Dolphins O-lineman Richmond Webb doesn’t make Hall of Fame finalist cut
Former Miami Dolphins legend Richmond Webb didn’t make the finalist cut for the 2026 inductee class for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Webb, who was named to the NFL 1990’s All-Decade Team, serving as Dan Marino’s blind-side protector at left tackle. He was a semifinalist for the second straight season, but got edged out by fellow offensive linemen Willie Anderson, Jahri Evans and Marshall Yanda.
Most Hall of Fame classes typically induct one player at a position per year, and it appears the selection committee favored more recent offensive linemen.
Also named as finalists for the 2026 Hall of Fame class are former University of Miami tailback Frank Gore, who become a finalist in his first season of eligibility, and receiver Reggie Wayne.
Quarterback Drew Brees and Eli Manning were chosen as finalists. This is Brees’ first year of eligibility, and he’s likely going to become a first ballot Hall of Famer, which is a special honor in itself.
Also expected to become a first ballot Hall of Famer is former Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who is nominated with Wayne and Torry Holt, and Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.
Wayne and Holt have been finalists for a few years, but haven’t been inducted yet, and might likely continue to wait.
Kicker Adam Vinatieri is in his second season as a finalist, and might get in this year considering return specialist Devin Hester got inducted into the Hall of Fame last year, opening the door for a specialist to enter this year.
The remaining defensive finalists are former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, pass rusher Terrell Suggs, defensive lineman Kevin Williams and safety Darren Woodson.
If Webb doesn’t get in the next few years it is possible that he could be inducted in the Seniors category. Players retired at least 25 years are considered by the Senior Committee. Webb has been retired from the NFL for 24 years.
The first-round pick in 1990 out of Texas A&M allowed just two sacks his rookie season, and would go on to start all but one of his 164 games with the Dolphins, earning Pro Bowl honors in each of his first seven seasons.
He was a two-time first-team All-Pro (1992, 1994) and two-time second-team All-Pro (1993, 1995) selection with the Dolphins.
After two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals to close out his career, Webb signed a one-day contract with the Dolphins to retire with the team that drafted him.
On Christmas night, 2006, Webb was inducted into the Dolphins Ring of Honor, becoming the 17th member of that illustrious group of former players and coaches.
During the week of Super Bowl 60 the committee will select four to eight members for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. They will be presented at the Selection Committee’s annual meeting, having their careers and accomplishments discussed.
The Dolphins have 11 former players and coaches in the Hall of Fame.
The list consists of Coach Don Shula, quarterbacks Bob Griese and Dan Marino, tailback Larry Csonka, receiver Paul Warfield, offensive linemen Jim Langer, Larry Little, and Dwight Stephenson, pass rusher Jason Taylor, and linebackers Nick Buoniconti and Zach Thomas, who was the latest inductee, gaining entry in the 2024 class.
Other Hall of Famers who spent time with Miami but made their name known with other organization include executives George Young and Bobby Beathard, head coach Jimmy Johnson, tailback Thurman Thomas, receiver Cris Carter, and linebacker Junior Seau.
