Ex-Detroit Lions OT Lomas Brown passed over for Hall of Fame

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Former Detroit Lions offensive tackle Lomas Brown will have to wait another year for possible election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame announced its 15 modern-era finalists for the Class of 2026 on Tuesday, Dec. 30, and Brown did not make the cut from 26.

Brown, who played 11 NFL seasons for the Lions in 1985-95 and made seven Pro Bowls in his 18-year career, was a semifinalist this year for the first time in his post-playing career.

He has one more year of eligibility as a modern-era candidate. If he's not elected to the Hall next year, he will enter the senior pool of nominees.

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 more finalists – linebacker Luke Kuechly, kicker Adam Vinatieri, offensive tackle Willie Anderson and receiver Torry Holt – advanced to the final seven of last year's vote and were automatically included among this year's finalists.

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Offensive lineman Jahri Evans and Marshal Yanda, quarterback Eli Manning, receiver Reggie Wayne, safety Darren Woodson, defensive tackle Kevin Williams and edge rusher Terrell Suggs also are modern era finalists.

The Hall of Fame selection committee may elect up to five modern-era players for enshrinement at their meeting next month. Candidates must receive 80% of the vote for election. The committee also will vote separately on finalists from the coach (Bill Belichick), contributor (Robert Kraft) and seniors (Kenny Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood) categories.

A minimum of one and a maximum of three nominees from those categories will be elected.

Brown, who blocked for Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders and holds records for most games played (263) and starts (251; tied for first) by an offensive tackle in NFL history, was one of six linemen who were semifinalists for election.

Steve Wisniewski and Richmond Webb also were eliminated from the ballot.

Dave Birkett is a Hall of Fame voter. He covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ex-Detroit Lions OT Lomas Brown passed over for Hall of Fame

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