Heisman Humanitarian Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Named Pro Football Hall Of Fame Semifinalist

Larry Fitzgerald Jr., the 2025 Heisman Humanitarian, was named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 on Tuesday (Nov. 25) along with a handful of fellow Heisman Trophy finalists and a Heisman top 10 finisher.

Fitzgerald joined 25 other NFL stars in the Modern-Era Players category  to reach the semifinalist stage. Fitzgerald and fellow Heisman finalist Drew Brees both are in their first year of Hall of Fame eligibility.

The other Heisman finalist in the 2026 semifinalist group is Eli Manning, who was part of Fitzgerald’s Heisman four-player finalist group in 2003.

Fitzgerald Jr. starred at Pittsburgh where he earned unanimous All-American honors in 2003, finishing a close second in the Heisman Trophy voting behind winner Jason White.

In 17 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Fitzgerald had 1,432 receptions for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns. He is second on the NFL’s career receptions and receiving yards lists and sixth in touchdown receptions.

He was also an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and an Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award recipient.

Brees was a two-time Heisman finalist, finishing fourth in 1999 and third in 2000, receiving 69 first-place votes in the latter season.

Manning is in his second straight year as an Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist. He was a Heisman finalist in 2003, finishing third with 619 points behind Fitzgerald and White. He also got 69 first-place votes.

The 2003 Heisman top 10 was prolific. It also included seventh-place finisher and first-time Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist Phillip Rivers. who received three first-place Heisman votes.

The 26 semifinalists will be trimmed to 15 finalists on Dec. 3. Read the full Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist release here.