Selection Process

Charged with the vital task of continuing to be sure that new enshrinees are the finest the game has produced is the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Selection Committee (see list below).

FAQ about the Hall's selection process

The Selection Committee consists of 27 at-large Selectors, who are active members of the media, persons intricately involved in professional football and/or members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, plus one representative of the Pro Football Writers of America. All appointments are open-ended and approved annually by a majority vote of the Hall of Fame's Board of Directors.

The Selection Committee meets annually shortly before the Super Bowl to elect new members of the Hall of Fame. There is no set number of new enshrinees, but the Hall’s current bylaws stipulate that between three and seven new members will be selected each year. Every candidate is thoroughly reviewed and must receive approval from at least 80% of the full Committee to be elected.

When the Selectors meet to name the Class of 2027, they will have before them a roster of 15 Candidates – 13 Players, 1 Coach and 1 Contributor – along with detailed biographies on each.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors approved a bylaws change in 2026 that broadened the definition of “Contributor.” Previously, it defined the nominee as an individual who has “made outstanding contributions to professional football in capacities other than playing or coaching.” Moving forward, a nominee’s full resume, including years as a player and/or coach may be taken into account. Separate subcommittees will meet to select 1 Contributor Candidate and 1 Coach Candidate, and both will advance to the annual meeting for consideration with the next new class.

Yearly Finalists

Yearly Finalists (All-time Alphabetical Listing)

Any fan may nominate any qualified person who has been connected with pro football in any capacity simply by writing to the Pro Football Hall of Fame at 2121 George Halas Drive NW; Canton, OH 44708. The only restrictions: A Player must have been retired for at least five seasons before he can be considered, have played at least five seasons and have received at least one generally recognized postseason honor. (All-Pro team, Pro Bowl invitation, annual award from the Associated Press, as examples.) A candidate for the 2027 class must have concluded his career not later than the 2021 season.

There is no mandatory retirement period for a Contributor. Coaches must be out of the pro game for one full season.

Every nomination received will be processed and forwarded to the Selection Committee.

It is important to emphasize that the Hall of Fame itself has no say whatsoever as to who is or is not elected to membership. The functions of the Hall staff include processing the nominations as they arrive and coordinating the voting – in partnership with auditors from Ernst & Young LLP – and holding the annual meeting.