As the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 prepares for enshrinement this Saturday, speculation runs rampant about who will be the next inductees in Canton.
In some cases, the next Hall of Famer is an obvious choice. For the Arizona Cardinals, it seems almost certain that wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will be the next inductee. With a stellar career that ranks him second only to Jerry Rice in all-time receiving yards, Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame eligibility will begin in 2026. His unforgettable performances on the field, including a standout showing in Super Bowl XLIII, make him a prime candidate for enshrinement.
Similarly, for the Los Angeles Chargers, tight end Antonio Gates appears to be the next in line for the Hall of Fame. His impressive career and impact on the game make him a strong contender for induction. In Indianapolis, wide receiver Reggie Wayne is likely to be the next Colt to receive the prestigious honor, thanks to his contributions to the team over the years.
However, for some teams, the future Hall of Famer is not as clear-cut. Players like Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons, Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens, Luke Kuechly of the Carolina Panthers, and Matthew Stafford of the Detroit Lions all have compelling cases for enshrinement.
Jones, known for his elite production over his career, is a formidable candidate for the Hall of Fame. Suggs, despite not receiving as much recognition as some of his defensive teammates, boasts an impressive resume with multiple Pro Bowl selections and is sure to be a contender for Canton. Kuechly, like recently enshrined Patrick Willis, has an impressive career that could see him inducted soon. And with Stafford now with the Rams, his future Hall of Fame chances may depend on the success he achieves with his new team.
In Atlanta, the Falcons may see Julio Jones as their next Hall of Fame entrant. The wide receiver’s impressive stats and impact on the game make him a strong candidate for enshrinement. Meanwhile, in Cleveland, guard Joel Bitonio and defensive end Myles Garrett are both potential candidates for the Hall of Fame, with Bitonio facing stiff competition from other guards with similar resumes.
In Denver, former head coach Mike Shanahan stands out as a potential contributor candidate for the Hall of Fame. His coaching legacy and offensive philosophy have had a lasting impact on the NFL, with his son Kyle continuing to build on his father’s success.
And in Detroit, the Hall of Fame picture is less clear. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and cornerback Darius Slay all had notable careers with the Lions, but their future enshrinement is uncertain. The rejection of former Lions coach Buddy Parker as a contributor further complicates the Hall of Fame landscape for Detroit.
As the Class of 2024 takes their place in Canton, football fans eagerly await the announcement of who will be next to join the illustrious ranks of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
