Two Gator greats named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Two Florida Gators greats are one step closer to making the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Running back Fred Taylor and offensive tackle Lomas Brown on Tuesday were named as two of 26 semifinalists for the Hall in the Modern-Era Players category. Another UF legend, center Maurkice Pouncey, did not make the cut.

Brown reached the semifinalist stage for the first time. This is Taylor’s seventh time making this round.

Per the Hall’s official web site, ” Finalists for the Class of 2026 – will be announced Dec. 3. In all, 20 Finalists will be presented at the Selection Committee’s annual meeting next year in advance of Super Bowl LX: the 15 Modern-Era Players plus three Seniors, one Coach and one Contributor.” 

Fred Taylor, former Florida Gators RB

AT UF: 1994–1997
COLLEGE HONORS: First-team All-SEC; third team All-American in 1997. National champion in 1996.
COLLEGE NUMBERS OF NOTE: 3,075 rushing yards for the Florida Gators, including 1,292 in 1997. 
NFL: 1998-2010.
NFL HONORS: Second-team All-Pro in 2007, Pro Bowl in 2007, All-Rookie team 1998.
NFL NUMBERS: During his 13-year pro career, Taylor rushed for 11,695 yards and 66 touchdowns — and had 290 receptions for 2,384 yards and eight touchdowns.

He was a finalist for the Hall the last cycle

THE CASE FOR: He is No. 17 on the NFL’s career rushing list and his 4.6-yards-per carry average is behind only legends Barry Sanders and Jim Brown among NFL players who had more career rushing yards. … Taylor played a key role in Jacksonville’s run to the 1998 AFC Championship Game; he rushed for 248 yards in two playoff games. … Consistent production over 13-season career. 

Taylor had seven 1,000-yards seasons. He ranked in the top 10 for rushing in a season six times in his career and twice was in the top three. … Fourteen of the 16 players ranked ahead of Taylor on the NFL’s all-time rushing list are already in the Hall of Fame. … Taylor was one of 15 finalists for the 2025 class. … Several former players back his candidacy.

THE CASE AGAINST: Frank Gore, who is No. 3 on the NFL’s all-time rushing list, is a first-time nomination. That hurts, because so few will make the cut. … Taylor never was Rookie of the Year, won an MVP or made an All-Decade team. As ESPN has noted, “All-Decade teams and championships have an impact on Hall of Fame voters.” … 

Taylor’s only Pro Bowl came in 2007 when he was an injury replacement for the Steeler’s Willie Parker. … Injuries caused him to miss 23 games from 1999-2001, which hurt his overall production.

Lomas Brown, OT

AT UF: 1981-84
COLLEGE HONORS: Consensus All-American in 1984; first-team SEC in 1984; second-team All-SEC in 1983. College Football Hall of Fame. Arguably the best offensive lineman in Florida Gators history.
COLLEGE NUMBERS OF NOTE: Florida Gators were first in the SEC in 1984 for the first time. The 1984 team was No. 3 in the final AP Poll. The 1983 team ended at No. 6. 
NFL: 1985-2002
NFL HONORS: First-team All-Pro in 1995; second-team All-Pro four times (1989, 1990, 1991,  1994), seven-time Pro Bowl selection (1990–96), All-Rookie Team in 1985.
NFL NUMBERS: 263 games played; 251 starts. Super Bowl champion (XXXVII)

Playing for the Lions hasn’t helped

THE CASE FOR: Per the Lions, he has more games played and is tied for first in NFL starts by an offensive tackle. Brown and Bruce Matthews are the only linemen in NFL history to play at least 10 games in 18 different seasons. … Has the backing of many notable NFL figures, including Lions running back great Barry Sanders. 

Brown anchored the line that blocked for him in Detroit. … Since 1970, 10 offensive tackles have at least seven Pro Bowls, three All-Pro seasons and a Super Bowl ring. Eight are in the Hall of Fame. … From 1990-2000, Brown was called for only three holding penalties in a span of 161 games.

THE CASE AGAINST: Lack of team success in Detroit. During his decade there, the Lions were just 1-4 in playoff games. When he finally won the Super Bowl in his final season, Brown was a backup for the Bucs. Brown has said, per reports, that the lack of team success by the Lions has hurt his chances for the Hall by negatively influencing Hall voters … 

Was never an All-decade selection in the NFL.

Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Modern-Era Player Semifinalists breakdown by positions

OFFENSE (17)

• Quarterback (3): Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers.
• Running back (2): Frank Gore, Fred Taylor.
• Wide receiver (5): Larry Fitzgerald, Torry Holt, Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne.
• Tight end (1): Jason Witten.
• Offensive line (6): Willie Anderson, Lomas Brown, Jahri Evans, Richmond Webb, Steve Wisniewski, Marshal Yanda.

DEFENSE (8)

• Defensive back (3): Rodney Harrison, Earl Thomas, Darren Woodson.
• Linebacker (2): Luke Kuechly, Terrell Suggs (also DE).
• Defensive line (3): Robert Mathis (also LB), Vince Wilfork, Kevin Williams..

SPECIAL TEAMS – 1

• Place kicker (1): Adam Vinatieri.