Sports
Which player (or coach) from every NFL team will be next to make the Hall of Fame?
With the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 set to be enshrined on Saturday, let’s look ahead at who might be in Canton next.
For some teams, it’s easy to predict who the next inductee will be. With the Arizona Cardinals, it almost certainly will be wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Tight end Antonio Gates should be the next Charger. The next Indianapolis Colt inducted is likely to be wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
On other teams, it isn’t as clear who could be next.
Some teams, like the New York Jets and Detroit Lions, don’t have an obvious Hall of Fame candidate in the pipeline. With other teams, like the New York Giants (Eli Manning? Everson Walls? Carl Banks? Tiki Barber? Tom Coughlin?), Dallas Cowboys (Jason Witten? Darren Woodson?) and Jacksonville Jaguars (Fred Taylor? Jalen Ramsey? Calais Campbell? Coughlin?), the case could be made for more than one person.
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Here are some possibilities, courtesy of Hall of Fame voters Dan Pompei (who wrote on all AFC teams) and Mike Sando (NFC).
The 11-time Pro Bowl choice ranks second to Jerry Rice in all-time receiving yards. Fitzgerald, who becomes Hall-eligible in 2026, spent his full career with the Cardinals and was an elite playoff producer as well (942 yards in nine playoff games). His 64-yard touchdown catch in Super Bowl XLIII gave Arizona the lead over Pittsburgh with 2:37 remaining.
Jones’ elite production over an eight-year stretch makes him a strong candidate. He had six seasons with at least 1,300 yards, tied with Randy Moss and Torry Holt for second behind Rice. Like Fitzgerald, Jones stood 6-foot-3 and weighed nearly 220 pounds, making him a primary game-plan consideration for defenses.
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He wasn’t as celebrated as defensive teammates Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, but Suggs clearly has a Hall of Fame resume. He ranks eighth in career sacks and was voted to seven Pro Bowls. He also was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2003 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2011. Suggs will be Hall-eligible in 2025, along with former teammate and guard Marshal Yanda, who also should be a strong candidate.
Terrell Suggs, who won two Super Bowls, one with the Ravens and one with the Chiefs, becomes Hall-eligible next year. (Patrick Smith / Getty Images)
He will be remembered mostly as an Eagle because Peters played 11 years in Philadelphia, including all of the 2010s, when he was voted all-decade. But he started in Buffalo and made two of his nine Pro Bowls as a Bill. Peters has not retired, so if the 42-year-old keeps playing and 35-year-old Von Miller retires first, Miller could beat him to Canton.
Kuechly’s credentials mirror those of the recently enshrined Patrick Willis. Both were seven-time Pro Bowl selections and five-time first-team All-Pro choices before retiring earlier than expected. Willis played in 112 games, compared with 118 for Kuechly. Receiver Steve Smith is another strong candidate for Carolina, but Kuechly, who becomes eligible for enshrinement in 2025, could beat him to Canton at a position where there’s less of a logjam.
Reggie White called Hilgenberg one of the five best offensive linemen he faced, along with Anthony Munoz, Jackie Slater, Ed White and Erik Williams. Hilgenberg was a seven-time Pro Bowl choice known for his quickness. It’s tough faulting him for missing the 1980s all-decade team cut when Dwight Stephenson and Mike Webster were the choices.
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He has been a Hall of Fame semifinalist for three straight years and was voted to the top 10 last year before missing the cut. A three-time first-team All-Pro, Anderson is widely considered the best right tackle of his generation. Quarterback Ken Anderson also has been close in recent years as a senior candidate.
Even though Garrett is only 28 years old and has played just seven seasons, he looks like a shoo-in. It’s possible Joel Bitonio will jump him, but it’s difficult for guards to get into the Hall of Fame. Bitonio has an impressive resume, but there are several guards with similar resumes already in the queue, including Jahri Evans.
