Earl was a semifinalist, but he wasn't one of the 15 finalists selected for possible induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026.

Darren Woodson was the only defensive back to make the cut. Earl and Rodney Harrison will have to wait until 2027.

 

I know the off-field stuff is the last impression a lot of people have of Earl. Still, he should be in the HOF.

 

There are some real scumbags in the HoF. Earl definitely fits that bill, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve the professional accolades. Seems like selective punishment.

3 minutes ago, Bunk Moreland said:

There are some real scumbags in the HoF. Earl definitely fits that bill, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve the professional accolades. Seems like selective punishment.

It's also harder for safeties, for whatever reason, to get in early. The fact that Darren Woodson has had to wait this long is absurd.

15 minutes ago, Jeff Howe said:

It's also harder for safeties, for whatever reason, to get in early. The fact that Darren Woodson has had to wait this long is absurd.

No doubt. Woodson’s wait has been a travesty. 

2 minutes ago, Jeff Howe said:

It's also harder for safeties, for whatever reason, to get in early. The fact that Darren Woodson has had to wait this long is absurd.

Isn't this Earl's first ballot?  I agree his a HOF but not first ballot. Don't see any of the finalist he should make it in over.  

I hate the Cowboys but really hope Darren Woodson gets in.  It should be a crime that he isn't in yet.

Who i see gettign in from the finalists

-Drew Brees
-Larry Fitzgerald
-Frank Gore
-Eli Manning
-Darren Woodson

41 minutes ago, Rocky P said:

Isn't this Earl's first ballot?  I agree his a HOF but not first ballot. Don't see any of the finalist he should make it in over.  

I hate the Cowboys but really hope Darren Woodson gets in.  It should be a crime that he isn't in yet.

Who i see gettign in from the finalists

-Drew Brees
-Larry Fitzgerald
-Frank Gore
-Eli Manning
-Darren Woodson

I believe this is Earl's second ballot.

This is grade A crap. Give the man his Century 21 jacket. Priest and Jamaal Charles too.

Edited December 30, 2025Dec 30 by Tuco Ramirez

ET deserves to get in...he did not help himself how he handled last few years.

 

Will be rooting for him

He will get in. Just a matter of when. 

3 hours ago, Rocky P said:

Isn't this Earl's first ballot?  I agree his a HOF but not first ballot. Don't see any of the finalist he should make it in over.  

I hate the Cowboys but really hope Darren Woodson gets in.  It should be a crime that he isn't in yet.

Who i see gettign in from the finalists

-Drew Brees
-Larry Fitzgerald
-Frank Gore
-Eli Manning
-Darren Woodson

Brees and Fitzgerald are no-brainers to me.

I don't see Woodson getting in. I would select Kuechly before Woodson. 

I'm not sure about Gore either. 

Vinateri should be a shoo-in... for as much of a shoo-in a kicker can be. Pun intended. 

Holt should be in. Although guys have passed him on the all-time receiving yards list since he retired. 

I don't know enough about the OL to know how these guys rate to the all-time greats. But if I had to pick one, seems like it would be Yanda. 

I don't have too much of a problem with the finalists. 

I think Adrian Peterson will be on next year's ballot. I think Gronk and Richard Sherman are eligible next year also.  Maybe Antonio Brown?