“When Kent speaks, you listen. When he writes, you read. God has filled him with so much wisdom and insight, it’s inspiring. I am Blessed to call him a friend, mentor and brother in Christ. ‘Do It Afraid’ is a must read for anyone trying to get the most out of their life, marriage, and faith.” –Ben.

The first-ballot headliners next year include Adrian Peterson, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and tight end Rob Gronkowski. Each of those players played his last season in 2021.

And because they were among the finalists who were not selected for enshrinement this year, OLB Terrell Suggs, OT Willie Anderson and G Marshal Yanda will automatically be finalists in 2027, per the Hall of Fame’s bylaws. Former Patriots coach Bill Belichick figures to be the finalist from the coaching subcommittee once again, while Patriots owner Robert Kraft could repeat as the contributors’ finalist. Belichick and Kraft, who won six Super Bowls together in New England between 2001 and 2018, were not included in this year’s Hall of Fame class.

Roethlisberger played 18 seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where was a two-time Super Bowl champion and a six-time Pro Bowl selection. He is seventh in career passing yards (64,088), ninth in passing touchdowns (418) and led the league in passing yards twice. The Steelers had a 165-81-1 record in his starts.

A maximum of five modern-era finalists can be selected for enshrinement each year.