Woodson played a leading role on the Jimmy Johnson-built Dallas defenses that won three Super Bowls in the 1990s. A finalist for the Hall in each of the past two seasons, Woodson has gotten further in the process than Jason Witten, who ranks second to Tony Gonzalez in receiving yards among tight ends. He had 23 interceptions, including 12 from 1994 to ’96, when he was named first-team All-Pro each season.
Shanahan won back-to-back Super Bowls in Denver and took his teams to 10 championship games. With a remarkable coaching tree that continues to shape his legacy, Shanahan is one of the strongest contributor candidates. His offensive philosophy remains prevalent in the NFL, partly because his son Kyle has thrived using it.
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This is a tough one after the Hall of Fame selection committee rejected former Lions coach Buddy Parker as a contributor. If Stafford makes it, he’ll do so based on whatever team success he enjoys in his current job with the Rams. Ndamukong Suh and Darius Slay had excellent careers as Lions, but were they Hall of Famers? Detroit short-timers such as Adrian Peterson don’t count here.
Holmgren turned around the Packers and Seahawks, leading both to the Super Bowl while developing Pro Bowl quarterbacks and ranking among the elite play callers of his era. The Hall’s subcommittee for contributors has named Holmgren one of its 12 semifinalists in recent years. That puts Holmgren in strong position to reach Canton before Aaron Rodgers, who will have to wait five years after retiring.
Mike Holmgren reached three Super Bowls as a head coach, winning one. He has a good shot to get into the Hall before another legendary Packer, Aaron Rodgers. (Rick Stewart / Allsport)
Watt might have been a Hall of Famer if he retired after five seasons. By that point, he had already won three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. He is likely to be voted in as soon as he is eligible, but when that will be is uncertain, as Watt has entertained the possibility of a comeback after one year of retirement.
A finalist for the last five years, Wayne appears to be moving closer. He was caught in a wide receiver logjam with Andre Johnson and Torry Holt, but that was broken this year when Johnson was voted in. Wayne finished in the top five in NFL receiving yards four times, including in 2007, when he led the league.
Taylor was a Hall of Fame finalist for the first time this year. If he advances, it will be because he averaged 4.6 yards per carry. The only other running backs with a 4.6-yard average or better with at least 2,500 carries are Adrian Peterson and Barry Sanders. But Taylor was never a first-team All-Pro, and he appeared in only one Pro Bowl, as an alternate. Other Jaguars possibilities include Jalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell and coach Tom Coughlin.
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A compelling case was made for Lewis in 2023 when he was a first-time finalist. Now he’s a senior candidate, which could work in his favor. Tony Dungy, who coached Lewis, believes he is one of the top five cornerbacks of all time. If Lewis gets lost in the seniors pool, Travis Kelce (or perhaps Andy Reid, depending on how much longer he coaches) could be the next Chief inducted.
He has come close repeatedly. Hayes was a four-time modern-era finalist and has been a senior candidate since 2012. With the help of Stickum, Hayes was at his most dominant in 1980, when he led the league with 13 interceptions and was voted NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He also was all-decade in the 1980s. Raiders guard Steve Wisniewski also merits consideration.
Many were surprised when he was not voted in this year as a first-time eligible. It’s only a matter of time, as Gates scored more career touchdowns than any tight end and is the most prolific pass catcher in Chargers history, which is saying something. He was an all-decade player, a three-time first-team All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowler.
Holt is a five-time finalist for the Hall whose chances improved when another receiver, Andre Johnson, earned enshrinement with the 2024 class. He and Reggie Wayne will likely become finalists again in 2025. Meanwhile, the five-year waiting period for enshrinement has begun for another Rams great, Aaron Donald.
Webb deserves a share of the credit for Dan Marino’s success as a passer in the 1990s, but he hasn’t received it from Hall of Fame voters. Though he was voted to seven straight Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro teams and the all-decade team of the ’90s, Webb never has been a Hall of Fame semifinalist. He has three years of modern-era eligibility remaining.
