2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame that honors the greatest people in professional American football. It is located in Canton, Ohio, where the NFL was founded in 1920. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding players, coaches, owners, officials, and contributors who made a lasting impact on the game. Although it celebrates NFL history, it is an independent organization and is not officially operated by the NFL.

NFL’s 107th Season Details 2026

• Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers
• Date: Aug. 6
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium

Pro Football Hall of Fame History

The Pro Football Hall of Fame was established on September 7, 1963, in Canton, Ohio. The first Hall of Fame class included 17 legendary players, coaches, and football pioneers who helped build professional football. Canton was selected because it was the birthplace of the NFL and home to one of the league’s earliest teams. Since then, the Hall of Fame has become one of football’s most important landmarks.

What Is Hall of Fame Village?

• Hall of Fame Village is a sports and entertainment destination built around the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. It includes the Hall of Fame museum, Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, hotels, restaurants, shopping, and family attractions. The village also hosts the annual Hall of Fame Game, Enshrinement Week, concerts, and other special events.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees

As of 2026, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has 387 members. The Hall honors players, coaches, officials, team owners, and contributors who made exceptional achievements in professional football. Each year, a selection committee usually elects between four and nine new inductees.

Pro Football Hall of Fame FAQs

How Does the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Process Work?

• To become eligible, players must be retired for at least five years, while coaches must also meet retirement requirements. Contributors, such as team owners and executives, can be considered at any time. Fans may submit nominations, and a 50-member Selection Committee reviews all candidates. After several rounds of voting, the committee chooses finalists and meets before the Super Bowl to elect the new Hall of Fame class. A finalist must receive at least 80% of the vote, and between four and nine people are inducted each year.

What is the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame in Canton, Ohio, that honors the greatest people in professional American football.

Where is the Pro Football Hall of Fame located?

The Hall of Fame is located at 2121 George Halas Drive NW, Canton, Ohio, USA.

When did the Pro Football Hall of Fame open?

• The Hall of Fame officially opened to the public on September 7, 1963.

Why is the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio?

• Canton was chosen because the NFL was founded there in 1920, making it the birthplace of the league.

How many members are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

• As of 2026, there are 387 Hall of Fame members.

How many new members are inducted each year?

• The Hall of Fame usually inducts between four and nine new members each year.

Which NFL team has the most Hall of Famers?

• The Chicago Bears have the most Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees among NFL teams.

Is the Pro Football Hall of Fame part of the NFL?

• No. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is an independent organization and is not officially affiliated with the NFL.

Is Tom Brady a Hall of Famer?

• Tom Brady is not yet in the Hall of Fame, but he is widely expected to become a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible in 2028.

Who was in the first Hall of Fame class?

• The first Hall of Fame class included 17 football legends, such as Jim Thorpe and George Halas, who were selected in 1963.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame celebrates the history and greatest achievements of professional football. Located in Canton, Ohio, it honors the sport’s legends, preserves football history, and welcomes fans from around the world through its museum, Hall of Fame Village, and annual Enshrinement celebrations.