{"id":73528,"date":"2025-08-04T08:53:52","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T08:53:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=73528"},"modified":"2025-08-04T08:53:52","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T08:53:52","slug":"update-3-cowboys-eligible-for-2026-hof-class-plus-1-who-keeps-getting-snubbed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=73528","title":{"rendered":"Update: 3 Cowboys eligible for 2026 HOF class, plus 1 who keeps getting snubbed"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.<\/p>\n

Headlining the group of first-time eligible players are three NFL legends who are expected to be locks: QB Drew Brees, RB Frank Gore, and WR Larry Fitzgerald.<\/p>\n

Brees retired as the league\u2019s all-time leader in passing yards and completions, Gore ranks third in NFL history in rushing yards, and Fitzgerald is second only to Jerry Rice in career receiving yards.<\/p>\n

Their resumes speak for themselves, and each should have a bronze bust in Canton without much debate.<\/p>\n

The spotlight in Dallas is shining on three beloved former Cowboys who are also first-time eligible: TE Jason Witten, WR Dez Bryant, and LB Sean Lee.<\/p>\n

Each played pivotal roles during their tenure with the team, and now, Cowboys fans are hoping the Hall of Fame selection committee gives them their due.<\/p>\n

\"How<\/picture><\/figure>\n

TE Jason Witten<\/h2>\n

Jason Witten is the most likely of the Cowboys trio to earn enshrinement: if not in 2026, then soon after.<\/p>\n

He played 17 NFL seasons, 16 of them in Dallas, and retired with 1,228 receptions, 13,046 receiving yards, and 74 touchdowns.<\/p>\n

He ranks second all-time among tight ends in both receptions and receiving yards, behind only Tony Gonzalez.<\/p>\n

A model of consistency and durability, Witten was named to 11 Pro Bowls, earned two 1st-Team All-Pro selections, and was honored as the 2012 Walter Payton Man of the Year.<\/p>\n

More than the numbers, Witten was a quiet leader, an offensive cornerstone, and the heart of the Cowboys locker room for over a decade.<\/p>\n

\n
See also<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0The Unintended Consequences of Releasing Dez Bryant<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

While he may not crack the class of 2026 on the first ballot due to the strength of this year\u2019s field, his bust in Canton feels inevitable.<\/p>\n

\"<\/picture><\/figure>\n

WR Dez Bryant<\/h2>\n

Dez Bryant\u2019s Hall of Fame case is more complicated.<\/p>\n

At his peak, he was arguably the most feared red zone threat in the NFL.<\/p>\n

In eight seasons with the Cowboys, Bryant totaled 531 receptions for 7,459 yards and 73 touchdowns.<\/p>\n

He made three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2012 to 2014, and led the league with 16 receiving touchdowns in 2014, earning 1st-Team All-Pro honors.<\/p>\n

Injuries and a relatively short prime may hold him back in the eyes of voters.<\/p>\n

However, his emotional fire, physical dominance, and highlight-reel catches made him one of the most electrifying players of his era.<\/p>\n

Whether that\u2019s enough to earn a gold jacket remains to be seen.<\/p>\n

\"Sean<\/picture><\/figure>\n

LB Sean Lee<\/h2>\n

Sean Lee was the heart and soul of the Cowboys defense for a decade.<\/p>\n

Though his career was frequently interrupted by injury, he still managed to compile 796 tackles, 13 interceptions, and 18.5 sacks over 11 seasons.<\/p>\n

He made two Pro Bowls and was widely respected around the league for his film study, anticipation, and leadership.<\/p>\n

Lee\u2019s Hall of Fame case is the weakest of the three, not due to talent, but because availability often limited his impact.<\/p>\n

Still, those who watched him closely know just how elite he was when healthy.<\/p>\n

\"Former<\/picture><\/figure>\n

S Darren Woodson<\/h2>\n

As Cowboys fans celebrate the careers of Witten, Bryant, and Lee, there\u2019s another name that continues to hover just outside the Hall of Fame: Darren Woodson.<\/p>\n

\n
See also<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0Bringing Dez Bryant Back Isn’t a Good Idea<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The 5x Pro Bowler and 3x Super Bowl champion has been a finalist but remains inexplicably snubbed.<\/p>\n

He is the Cowboys\u2019 all-time leading tackler and a key piece of their dynasty in the 1990s.<\/p>\n

If 2026 doesn\u2019t finally bring Woodson the recognition he\u2019s earned, Cowboys fans (this writer included) may just riot.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s long past time to give one of the game\u2019s most complete safeties his rightful place in Canton.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. 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