The former Vikings and Chiefs pass rusher is a four-time Hall finalist, indicating he’ll likely earn enshrinement eventually. Allen, whose 136 sacks rank 12th on the official list (since 1982) and 16th on the unofficial list (since 1960), might soon have competition from another Vikings great. Running back Adrian Peterson would become eligible in 2027 if he does not play again.
Before Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Bill Belichick are inducted, Kraft likely will be given a gold jacket for his contributions to New England and the NFL. He’s had strong support from the contributor committee in recent years. Adam Vinatieri might get in before Kraft. He is eligible for the first time next year. It’s also possible Rodney Harrison will jump Brady, Gronkowski, Belichick and Vinatieri as he was a finalist for the first time last year.
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Brees is such a lock for Canton upon becoming eligible in 2026 that he’s a safer bet than 2024 finalist Jahri Evans to be the next Saint enshrined. Brees trails only Tom Brady in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Evans was a top guard during his era, but his candidacy needs to gain momentum for him to beat Brees to Canton.
Tom Coughlin’s candidacy in the contributor category remains very much alive, but Manning will move front and center once he becomes eligible in 2025. The quarterback’s longevity, prominence and performance during two Super Bowl-winning playoff runs make him a fascinating candidate. Manning was arguably never a top-five quarterback, but those Lombardi Trophies could make the difference.
He won’t make the Hall of Fame for the four snaps he’s played as a Jet, but he will for the 230 games he played for the Packers, and maybe for the snaps he has yet to play for the Jets. After Winston Hill, Joe Klecko, Curtis Martin, Kevin Mawae and Darrelle Revis were inducted recently, Jets players have not had much Hall of Fame traction. Mark Gastineau and Nick Mangold are possibilities.
The Jets don’t have an obvious Hall of Fame candidate in the pipeline other than Aaron Rodgers, who won as many MVPs with the Packers (four) as he has snaps played with the Jets. (Fred Kfoury III / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kelce’s recent retirement makes him Hall-eligible for 2029, which leaves a wide berth for Eric Allen, Brian Westbrook or another Eagles great to make a push. Kelce was a six-time first-team All-Pro over his final seven seasons and is on a very short list of all-time NFL centers from a movement/athleticism standpoint. Fletcher Cox, who also just retired, and Jason Peters (mentioned above in the Bills section) are also worthy candidates, but Kelce seems like the surest bet to get in first.
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He was overshadowed in his era by Brady and Peyton Manning, but Roethlisberger won two Super Bowls and led the league in passing twice. He will be Hall-eligible in 2027 and will probably become a Hall of Famer not long after. The dark horse in this race is Hines Ward, an unconventional but worthy candidate.
Gore becomes eligible in 2026 and will have a case with 16,000 yards in 16 seasons. Only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton have rushed for more yards in NFL history. Another former 49ers rusher, Roger Craig, was a Hall finalist in 2010 and 2020, but he hasn’t advanced that far again.
With Holmgren listed in the Packers’ slot, Sherman becomes a logical next choice for the Seahawks. The five-time Pro Bowl cornerback was the voice and face of Seattle’s famed Legion of Boom secondary, which helped the Seahawks become the first team since the 1950s Cleveland Browns to lead the league in fewest points allowed for four successive seasons. Coach Pete Carroll also seems like a strong candidate, but Sherman will likely get in first.
With Buccaneers mainstay Mike Evans still going strong, we do not yet know when he’ll become eligible for enshrinement. Brady (like Rob Gronkowski) was primarily a Patriot, but the role he played in helping Tampa Bay win a Super Bowl legitimizes his classification here.
A two-time NFL rushing leader and one-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Henry is regarded by many as the best running back of his time. He’s still building his resume, and expectations are high for the 30-year-old as he begins a new chapter of his career after signing with the Ravens as a free agent.
