The road to Canton just narrowed — and four former Chicago Bears are still in the running.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 52 Modern-Era Players advancing in the selection process for the Class of 2026, and the list includes four familiar names for Bears fans: cornerback Charles Tillman, linebacker Lance Briggs, center Olin Kreutz, and tight end Greg Olsen.
Each member of the Hall’s Modern-Era Screening Committee voted for 50 players from an initial group of 128 nominees, consisting of 77 offensive players, 42 defensive players, and nine special teamers. Ties at the 50th position extended the group to 52 players, who now move forward for consideration by the full 50-person Selection Committee.
Four Former Bears Advance in Hall of Fame Voting Process
For Chicago, it’s another strong showing — and one that underscores how deep the Bears’ modern talent pool has been across multiple eras. Tillman and Briggs were the faces of one of the league’s most respected defenses through the 2000s, their chemistry and leadership helping fuel Chicago’s run to Super Bowl XLI.
Kreutz was the emotional and physical centerpiece of the offensive line for over a decade, earning six Pro Bowls and a reputation as one of the toughest players in football. Olsen, a 2007 first-round pick by the Bears, went on to a stellar career in Carolina and now finds himself in the Hall of Fame conversation as one of his generation’s most productive tight ends.
Not every former Bear made the cut this time around. From the initial list of nominees, eight others dropped off during the first round of reductions — including Thomas Jones, Brandon Marshall, Muhsin Muhammad, Ruben Brown, Josh Sitton, Jay Ratliff, Ted Washington, and Brandon Lloyd. Their absence doesn’t diminish their impact, but it highlights how competitive the process is as the field tightens toward Canton.
The next step comes in about five weeks, when the list of 52 will be reduced to 25 semifinalists. Eventually, 15 Modern-Era Players will advance to the finalist stage, alongside three Seniors, one Coach, and one Contributor. Between four and eight new members will be enshrined next August in Canton as part of the Class of 2026.
For now, Bears fans can take pride in seeing four familiar names still alive in the process — players who embodied toughness, consistency, and professionalism during their time in Chicago. And if one or more ultimately break through to Canton, it would add another proud chapter to a franchise defined by its legends.
Bears Case for Canton
Charles Tillman – Few corners changed the game the way Tillman did. His signature “Peanut Punch” forced 44 fumbles, redefining how defensive backs could create turnovers. Combine that with 38 interceptions and a reputation as one of the toughest, most technically sound corners of his era, and his case for Canton is undeniable.
Lance Briggs – For more than a decade, Briggs was Urlacher’s equal on the Bears’ defense. His seven straight Pro Bowls speak for themselves, and his combination of speed, instincts, and consistency made Chicago’s Cover-2 hum. While he didn’t always get the national spotlight, his production was elite.
Olin Kreutz – Centers rarely get the recognition they deserve, but Kreutz was one of the league’s best for a long stretch. A six-time Pro Bowler and heart of the offensive line, he embodied the Bears’ toughness. Like longtime linemen such as Kevin Mawae and Jeff Saturday before him, Kreutz has a real shot to get his Canton call.
Center Olin Kreutz #57 of the Chicago Bears prepares to snap the ball against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)Hence then, the article about four former bears advance in hall of fame voting process was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Four Former Bears Advance in Hall of Fame Voting Process )
Also on site :