Five men will become part of Pro Football Hall of Fame immortality on Saturday, when quarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, linebacker Luke Kuechly and kicker Adam Vinatieri will have their bronze busts unveiled during their induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio, with Brees and Fitzgerald having the ultimate honor of going in on the first ballot. Conversely, Craig has waited more than a quarter century for his gold jacket after finishing his 11-year career with the Vikings.
Of course, heading into the ceremony, the proceedings are overshadowed by the man who won’t be there, as coach Bill Belichick was denied induction despite winning eight Super Bowls, including two as a Giants defensive coordinator and six as the Patriots’ head coach. The same fate befell New England owner Robert Kraft, who despite overseeing a dynasty and saving pro football in Massachusetts, wasn’t selected for induction into the Class of 2026.
