie Long |
| Cliff Branch |
| Mike Haynes |
| David Fulcher |
| Lester Hayes |
| Jason Witten |
Notably, this year’s list includes Jason Witten, who concluded his illustrious 16-season NFL career with the Raiders in 2020 after achieving 11 Pro Bowl selections as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. His single season with the Raiders saw him score two touchdowns.
Pro Tip: Staying informed about Pro Football Hall of Fame announcements can be tricky. Following official NFL channels and reputable sports news sources is essential.
this initial nomination represents a significant opportunity for these Raiders alumni to achieve the highest honor in professional football. The coming months will see increased scrutiny of their careers and contributions as the Hall of Fame Selection Committee weighs their legacies.
Would you be surprised to see Jason Witten inducted given his brief but impactful tenure with the Raiders? Which Raiders legend is most deserving of a place in Canton, and why?
What statistical advantage does Derek Carr have in his Hall of Fame case due to the modern NFL’s emphasis on passing offenses?
Table of Contents
- 1. What statistical advantage does Derek Carr have in his Hall of Fame case due to the modern NFL’s emphasis on passing offenses?
- 2. Raiders’ Stars Make the Cut: 11 Legends Named as Modern-Era Prospects for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026
- 3. The Eleven Raiders Prospects: A Deep Dive
- 4. Quarterbacks
- 5. Running Backs
- 6. Wide Receivers
- 7. Defensive Players
Raiders’ Stars Make the Cut: 11 Legends Named as Modern-Era Prospects for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026
The anticipation builds as the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection process heats up. For Raiders fans, the news is particularly exciting. Eleven former Silver and Black stars have been named as modern-era prospects eligible for the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This represents a meaningful showing for the Raiders organization and a testament to the talent that has graced the field in silver and black. Let’s break down each player and their case for enshrinement. This article will delve into their careers, key statistics, and the arguments for why they deserve a place among the NFL’s greatest.
The Eleven Raiders Prospects: A Deep Dive
Here’s a detailed look at each player, categorized by position to provide a clearer understanding of their impact. We’ll cover their Raiders career, key stats, and Hall of Fame case.
Quarterbacks
- Derek Carr: (Raiders 2014-2022)
* Raiders Career: Carr holds nearly every significant Raiders passing record. He led the team to two playoff appearances, ending a long postseason drought. A consistent and durable quarterback, Carr became a fan favorite in Las Vegas and Oakland.
* Key Stats: 35,235 passing yards, 217 touchdowns, 97 interceptions, 62.7% completion percentage.
* Hall of Fame Case: While lacking a Super Bowl appearance, Carr’s longevity and statistical dominance with the Raiders make him a strong contender. The modern NFL favors passing offenses, bolstering his case. He’s consistently ranked among the top quarterbacks of his era.
Running Backs
- napoleon McCallum: (Raiders 1986-1990)
* Raiders Career: A unique talent, McCallum balanced a prosperous NFL career with his military service as a Marine. He was a powerful runner and a reliable receiver out of the backfield.
* Key Stats: 3,872 rushing yards, 1,368 receiving yards, 30 total touchdowns.
* Hall of Fame Case: McCallum’s story is compelling,and his production was solid. His dual commitment to football and country adds a layer of respect to his candidacy.
- Marvin Hubbard: (Raiders 1969-1975)
* Raiders Career: A bruising fullback, Hubbard was a key component of the Raiders’ powerful running game during their Super Bowl XI victory. He was known for his blocking and short-yardage power.
* Key Stats: 5,219 rushing yards, 48 rushing touchdowns, 141 receptions for 1,133 yards.
* Hall of Fame Case: Hubbard’s contributions to a Super Bowl-winning team and his consistent performance as a fullback deserve consideration.Fullbacks are frequently enough overlooked, but his role was crucial.
Wide Receivers
- Cliff Branch: (Raiders 1972-1985)
* Raiders Career: Branch was a deep-threat receiver and a vital part of the Raiders’ high-octane offense.He was a consistent target for quarterbacks Ken Stabler and Jim plunkett.
* Key Stats: 8,683 receiving yards, 67 touchdowns, 51 receptions of 50+ yards.
* Hall of Fame Case: Branch’s speed and big-play ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He was a key contributor to the Raiders’ Super bowl XV victory.He was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.
- James Lofton: (Raiders 1987-1989)
* Raiders Career: While Lofton’s prime years were with the Green Bay Packers, his time with the Raiders showcased his continued ability to stretch the field and make contested catches.
* Key Stats (Raiders): 1,663 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns.
* Hall of Fame Case: Lofton is already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (inducted 2003), but his Raiders contribution is worth noting in this context as a testament to the team’s ability to attract established talent.
Defensive Players
- Howie Long: (Raiders 1981-1993)
* Raiders Career: A dominant defensive end, Long was the cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense for over a decade. He was a relentless pass rusher and a strong run defender.
* Key Stats: 91.5 sacks, 842 tackles, 19 forced fumbles.
* Hall of Fame Case: Long is already in the Pro Football hall of fame (inducted 2000). His inclusion
