BREAKING: Olin Kreutz Nominated for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026!
Chicago, IL – The Chicago Bears and NFL fans alike have reason to celebrate today as former Bears center Olin Kreutz has been officially nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This recognition comes after a storied 13-season career, all spent with the Bears, where Kreutz established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in the league.
Kreutz, who was drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft, was a staple of Chicago’s offensive line for over a decade. Known for his leadership, toughness, and relentless drive, Kreutz earned six Pro Bowl selections and was named an All-Pro twice. His presence in the locker room and on the field helped anchor a Bears offensive line that saw success in both the running and passing games.
A Career of Excellence
During his time with the Bears, Kreutz played in 191 games, starting 180 of them at center, a position where consistency is key. He was instrumental in protecting quarterbacks like Mitchell Trubisky and Jay Cutler, while also clearing paths for running backs such as Matt Forte. One of the highlights of his career came in 2006 when he helped lead the Bears to Super Bowl XLI, although they ultimately fell short against the Indianapolis Colts.
Despite his accomplishments on the field, Kreutz’s leadership was perhaps his most defining characteristic. As a captain for many years, Kreutz set the tone for the Bears' offensive line with his fierce competitiveness and commitment to the game.
A Well-Deserved Nomination
This nomination for the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition for Kreutz’s dedication to the game. Throughout his career, he demonstrated exceptional skill, durability, and leadership, earning respect from teammates, coaches, and opponents alike. His nomination is a testament to his legacy as one of the best centers to ever play the game.
"I am honored and humbled by this nomination," Kreutz said in a statement. "It’s a reflection of all the hard work and support I received from my teammates and coaches throughout the years. Playing for the Bears and representing this city was the highlight of my career."
Looking Ahead
As Kreutz now waits for the official selection to the Hall of Fame, Bears fans will be eagerly watching. His nomination marks the start of what will be a highly anticipated journey to potentially receive football’s greatest individual honor. For a player who defined consistency and excellence on the field, the Pro Football Hall of Fame might be the next step in Kreutz’s legendary career.
Super Bowl Champion Says Teams ‘Targeting’ Broncos CB Riley Moss
One of the great things about having Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II on the roster is that, every time he plays, essentially one half of the field is shut down to the opposing team’s passing game.
That just leaves one side of the field to throw to. And Broncos‘ opponents are throwing there. A lot.
Former Broncos NFL All-Pro safety, 3-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion safety T.J. Ward pointed out teams are now targeting Broncos cornerback Riley Moss, the starter opposite Surtain the last 2 seasons.
Specifically, Ward compared this year’s Denver defense — considered the NFL’s elite unit — to the Broncos‘ Super Bowl winning defense in 2015.
“The thing with us was, we figured out there weren’t no holes (in our defense),” Ward said on the DNVR Broncos podcast on October 7. “You couldn’t pick out one person and say ‘We gonna go at him’ … you couldn’t target anyone. Teams are targeting (Moss). He has to do better situationally.”
The Broncos are 3-2 and coming off an upset win over the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5 — a game in which Moss was constantly torched by Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who finished with 8 receptions for 114 yards.
The Broncos return to action in Week 6 in London, where they’ll face the New York Jets.
Moss Became Full Time Starter in 2024
It’s not a stretch to say Surtain is playing just as good or better as he did last season, when he became the first Broncos player named NFL Defensive Player of the Year since linebacker Randy Gradishar in 1978.
It might not also be a stretch to say Surtain only was able to ascend when he got an elite cornerback playing opposite him when Moss became the Broncos‘ full time starter at the other outside cornerback spot in 2024, in his second season.
Moss was something of an oddity when he first got into the starting lineup as the NFL’s first white, starting cornerback since New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn in 2002.
Moss was originally committed to play for FCS powerhouse North Dakota State but flipped when he got a late offer from Iowa, where he was an All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2021 and a two-time All-Big Ten selection.
Moss ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL combine and was drafted by the Broncos in the 3rd round (No. 83 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.
Moss Also Popular Target on Social Media
Few NFL cornerbacks get lit up on social media like Moss does, week in and week out.
“Raiders CB Kyu Blu Kelly has allowed 346 yards this season, the most in the NFL,” Catapult Sports’ Tristen Kuhn wrote on X on October 6. The second most, Broncos CB
“Every team that faces the Broncos’ defense has the same game plan and it’s just ‘beat Riley Moss like a snare drum,’ ” NFL Reporter Christian D’Andrea wrote on X on October 5.
“It has been a mixed bag of results when teams decide to attack Broncos DB Riley Moss,” The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Devin Jackson wrote on his official X account before the Broncos played the Eagles. “He’s allowed just 1 TD as nearest defender in coverage this season, has given up some downfield catches, in and out breakers in man coverage, but he also has a couple PBUs. Could see a decent amount of DeVonta Smith targets this weekend.”
