The Minnesota Vikings are a team that is well represented in the halls of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Despite that, there are still some former players for the purple and gold who deserve to be enshrined but haven't been voted in.
The Vikings got some bad news last week when it was revealed that Minnesota legends Chuck Foreman and Jim Marshall were not named finalists and would have to wait at least one more year for another opportunity.
However, some good news came on Tuesday when the team announced that a longtime defender will have a chance to be enshrined in 2026.
Former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Kevin Williams has been named one of 26 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026.
According to the official X account of the Minnesota Vikings, former Vikings defensive lineman Kevin Williams was named one of the 26 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
TICKET 🎟️
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 25, 2025
Kevin Williams has been named one of 26 semifinalists for the @ProFootballHOF's Class of 2026. pic.twitter.com/bQjf2Aohdt
Minnesota selected Williams with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played 11 seasons with the Vikings before finishing out his career with short stints with the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints.
Kevin Williams ended his 13-year NFL career with 528 combined tackles, 63 sacks, and 13 fumble recoveries. For a defensive tackle, that is an impressive stat line and one that could see him make his way into the Hall of Fame.
Accolades are another area where Williams has a solid resume. Despite no Super Bowl rings, he was a six-time Pro Bowl defender with five All-Pro First Team nods. All of those accolades came in his first eight seasons with the Vikings.
It can still be debatable as to how he stacks up against others who are eligible for enshrinement. Vince Wilfork, another defensive tackle, has been named a finalist five times, while this is Williams' first time.
Don't be surprised if Kevin Williams doesn't make the Pro Football Hall of Fame this time around. Although it is great that he was named a finalist, he may have to wait for a couple of chances before his star shines.
There has been no stronger advocate for Williams' enshrinement than former teammate Jared Allen. The Hall of Fame edge rusher was vocal about his praise for the former Minnesota Vikings defender, and hopefully, the big defensive tackle will join him in Canton, Ohio, soon.