Roger Craig, Ken Anderson Among 2026 Hall of Fame Candidates

CANTON, Ohio — Versatile running back Roger Craig, former MVP Ken Anderson, and special teams standout Steve Tasker have advanced to the next stage for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 in the seniors category. The seniors screening committee trimmed the list from players who last participated in a professional football game during the 2000 season.

The blue-ribbon committee will continue to narrow the nominees through three more stages until three finalists emerge for voting. This final decision will occur before the Super Bowl in February. Notably, the nominees include three players who have been finalists in the past two years but did not get inducted. Linebacker Maxie Baughan and offensive lineman Jim Tyrer aim for a second consecutive shot, while wide receiver Art Powell is hoping to return to this stage after reaching it in 2024.

Anderson, a four-time Pro Bowler, won the MVP award in 1981, leading the Cincinnati Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance, though they fell short. Upon retiring after the 1986 season, he ranked sixth in NFL history with 32,838 passing yards and 13th with 197 touchdown passes.

Craig was a pivotal figure in the San Francisco 49ers‘ dynasty during the 1980s, showcasing his skills as both a powerful runner and an effective receiver. In 1985, he became the first player to achieve 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. His standout 1988 season saw him leading the NFL with 2,036 yards from scrimmage, contributing significantly to the 49ers’ Super Bowl victory.

Tasker is celebrated as one of the greatest special teams players in NFL history, known for his prowess in coverage and offense. He excelled with seven blocked kicks and caught nine touchdown passes throughout his 13-year career. Tasker played a crucial role in helping the Buffalo Bills reach four consecutive AFC title games, although they were unable to clinch the Super Bowl. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections during his time in the league.