Cardinals legendary wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald eligible for Canton and Hall of Fame for first time

By many measures, the wide receiver who has the second-most receptions in NFL history (1,432) and second-most receiving yards (17,492) could expect that soon – specifically early February in Santa Clara, California prior to Super Bowl LX.

Both Fitzgerald and Drew Brees are among those eligible for the first time this year. Among those who have not gotten in that were finalists last year: running back Fred Taylor, linebackers Terrell Suggs and Luke Kuechly, quarterback Eli Manning, and wide receivers Steve Smith Sr., Torry Holt, and Reggie Wayne.

Even Fitzgerald noted the backlog of wide receivers, and his humble nature leaks into his analysis.

“It’s really subjective,” he said. “I played in a small market. I only played in the playoffs four times in 17 years. There are a lot of things I did well but a lot of things that work against me. All of that is going to be taken into consideration and that’s why I try not to get too deep into it.”

Up until last year, Hall of Fame voters discussed the 15 modern-era finalists, a vote was taken to trim to 10 and then five. A final vote was taken on the five, and as long as each got 80 percent of the vote, all five were inducted into that class.

The process, updated last year, now cuts the group of 10 to seven. But of the seven, voters can only vote for up to five, with the 80 percent threshold remaining in place.

Mathematically, that makes it much more difficult to get in compared to when a player was in the previous version of the five finalists. Votes get split.

The class must have at least three and up to five (plus between one and three from the pool of coaches, seniors, and/or contributors.)

Last year’s class was only four: cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, tight end Antonio Gates, and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe (who got in through the senior path.)

Reaching Canton on his first attempt always felt likely. It still does, even with the stricter guidelines. But he’ll push forward with his second act in life – remember, not retired – doing charitable work and quietly building his business empire.

The Hall of Fame is when, not if. Fitz will let that play out on his own.

“I have zero control over it,” Fitzgerald said with a chuckle. “I try to control the controllables.”