A slate of notable first-time eligible candidates will be considered for Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2027, following snubs of Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft, and Eli Manning from the current class.
Among the most prominent first-time eligible players is a tight end widely regarded as the greatest at his position, who won four Super Bowls despite injuries that slowed his career. A running back who is the fifth leading rusher in NFL history and the last non-quarterback to win league MVP is also eligible; he ran for 2,097 yards in 2012, the second-highest single-season total in league history, and won a rushing title at age 30. A quarterback ranks seventh all-time in passing yards with 64,088, ninth in touchdown passes with 418, and won two Super Bowls as the youngest starting quarterback to claim that achievement. He holds the record for most 500-yard passing games with four and is the only quarterback to throw six touchdowns in back-to-back games, accomplishing this in 2014.
Other notable candidates include a three-time All-Pro cornerback who led a dominant defense to a Super Bowl title, an offensive lineman who earned Pro Bowl selections from age 25 to age 36, and a versatile safety who played in both pass coverage and run support while leading the NFL in interceptions once and recording over 100 tackles in a season on four occasions.
Several candidates face obstacles to induction. A quarterback won league MVP in 2015 while leading his team to a 15-1 regular-season record but had a short career prime due to his running style. A receiver compiled arguably the greatest six-year run for his position from 2013-18, averaging 114 receptions for 1,525 yards and 11 touchdowns annually, though his career was marred by controversial departures and off-field incidents. A running back earned three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods in his first five seasons but saw his Hall of Fame prospects diminished following a season-long holdout.
Other players likely to receive consideration include multiple offensive linemen, additional receivers, safeties, quarterbacks, and defensive linemen, along with former coaches and the contributor category.
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