Robert Kraft, Doug Williams among five Contributor nominees advancing in Hall of Fame selection process

Published November 4, 2026 01:41 PM The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced five nominees who have advanced to the next round of consideration for their 2027 class on Wednesday. The five nominees who will be under consideration for election are Ralph Hay, Robert Kraft, Virginia McCaskey, Doug Williams and John Wooten. A subcommittee for the Contributor category will discuss the five nominees and select one for the full selection committee to vote on ahead of the Super Bowl. Kraft was that choice last year, but the Patriots owner fell short of election from the full committee. Hay, who owned the Canton Bulldogs and took part in the founding of the NFL, also advanced to this round during the last cycle. McCaskey owned the Bears from 1983 until her death in 2025 while Williams won a Super Bowl as Washington’s quarterback before working in the team’s front office. Wooten played in the NFL, worked as a scout and became chair of the Fritz Pollard Alliance in 2003.