Big debates coming for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027

Bill Belichick was notably excluded from the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, despite being considered a strong candidate. His exclusion has drawn significant attention, overshadowing the players who were selected. Belichick is expected to be a near-certainty for induction in 2027, alongside first-time eligible players such as Rob Gronkowski, Adrian Peterson, Ben Roethlisberger, Richard Sherman, Antonio Brown, Cam Newton, and Andrew Whitworth.

Players who were on the final ballot but not selected this year, including Willie Anderson, Terrell Suggs, and Marshal Yanda, will automatically become finalists again in 2027. Other finalists who were not chosen include Jahri Evans, Frank Gore, Torry Holt, Eli Manning, Reggie Wayne, Kevin Williams, Jason Witten, and Darren Woodson, all of whom will be reconsidered in the next cycle.

Belichick, Gronkowski, and Peterson are seen as strong candidates for the 202