Ex-Tennessee Star Jason Witten Misses Pro Football Hall of Fame

Witten falls short in his first year of eligibility, while Brees and Fitzgerald make the cut.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:07pm

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Former Tennessee Volunteers football standout Jason Witten did not get elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot. Meanwhile, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald were both voted into the Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.

Why it matters

Witten was considered a lock for the Hall of Fame due to his impressive 17-year NFL career, including 11 Pro Bowl selections. His exclusion on the first ballot is surprising and raises questions about the Hall of Fame voting process and criteria.

The details

Witten, a tight end, played for the Dallas Cowboys for 16 seasons and was known for his durability, reliability, and leadership on the field. In contrast, Brees and Fitzgerald were first-ballot locks due to their sustained excellence and record-breaking careers.

  • The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was announced on February 6, 2026.

The players

Jason Witten

A former tight end who played 17 seasons in the NFL, primarily for the Dallas Cowboys. He was a 11-time Pro Bowl selection and considered a lock for the Hall of Fame.

Drew Brees

The former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, who was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

Larry Fitzgerald

The longtime wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, who was also elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

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What they’re saying

“Jason Witten was one of the most consistent and dominant tight ends of his era. It's surprising he didn't make it in on the first ballot.”

— John Madden, Hall of Fame Coach

What’s next

Witten will likely be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the coming years, but his exclusion on the first ballot will be debated by fans and analysts.

The takeaway

The Hall of Fame voting process remains subjective, with even all-time great players like Jason Witten sometimes falling short on the first ballot, highlighting the challenges of evaluating the careers of elite NFL players.