Former Detroit Lions offensive tackle Lomas Brown will have to wait another year for a possible induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
On Tuesday, Dec. 30, the Hall of Fame announced the 15 modern-era finalists for the Class of 2026, and Brown did not advance from the 26.
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Brown played 11 NFL seasons with the Lions from 1985-95 and made seven Pro Bowls in his 18-year career, reaching the semifinals this year for the first time in his career.
Lomas Brown vs. Detroit Lions.
He still has one year of modern candidacy remaining. If he is not elected to the House next year, he will be on the senior nominee list.
Four of this year’s finalists are in their first year of eligibility: quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, running back Frank Gore and tight end Jason Witten. Four other finalists — linebacker Luke Kuechly, kicker Adam Vinatieri, offensive tackle Willie Anderson and receiver Torrey Holt — made the final seven in last year’s voting and automatically advance to this year’s finals.
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Offensive linemen Jari Evans and Marshal Yanda, quarterback Eli Manning, receiver Reggie Wayne, safety Darren Woodson, defensive tackle Kevin Williams and edge rusher Terrell Suggs are also modern finalists.
The Hall of Fame selection committee may select up to five modern players for induction at its meeting next month. Candidates must receive 80% of the vote to be elected. The committee will also vote separately on finalists in the coaching (Bill Belichick), contributor (Robert Kraft) and seniors (Kenny Anderson, Roger Craig and LC Greenwood) categories.
A minimum of one and a maximum of three nominees will be selected from these categories.
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Brown, who blocked for Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders and holds the record for most games played (263) and starts (251; tied for first) by an offensive tackle in NFL history, was one of six tight ends to advance to the semifinals.
Steve Wisniewski and Richmond Webb were also sidelined.
Dave Birkett is a Hall of Fame voter. He covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him: dbirkett@freepress.com. follow him blue sky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press: Former Detroit Lions OT Lomas Brown not inducted into Hall of Fame