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Williams is entering his fifth season with the 49ers after nine with Washington, with no indication he’s slowing at age 36. In fact, Williams only seems to have gotten better. His streak of 10 successive Pro Bowl seasons (in seasons in which he’s played — he missed 2019 because of a contract dispute) includes first-team All-Pro selections in 2021, 2022 and 2023, the first such selections of his career. Joe Jacoby is another former Washington tackle to watch. A three-time Hall finalist for his work on the Joe Gibbs-era “Hogs” offensive line, Jacoby could reappear as a seniors candidate.
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(Top photos of Larry Fitzgerald, left, and Antonio Gates: Christian Petersen, Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)
Sports
Patrick Mahomes suffers torn ACL, Chiefs star’s season is over: reports
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Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes will be out for the rest of the season as he suffered a torn ACL on Sunday in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, according to multiple reports.
Mahomes’ knee buckled while he was scrambling and as he was getting hit by Chargers defensive end Da’Shawn Hand. He was helped off the field and he limped to the locker room. An MRI reportedly confirmed the extent of the damage.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes grabs his knee after being injured during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
The quarterback wrote a message to fans as word of his injury trickled out.
“Don’t know why this had to happen,” Mahomes wrote on X. “And not going to lie (it) hurts. But all we can do now is Trust in God and attack every single day over and over again. Thank you Chiefs kingdom for always supporting me and for everyone who has reached out and sent prayers. I Will be back stronger than ever.”
Chiefs coach Andy Reid offered a gloomy outlook for Mahomes as he spoke to reporters following the loss.
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Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 14, 2025. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)
“… It didn’t look good,” Reid said when asked whether he knew if Mahomes’ injury was serious. “I mean you guys saw it. We’ll just see where it goes.”
The loss to the Chargers also meant the Chiefs will not be making the postseason. Kansas City made it to the AFC Championship each season since 2018. They made it to the Super Bowl in each of the last three seasons, winning two titles in that span.
Mahomes will finish the season with 3,398 passing yards and 22 touchdown passes.
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Kansas City is 6-8 on the year.
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Sports
Chargers sweep Chiefs to eliminate them from playoff contention; Mahomes suffers torn ACL
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On a day when the Chargers took a big step toward the postseason, the Kansas City Chiefs lost their most important player.
What started in balmy Brazil ended Sunday in the bitter cold of Arrowhead Stadium. The Chargers completed a season sweep of AFC West bully Kansas City with a 16-13 victory that ultimately knocked the Chiefs out of playoff contention for the first time in 11 years.
It was the third-coldest game in Chargers history — 15 degrees at kickoff — and showcased a red-hot defense that paved the way to Los Angeles wins over Philadelphia and Kansas City, last season’s Super Bowl teams, in consecutive weeks.
“This is a ball team,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said, gleeful after his team won for the sixth time in seven games. “A real ball team.”
This Chargers season, which began with a 27-21 victory over the Chiefs in São Paulo, is just the second in the last 13 years in which they beat their division rival twice.
Harbaugh began his postgame remarks on a somber note, wishing the best for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who left the game late in the fourth quarter after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee when he was hit by defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand.
Gardner Minshew closed out at quarterback for the Chiefs, and the game ended when Derwin James Jr. intercepted his final pass. There would be no fantastic finish for the franchise that won the last nine division titles.
“We’ve been going at those guys for a while, going back to Baltimore,” said Chargers edge rusher Odafe Oweh, acquired in a trade with the Ravens this season. “It was long overdue.”
A week after Cameron Dicker kicked five field goals in the win over Philadelphia, he kicked three more against the Chiefs.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes grabs his left leg after sustaining a torn ACL in the fourth quarter.
(Reed Hoffmann / Associated Press)
Oweh had two sacks of Mahomes, and Tuli Tuipulotu had two more. The defense had the Chiefs in a hammer lock, limiting them to 190 yards in the air and a mere 49 on the ground.
Still, the Chargers had to dig themselves out of a hole. They faced a 13-3 deficit late in the second quarter before tearing off 13 unanswered points.
