All articles tagged with #hall of fame
A Sports Illustrated profile follows former NFL star Chris Johnson as his ALS rapidly progresses since his 2025 diagnosis, detailing daily care, the unwavering support of his wife and children, and his deep desire to spend precious time with loved ones while doctors pursue treatments and he reflects on his football career and Hall of Fame hopes.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced seven changes to its election process in response to Bill Belichick’s snub, shrinking the voting pool from 50 to 28, adding non-committee presenters, ending team-specific assignments, restoring in-person meetings, expanding the contributors category, shortening the eligible candidate list from 20 to 15 (13 players, 1 coach, 1 contributor), and removing finalist status for some top finishers—all aimed at reducing biases and strengthening the integrity of electing football’s greatest honorees.
After Bill Belichick’s snub from the 2026 class, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is overhauling its selection process: the voting body shrinks from 50 to 25 voters plus three non-voting members; finalists drop from 18 players to 13 players plus one coach and one contributor in a single 15-person pool; initial nominations will be presented by someone outside the committee; the definition of contributor expands to a full football résumé; finalists who reach the final seven will not automatically be finalists the following year; the in-person annual meeting returns after six years of virtual sessions. The 2026 class had five players; 2027 first-timers include Ben Roethlisberger, Rob Gronkowski and Adrian Peterson.
Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, calling it one of the greatest honours of his life as tears flowed during his speech. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who retired in 2022, reflected on a career that included eight Wimbledon titles, multiple majors, Olympic doubles gold in 2008, a Davis Cup win with Switzerland in 2014, and a long spell at world No. 1, thanking his family and mentors for their support and saying tennis will always be central to him.
Three new members—Ken Yukuhiro, Jean-Emmanuel Depraz, and Javier Dominguez—have been inducted into the Magic Pro Tour Hall of Fame for 2026, bringing the total to 51 inductees. Selections were made by a 40-person committee based on consistent top finishes, longevity, and contributions to the game; Dominguez is the first unanimous inductee. The ceremony will be held at MagicCon: Atlanta on November 15, 2026.
Using Basketball Reference’s Hall of Fame probability model (and additional analysis), the piece identifies 25 active NBA players with strong odds of eventual enshrinement. It highlights near-certainties like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo (all effectively at or near 100%), then showcases other stars such as Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Karl‑Anthony Towns, DeMar DeRozan, Jimmy Butler, Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Kevin Love and Devin Booker among the higher-probability players. The article notes that some players with lower model percentages could still reach the Hall with continued excellence, and that several younger stars and recent retirees would have notable cases if still active.
The 2026 Television Academy Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles featured a star-studded red carpet honoring honorees including Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder and Ted Danson, with appearances by Jerry Seinfeld, Matt Stone, Trey Parker, Janelle James, Ted Sarandos, Mary Steenburgen and other TV luminaries.
Doc Rivers learned he would be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026 after a tense morning, reflecting on a storied coaching career (Celtics’ 2008 title, a 1,194-866 record with 114 playoff wins) and his ongoing push to recognize active NBA coaches in the Hall. He praises his coaching tree (Tyronn Lue, Tom Thibodeau, Rajon Rondo) and cherishes the moment being escorted by Garnett, Pierce and Allen, while emphasizing mentorship and relationships as central to his philosophy ahead of the Springfield enshrinement.
Russell Westbrook announced his retirement after the 2025-26 season, closing an 18-year NBA career across seven teams. A video narrated by Michael B. Jordan announced his retirement; Westbrook leaves with 27,176 points, 9,025 rebounds, 10,351 assists and the all-time record of 209 triple-doubles, plus a 2017 MVP, nine All-Star selections, and nine All-NBA honors. In 2025-26 with Sacramento he averaged 15.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG and 6.7 APG in 64 games (58 starts) before missing the final 11 with a toe injury as the Kings finished 22-60.
Adam Vinatieri’s Hall of Fame induction speech mixed sentiment with humor, turning it into a crowd-pleasing roast that teased Bill Belichick, Drew Bledsoe and Peyton Manning. He said he aimed for a sentimental start and a big finish and apologized if anyone was offended, but many viewed the performance as entertaining and memorable rather than disrespectful.
Adam Vinatieri used his Hall of Fame induction to roast Bill Belichick (absent from the ceremony) and fellow stars, joking about Belichick’s girlfriend Jordon Hudson, ribbing Peyton Manning’s forehead and Tom Brady, and even tossing a quip at Pat McAfee, showcasing his humor beyond his NFL record as the all-time leading scorer.
NFL training camps roll on with six joint practices on tap ahead of the preseason, while a weekend wrap highlights Adam Vinatieri’s Hall of Fame speech ribbing Belichick and Brady; Laremy Tunsil’s torn triceps threatens his season; Maxx Crosby and Kirk Cousins sit out after a sideline altercation; Teddy Bridgewater retires at 33; Kyle Shanahan will coach SF’s preseason opener; Lane Johnson suggests 2026 could be his last season; Zay Flowers is day-to-day with a quad contusion and Luther Burden III suffers a groin injury with a expected absence.
Drew Brees delivered an emotional Pro Football Hall of Fame speech in Canton, thanking and sending love to New Orleans as he unveiled his bust alongside Sean Payton, a moment celebrated by Saints fans back home.
Don Nelson, a Celtics legend and Hall of Fame coach who popularized the innovator ‘Nellie Ball,’ has died at 86. A three-time NBA Coach of the Year and five-time Celtics champion, Nelson starred for Boston and later coached multiple teams, leaving a lasting impact on how the game is played and taught.
Adam Vinatieri’s Hall of Fame speech was packed with jokes and roasts of former teammates, prompting backstage laughter from Warren Sapp who joked he’d burn every bridge; Peyton Manning called him a “humble kicker” after a quip about Manning’s head, then joined Vinatieri’s family photos. The ceremony highlighted Vinatieri’s stellar resume—four Super Bowl titles and NFL records for points, field goals, and overtime field goals—solidifying his Canton welcome alongside fellow kickers Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen.