CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Quarterback Drew Brees and receiver Larry Fitzgerald were picked in their first year of eligibility as two of the nominees among modern era players for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

Brees and Fitzgerald were two of the most prolific producers in the passing game in NFL history with Brees ranking second all-time in yards passing and touchdowns, and Fitzgerald ranking second in career receptions and yards receiving.

Eleven other players in their first year of eligibility were picked among the 128 modern-era nominees for this year’s class.

The other nominees in their first year of eligibility are quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Alex Smith; tight ends Greg Olsen and Jason Witten; running backs Frank Gore and LeSean McCoy; offensive linemen David DeCastro and

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