Justin Herbert threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith with five seconds left in the first half to start the comeback. After that it was Dicker and defense for the visitors.
“It was really cool that we were able to close out a one-score game like that,” said Herbert, who said his surgically repaired left hand felt tight in the cold weather but was better, as was his grip on the ball. “How many times we’ve played them and it’s been those one-score games? The defense came up with the turnovers and the stops.”
Kansas City, trailing by three, got all the way down to the visitors’ 17 early in the fourth quarter but the Chargers yet again came up big on defense. Linebacker Daiyan Henley intercepted a third-down pass near the goal line, getting position on running back Kareem Hunt and essentially becoming the receiver on the play.
“I was surprised to even see the ball go up in the air, but I had to revert back to my receiver days and get an over-the-shoulder look,” said Henley, who last lined up as a pass catcher six or seven years ago at the University of Nevada Reno. “Eye-hand coordination is something you just have to have in those moments.”
Not everything the Chargers defense did was so smooth. Safety Tony Jefferson was ejected in the fourth quarter after a helmet-to-helmet hit that knocked Chiefs receiver Tyquan Thornton out of the game. The call to send Jefferson packing was not made by officials on the field, who flagged him for unnecessary roughness, but by league officials watching from New York.
Earlier in the second half, Jefferson flattened receiver Rashee Rice with another devastating hit, and Rice came after him as the Chargers safety made his way off the field and toward the locker room. Players from both sides intervened.
Chargers safety Tony Jefferson leaves the field after being ejected against the Chiefs on Sunday.
(Reed Hoffmann / Associated Press)
In response to the booing crowd, Jefferson raised both middle fingers, a gesture that likely will draw more attention from the league.
“I apologize for that,” he said afterward. “I’m classier than that. I was just caught up in the moment. Emotions get high. I won’t sit here and act like I’m a perfect man. I messed up when I did that.”
The Chargers (10-4), who finish the season at Denver, have yet to lose an AFC West game. They are 5-0 in those and remain within striking distance of the division-leading Broncos.
It won’t be an easy road. The Chargers play at Dallas next Sunday, then play host to Houston before closing out the regular season against the Broncos.
“I started thinking, this is my favorite ball team I’ve ever been on,” Harbaugh said. “Been on some good ones. None better than this one.
“They’re tight. Fates are intertwined. It’s unselfish. Nothing anyone is doing is for themselves.”
And on this frigid Sunday, that paid some unforgettable dividends.
Sports
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza wins 2025 Heisman Trophy
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Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza became the first Hoosier to win the coveted Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious award.
Mendoza claimed 2,392 first-place votes, beating Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (1,435 votes), Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (719 votes) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (432 votes).
Mendoza guided the Hoosiers to their first No. 1 ranking and the top seed in the 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, throwing for 2,980 yards and a nation-best 33 touchdown passes while also running for six scores.
Indiana, the last unbeaten team in major college football, will play a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game in the Rose Bowl Jan. 1.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza runs off the field after a game against Wisconsin Nov. 15, 2025, in Bloomington, Ind (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Mendoza, the Hoosiers’ first-year starter after transferring from California, is the triggerman for an offense that surpassed program records for touchdowns and points set during last season’s surprise run to the CFP.
A redshirt junior, the once lightly recruited Miami native is the second Heisman finalist in school history, joining 1989 runner-up Anthony Thompson. The trophy was established in 1935.
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Mendoza is the seventh Indiana player to earn a top 10 finish in Heisman balloting, and it marks another first in program history. It now has had players in the top 10 of Heisman voting in back-to-back years. Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke was ninth last year.
Quarterbacks have won the Heisman four of the last five years. Travis Hunter of Colorado, who played wide receiver and cornerback, won last season.
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza throws before a game against Wisconsin Nov. 15, 2025, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Mendoza was named The Associated Press Player of the Year earlier this week and picked up the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards Friday night while Love won the Doak Walker Award.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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