The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that 52 Modern-Era players have advanced to the next stage of the selection process for the Class of 2026, and multiple former Patriots are among them.

Safety Rodney Harrison, defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, kicker Adam Vinatieri, guard Logan Mankins and cornerback Asante Samuel lead the way on the list of candidates moving forward to the semifinalist round. The group represents some of the most impactful players in franchise history, each playing a key role during the Patriots dynasty era.

Vinatieri, who spent the first 10 seasons of his 24-year career in New England, is one of four players who automatically advance to the finalist stage this cycle after reaching the final 15 last year. Known for his clutch postseason kicks, including game-winners in Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII, Vinatieri is the NFL's all-time leading scorer and widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in league history. His two kicks in the snow against the Raiders in the 2001 AFC Divisional Round are among the greatest of all time.

Wilfork, a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion, anchored the Patriots' defensive line for over a decade, connecting the first dynastic run to the second. His rare combination of size, strength and athleticism made him a disruptive force in the middle and a fan favorite in Foxborough.

Harrison, a two-time Super Bowl champion with New England, brought toughness and leadership to the Patriots secondary after joining the team in 2003. He and Ray Lewis are the only players in NFL history with at least 30 sacks and 30 interceptions, and his postseason performances cemented his legacy as one of the game's fiercest competitors.

Mankins was a seven-time Pro Bowler and a six-time All-Pro. The 2005 first-round pick was a cornerstone of New England's offensive line for nine seasons, known for his toughness, consistency and leadership. He started 130 games for the Patriots and played in two Super Bowls, earning a reputation as one of the most respected linemen of his era.

Cornerback Asante Samuel, a 2003 fourth-round pick by the Patriots, also advanced in the Hall of Fame voting process. A two-time Super Bowl champion with New England, Samuel led the NFL in interceptions twice and was named to four Pro Bowls. Known for his elite ball skills and aggressive instincts, Samuel's 51 career interceptions underscore his case as one of the premier playmakers of his era.

Other NFL greats moving on in the process who spent some time with the Patriots include Fred Taylor, James Harrison, Torry Holt, and Reggie Wayne.

The next step in the Hall of Fame process will see the list of 52 reduced to 25 semifinalists, expected to be announced in about five weeks. From there, 15 Modern-Era finalists will be selected and presented to the full Selection Committee ahead of Super Bowl LX in February.

The Class of 2026 will be officially enshrined next August in Canton, Ohio.

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