Three former Patriots legends have taken another step toward football immortality.

Rodney Harrison, Adam Vinatieri and Vince Wilfork were announced as semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 on Tuesday, narrowing the field down to 26 in the Modern-Era Players category.

Vinatieri, widely regarded as the greatest kicker in NFL history, is one of four players who automatically advanced to this stage after finishing in the top seven for election last year. He retired as the league's all-time leader in points scored and field goals made, and his clutch kicks in Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII remain among the most iconic moments in NFL history.

Harrison, one of the most physical safeties of his era, is a semifinalist for the fifth time. He played six seasons in New England and was a key piece of two Super Bowl championships. Known for his toughness and leadership, Harrison finished his career with 30 interceptions and 30 sacks, making him and Ray Lewis, a 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, the only two players in NFL history to reach both marks.

Wilfork, also a five-time semifinalist, anchored the Patriots defensive line for a decade, earning five Pro Bowl selections, one All-Pro nod and two Super Bowl rings. His rare combination of size, strength and athleticism made him one of the most dominant defensive linemen of his generation.

Fred Taylor, who spent the final two seasons of his career with the Patriots after 11 seasons with the Jaguars, also advanced the semifinals for the seventh time.

The Hall of Fame selection process will continue with the list trimmed to 15 finalists in January. The Class of 2026 will be revealed during NFL Honors in February and enshrined in Canton next summer.

For the full list of semifinalists, visit profootballhof.com.

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