CANTON, Ohio — Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins is one of 13 players in their first year of eligibility to be nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 in the Modern-Era category.

Former Bengals offensive lineman Willie Anderson and former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, a 2009 St. Xavier High School graduate, are automatically in the final 15 for the Class of 2026 since both reached the final seven stage for the Class of 2025. That list also consists of former wide receiver Torry Holt and former kicker Adam Vinatieri.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its nomination list of 128 Modern-Era players on Wednesday morning.

The first-year eligible players also include quarterbacks Drew Brees and Philip Rivers along with wide receiver

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