The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced 128 Modern-Era players as nominees for the Class of 2026. Among them are 16 players with 49ers ties, including first-year eligible standouts Frank Gore and Alex Smith.
This year's group will be reduced to 50 semifinalists in October, then to 25 later this fall before 15 finalists are revealed ahead of Super Bowl LX.
Here are the nominees with San Francisco connections:
- QB Jeff Garcia
- QB Alex Smith
- RB Ricky Watters
- RB Frank Gore
- WR Anquan Boldin
- WR Brandon Lloyd
- TE Vernon Davis
- TE Delanie Walker
- T Joe Staley
- DL Justin Smith
- DL Ted Washington
- LB NaVorro Bowman
- LB Takeo Spikes
- LB Lee Woodall
- K David Akers
- K Gary Anderson
The full list of the Modern-Era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 can be found here.
Get a look inside the ceremony as former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis gets inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis

49ers Legend Patrick Willis Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis

Andre Johnson, Patrick Willis, Devin Hester, Dwight Freeney, Randy Gradishar, Julius Peppers

Patrick Willis

49ers Legend Patrick Willis Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis

Patrick Willis

49ers Legend Patrick Willis Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame