Brees, Fitzgerald, Kuechly, Vinatieri and Craig Enshrined in Pro Football Hall of Fame
Fitzgerald honored mentors Cris Carter and Randy Moss, Kuechly became the second-youngest inductee ever, and Vinatieri choked up thanking his parents at Saturday's ceremony in Canton.
Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri and Roger Craig were enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, two days after the Hall of Fame Game kicked off the NFL's preseason on the same field.
What stood out about Fitzgerald's speech?
Presented by his son Devin, Fitzgerald spent much of his speech thanking the mentors who shaped his career. "Let me thank Cris Carter, A.K.A. Uncle Cris, who I idolized as a kid growing up in Minneapolis," he said. "You took me into your family, into your home, and you gave me an education that shaped every part of who I am today." On Randy Moss, he added: "People ask me all the time what I learned from Randy Moss, and my answer is always the same. I learned nothing. Because there was nothing I could do like him on the football field. They call him the freak for a reason."
How historic was Kuechly's induction?
At 35, Kuechly became the second-youngest player ever inducted into the Hall of Fame, behind only Gale Sayers, who was enshrined at 34. Kuechly called former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, his fellow inductee, the best player he ever lined up against, praising Brees's processing and anticipation. His father and presenter, Tom Kuechly, told him during the introduction: "You have been blessed with talent and ability. Remember those who helped you develop that talent and ability... Keep Pounding! I remain very proud to be your Father."
What about the rest of the class?
Vinatieri, the longtime Patriots and Colts kicker, grew emotional thanking his parents during his speech. Brees, who said beforehand there was a "99.9% chance" he'd cry, called the ceremony "my opportunity to express my gratitude to all the people that have been part of this journey and really made it possible." Craig, the 49ers running back who in 1985 became the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and catch for 1,000 yards in the same season, was presented by longtime teammate Jamie Williams.
Sources
- CBS Sports: Pro Football Hall of Fame 2026 induction ceremony live updates, takeaways
- NFL.com: Hall of Fame enshrinement 2026: Class takes its place in Canton
