Introduction

The NFL Honors ceremony held on Thursday evening marked a significant occasion in football history as the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its 2026 induction class. Among the notable names were NFL giants Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald, who both entered the Hall in their first year of eligibility. As the excitement builds for Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, discussions around potential future Hall of Famers are heating up. This article explores the current players active in the NFL who are strong candidates for induction into the Hall of Fame following their playing careers.

Myles Garrett: The Dominant Pass-Rusher

Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett has firmly established himself as a leading candidate for the Hall of Fame, particularly after a record-setting 2025 season where he achieved the impressive feat of 23 sacks. At just 30 years old, Garrett made NFL history by being the first player to record over 14 sacks in five consecutive seasons. His career, which includes accolades such as two-time Defensive Player of the Year and seven Pro Bowl selections, places him 20th on the all-time sacks list with 125.5 total. While playoff success eludes him, Garrett’s individual achievements and consistent performance bolster his Hall of Fame aspirations.

Derrick Henry: An Exception to the Rule

The landscape for running backs in the NFL has undoubtedly changed, making it harder for players at the position to achieve Hall of Fame status. However, Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens stands out as a robust candidate. Having begun his career with the Tennessee Titans, Henry has amassed over 10,000 rushing yards and ranks 10th all-time. In the 2025 season, he rushed for an impressive 1,745 scrimmage yards and stands as a five-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns three times. His continued high-level play despite the evolving dynamics of the running back position only emphasizes his potential Hall of Fame induction.

Quarterback Class of 2018: A Hall of Fame Showdown

This Super Bowl features Sam Darnold, the first quarterback from the 2018 draft class to appear in the championship game. Within this group, Baltimore's Lamar Jackson is making waves as a potential Hall of Famer. At 29, Jackson has set records for rushing yards by a quarterback and has earned two MVP awards. His dual-threat nature and ability to innovate the position could grant him a first-ballot induction. Josh Allen, a one-time MVP, is also in the conversation, yet Jackson's edge in versatility positions him as a frontrunner.

Lane Johnson: The River of Stability

Philadelphia Eagles’ Lane Johnson, despite some recent injury issues, has delivered consistent excellence over his career, establishing himself as an elite right tackle. With six Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl wins under his belt, Johnson’s longevity and impact on Philadelphia’s success may well secure his place in Canton. His performance on the field continues to underline his case for Hall of Fame consideration, regardless of injury setbacks.

Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes: A Dynamic Duo

Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, a tightly-knit connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has been a critical part of the Chiefs' offense and success. Kelce's statistics speak volumes, ranking third among tight ends with over 13,000 receiving yards and showcasing exceptional playoff performances with 2,078 receiving yards in playoffs. His partnership with Mahomes sets him apart, particularly if he chooses to extend his career for one more season. Mahomes, already a Hall of Fame lock, has consistently achieved milestones that solidify his legacy, ranking highly across multiple passing categories.

Veteran Talents: Von Miller and Aaron Rodgers

Von Miller's significant career highlights include two Super Bowl wins and an MVP title from Super Bowl 50. Despite recent transitions in teams, he holds a commanding presence in the league with 138.5 career sacks, firmly establishing his candidacy for the Hall of Fame. Similarly, Aaron Rodgers remains a notable figure through his remarkable career stretch. With a remarkable 10 Pro Bowls and four MVP awards, Rodgers' stats showcase a lengthy career, making him a first-ballot Hall of Famer regardless of recent performance declines.

The Performance of Bobby Wagner and T.J. Watt

Another candidate is Bobby Wagner, noted for his exceptional ability as a defender. His career stats reflect commitment and excellence, with high rankings in solo and combined tackles solidifying his place in football history. T.J. Watt, known for his sack contributions and being a consistent leader in that category, remains a powerhouse on the Steelers’ defense and should find himself in the Hall of Fame conversation as well.

Conclusion

As we look ahead to Super Bowl LX, the excitement surrounding potential Hall of Fame candidates adds an intriguing narrative to the event. Players like Myles Garrett, Derrick Henry, and others highlight the extraordinary talent permeating today’s NFL. Whether they achieve postseason success or not, their individual accomplishments and record-breaking performances showcase a promising path toward Canton for these athletes.