Former Detroit Lions offensive tackle Lomas Brown will have to wait another year for potential induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Hall announced its 15 modern-era finalists for the Class of 2026 on December 30, 2023, and Brown did not secure a spot among the final candidates, having been one of 26 initial nominees.
Brown, who played for the Lions from 1985 to 1995, enjoyed a notable 18-year career in the National Football League (NFL) and earned seven Pro Bowl selections. This year marked Brown’s first appearance as a semifinalist in the Hall of Fame voting process. He retains one additional year of eligibility as a modern-era candidate. Should he not be elected next year, he will transition to the senior pool of nominees.
This year’s lineup of finalists includes several prominent names in their first year of eligibility: quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, running back Frank Gore, and tight end Jason Witten. Additionally, four finalists—linebacker Luke Kuechly, kicker Adam Vinatieri, offensive tackle Willie Anderson, and receiver Torry Holt—advanced to the final seven of last year’s vote, automatically qualifying them for this year’s consideration.
Other modern-era finalists include offensive linemen Jahri Evans and Marshal Yanda, quarterback Eli Manning, receiver Reggie Wayne, safety Darren Woodson, defensive tackle Kevin Williams, and edge rusher Terrell Suggs. The Hall of Fame selection committee will convene next month and may elect up to five modern-era players for enshrinement. Candidates must achieve at least 80% of the vote to be elected.
In addition to the modern-era selections, the committee will also vote separately on nominees from the coaching, contributor, and senior categories. Bill Belichick is among the coaching nominees, while Robert Kraft is nominated in the contributor category. The senior category includes former players Kenny Anderson, Roger Craig, and L.C. Greenwood. A minimum of one and a maximum of three from these categories will be elected.
Notably, Brown has a significant legacy. He blocked for Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders and holds records for the most games played (263) and starts (251, tied for first) by an offensive tackle in NFL history. He was one of six offensive linemen who reached the semifinalist stage this year, alongside Steve Wisniewski and Richmond Webb, both of whom were also eliminated from the ballot.
The anticipation surrounding the Hall of Fame elections continues to grow, with fans and analysts alike eager to see which players will earn their place among the legends of the game. As Brown awaits the results of next year’s vote, his remarkable career and contributions to the sport remain a topic of discussion among football enthusiasts.
