Running Back Craig and Quarterback Anderson Move Forward in Hall of Fame Selection Process
Optimized Title: “Pro Football Hall of Fame 2026: Iconic Names Advance in Seniors Category”
Renowned running back Roger Craig, former MVP Ken Anderson, and special teams legend Steve Tasker are among the 52 players making it to the next stage for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, seniors category. This advancement follows the seniors screening committee’s decision to narrow down the list from 162 original nominees of players whose last appearance in professional football dates back to the 2000 season.
The Selection Process: An Overview
A distinguished committee will reduce the list through three more stages to identify three finalists. These finalists will be part of the Hall of Fame voting process conducted before the Super Bowl in February. The excitement builds as we approach the final selection.
Notable Senior Nominees
- Quarterbacks: Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Roman Gabriel, Jack Kemp, Don Meredith
- Running Backs: Ottis Anderson, Larry Brown, Roger Craig, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Paul “Tank” Younger
- Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Mark Clayton, Isaac Curtis, Lavvie Dilweg, Henry Ellard, Harold Jackson, Billy “White Shoes” Johnson, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Otis Taylor
- Offensive Linemen: Jay Hilgenberg, Chris Hinton, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob Kuechenberg, Marvin Powell, Dick Schafrath, Jerry Sisemore, Walt Sweeney, Jim Tyrer, Al Wistert
- Defensive Linemen: L.C. Greenwood, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Jim Marshall, Harvey Martin
- Linebackers: Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Mike Curtis, Larry Grantham, Lee Roy Jordan, Clay Matthews Jr., Matt Millen, Tommy Nobis
- Defensive Backs: Dick Anderson, Bobby Boyd, Pat Fischer, Lester Hayes, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Lemar Parrish, Everson Walls
- Special Teams: Steve Tasker
Spotlight on Legends
Ken Anderson, a four-time Pro Bowler for Cincinnati, was named MVP in 1981 after steering the Bengals to their first Super Bowl. When he retired in 1986, Anderson held an impressive record, ranking sixth all-time with 32,838 passing yards and 13th with 197 touchdown passes.
Roger Craig was pivotal to the 49ers’ legendary run in the 1980s, renowned for his dual-threat capabilities as a runner and receiver. Notably, in 1985, Craig became the first player to achieve 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. In 1988, he led the NFL with 2,036 yards from scrimmage and contributed to the 49ers’ Super Bowl triumphs in 1984, 1988, and 1989.
Steve Tasker is regarded as one of the greatest special teams players in NFL history. Known for his exceptional ability to cover punts and kicks, Tasker blocked seven kicks and scored nine touchdowns during his 13-year career. He played a key role in the Buffalo Bills’ four straight AFC championship titles and made seven Pro Bowl appearances.
Among the nominees, Maxie Baughan (linebacker), Jim Tyrer (offensive lineman), and Art Powell (wide receiver) have been finalists previously, each hoping to secure their place once again.
Stay tuned to Emegypt for more updates as we progress towards the Hall of Fame’s highly anticipated announcement!
