Quarterback Drew Brees highlights a group of four modern-era player finalists in their first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The full list of 15 finalists was announced on Tuesday.

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, running back Frank Gore and tight end Jason Witten join Brees as first-year-eligible finalists. Tackle Willie Anderson, wide receiver Torry Holt, linebacker Luke Kuechly and kicker Adam Vinatieri reached the final seven for last year’s class, making them automatic finalists. Quarterback Eli Manning, defensive end Terrell Suggs, guard/tackle Marshal Yanda, guard Jahri Evans, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and safety Darren Woodson are also finalists for the second year in a row.

Defensive tackle Kevin Williams closes out the group of 15 as a first-time finalist in his sixth year of eligibility. The selection committee may select up to five modern-era players for the Class of 2026, which will be unveiled on Feb. 5 during the week of Super Bowl LX. Finalists who receive at least 80 percent of the vote will be elected. If fewer than three reach the 80 percent threshold, the three highest vote-getters will be inducted.

Brees ranks second in NFL history in career regular-season passing yards (80,358) and passing touchdowns (571). A second-round pick by the San Diego Chargers in 2001, Brees saw most of his success across 15 seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He was the MVP in the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV win in February 2010 against the Indianapolis Colts. He was selected to 13 Pro Bowls, led the league in passing yards for seven seasons and in completion percentage for six seasons. He was selected for the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame in 2024.

Selected with the third pick in 2004, Fitzgerald spent his entire 17-year career as a standout wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals. He ranks second in NFL history in career receptions (1,432) and receiving yards (17,492). Fitzgerald was an 11-time Pro Bowler and a first-team All Pro in 2008, when he made 30 catches for 546 yards and seven touchdowns during the Cardinals’ playoff run, which resulted in a loss to the Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII.

Gore spent the first 10 of his 16 NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, where he led the league in playoff rushing touchdowns (four) in 2012 to help the Niners reach Super Bowl XLVII. He ranks third all-time in rushing with 16,000 yards on 3,735 attempts (4.3 average).

Over 17 seasons, Witten missed just one game. He more than doubled his offensive output in his second year on the Dallas Cowboys with 87 catches for 980 yards and six touchdowns in 2004. Witten retired for one year after the 2017 season, but came back to play two more seasons, one with the Cowboys and one with the Las Vegas Raiders. He ranks fourth all-time in career receptions (1,228).

Earlier this month, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and former Patriots coach Bill Belichick were announced as two of the five Hall of Fame finalists in the seniors category. The selection committee can vote for up to three senior finalists, and candidates need 80 percent of the vote to be selected. If no finalist reaches 80 percent, the one with the highest percentage would be elected, meaning Kraft and Belichick could enter the Hall together — or be competing against each other.