The Biggest Snub of Class 2026: Two Cowboys Legends Left Out of the Hall of Fame – Is the Hall of Fame Trippin or What?

San Francisco, California – February 5, 2026

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was announced during the NFL Honors event on February 5, 2026, and while it included incredible names like Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and Roger Craig, two major legends were left out: Darren Woodson and Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys. Both players were finalists (final candidates), but neither made the cut, leaving fans furious and questioning the selection process. For Cowboys Nation, this snub feels like a huge oversight, especially considering their undeniable contributions to the franchise and the NFL.

In particular, Jason Witten was widely expected to be inducted on his first year of eligibility. With 1,228 receptions (4th in NFL history and 2nd among tight ends), 13,046 receiving yards (2nd among tight ends), and 11 Pro Bowls, Witten's resume speaks for itself. But despite his stellar career, he was shockingly left out. Many are calling it a "shocking snub", and it's hard to ignore the sense of injustice surrounding his exclusion.

Meanwhile, Darren Woodson, who has been waiting 18 years since his retirement in 2003, was also denied a spot. Woodson was a cornerstone of the Cowboys' three Super Bowl championships, a 5-time Pro Bowl selection, and 3-time All-Pro, as well as the career leader in tackles for the Cowboys. Despite his remarkable career, Woodson still hasn’t been inducted, and many fans, as well as former teammates like Emmitt Smith, have criticized this as a "long overdue" and "criminal snub". When compared to legends like Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, who were inducted earlier, it’s hard to understand why Woodson hasn’t received the same recognition.

"How could they leave both of them out? They were key figures for this team, the heart and soul of the Cowboys. They helped us win championships, and now they get left out? This selection process is seriously flawed. It’s a disrespect to their legacy and to the fans of the team." – A Cowboys fan on social media

The snubbing of these two Cowboys legends has sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Many are questioning how the Hall of Fame committee can overlook two of the franchise’s most impactful players. There’s an underlying frustration, with several people feeling that the process is deeply flawed. It’s not just a "snub" – it’s a lack of respect for the legacy these players helped build in Dallas.

Both Witten and Woodson were pillars of the Cowboys during their respective careers. Witten, one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, amassed over 13,000 receiving yards and set numerous records at his position. Woodson, a leader in the secondary, helped anchor a defense that dominated in the 1990s, winning three Super Bowls with the team. Their achievements are monumental, and to leave them out of the Hall of Fame is incomprehensible to many Cowboys fans.

The exclusion of these two players also raises questions about the Hall of Fame’s selection process. With so many deserving players being passed over, fans and analysts alike are starting to wonder: Is the Hall of Fame failing to properly honor the true legends of the game? When you have players like Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed inducted quickly, while others like Witten and Woodson continue to wait, it only deepens the confusion and frustration surrounding the selection process.

For Cowboys fans, this isn’t just another Hall of Fame class – it’s a massive disappointment. Witten and Woodson were integral to the Cowboys’ success and should have been recognized long ago. As for the Hall of Fame, the message is clear: fans want answers, and they want to see these legends finally get the recognition they deserve. No matter the outcome of the selection process, the true legends of the game, like Witten and Woodson, will forever be part of the heart and soul of the NFL.

It’s time for the Hall of Fame to listen to the fans and fix these glaring mistakes. For now, the Dallas Cowboys’ greatest players will have to keep waiting – but fans aren’t forgetting.