Next year's Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates include stars like Adrian Peterson, intrigue with Bill Belichick and Antonio Brown

Next year's Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates will include stars like Adrian Peterson, Rob Gronkowski, and Ben Roethlisberger, who are considered locks to be inducted on their first try. Other notable contenders include Richard Sherman, Cam Newton, Andrew Whitworth, and Antonio Brown, who will be subjects of debate. Brown's inclusion is particularly intriguing due to his on-field dominance and undeniable statistics, but his off-field controversies have made him a divisive figure.

His decision to leave the Buccaneers mid-game during the 2019 season, symbolically stripping his equipment, has tarnished his reputation. While Brown's resume is impressive, including seven Pro Bowls, four first-team All-Pro selections, and a Super Bowl ring, his off-field issues may prevent him from being inducted on his first attempt.

Bill Belichick, despite being a six-time Super Bowl winner and two-time Super Bowl champion, was notably left out of the Hall of Fame this year, sparking controversy and speculation about the rationale behind the decision. Peterson, Gronkowski, and Roethlisberger are expected to be easier inductees, with Peterson being one of the greatest running backs of all time and Gronkowski often considered the greatest tight end.

Sherman, with his three first-team All-Pro selections and membership in the 2010s all-decade team, also has a strong case for induction. Newton's candidacy is bolstered by his 2015 NFL MVP award, but his relatively short career may work against him in the long run. Notably, Torry Holt remains one of the players still awaiting Hall of Fame consideration.