Deion Sanders Calls for Hall of Fame Voting Overhaul

The Colorado Buffaloes head coach believes Hall of Famers should have a bigger say in selecting future inductees.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Deion Sanders, who was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, is calling for a radical overhaul of the Hall's voting process. Sanders believes the current 50-person selection committee, which includes only four Hall of Famers, is "messing it up consistently" and that the Hall should instead rely more heavily on the input of those who have already earned a gold jacket.

Why it matters

Sanders' comments come as the Hall of Fame is already reconsidering its voting procedures after producing induction classes of just four and five members over the last two years. His criticism highlights growing frustration over long-overlooked candidates and a perceived disconnect between the Hall's selections and the perspectives of its most celebrated alumni.

The details

Sanders challenged the current voting process, questioning why players like Darren Woodson, Asante Samuel, and Fred Taylor have not been inducted. He argued that Hall of Famers should have a greater say, using a metaphor about "the Grinch who stole Christmas voting on a beauty pageant" to illustrate his point that the current voters may not be best equipped to judge true Hall of Fame worthiness.

  • Deion Sanders made these comments during an appearance on the podcast "This Is Football with Kevin Clark" on February 7, 2026.

The players

Deion Sanders

A Pro Football Hall of Famer who was enshrined in 2011 and is currently the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team.

Darren Woodson

A former NFL safety who played for the Dallas Cowboys and is considered by some to be a long-overlooked Hall of Fame candidate.

Asante Samuel

A former NFL cornerback who played for the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles and is also viewed as a potential Hall of Famer who has not yet been inducted.

Fred Taylor

A former NFL running back who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and is another player Sanders believes should already be in the Hall of Fame.

Roger Craig

A former NFL running back who Sanders believes should have been inducted into the Hall of Fame a long time ago.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What about those three? Do we need to change the process?”

— Deion Sanders (This Is Football with Kevin Clark)

“I think so.”

— Deion Sanders (This Is Football with Kevin Clark)

“I wouldn't want the Grinch who stole Christmas voting on a beauty pageant. Think about what I just said.”

— Deion Sanders (This Is Football with Kevin Clark)

“Anytime I throw up a guy, I could throw up a guy that he was better than. I could throw up guys that Darren Woodson is better than. I could throw up guys that Asante Samuel is better than. Fred Taylor's better than quite a few guys that got in there.”

— Deion Sanders (This Is Football with Kevin Clark)

“Roger Craig should have been got in a long time ago.”

— Deion Sanders (This Is Football with Kevin Clark)

What’s next

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is expected to continue discussions about potential changes to its voting procedures in the coming months, with input from Sanders and other Hall of Famers potentially playing a role in any reforms.

The takeaway

Deion Sanders' call for a radical overhaul of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's voting process reflects growing frustration among former players about the selection of inductees. His belief that Hall of Famers should have a greater say in choosing future members highlights the perceived disconnect between the Hall's choices and the perspectives of its most celebrated alumni.