Vikings Legend Kevin Williams Named Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalist

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 15 modern-era finalists for the Class of 2026 on Tuesday. Kevin Williams, a standout defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings from 2003-13, is among the finalists.

Williams was one of the most dominant defensive linemen of his era. He was selected ninth overall in the 2003 NFL Draft and made his presence felt immediately.

As a rookie, Williams led the Vikings with 10.5 sacks. He did more than rush the passer, though, intercepting one pass, deflected four passes, and recovered a fumble, finishing fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Williams wreaked havoc as a sophomore, continuing to generate game-changing plays in 2004. He again led the team with 11.5 sacks, intercepted another pass, forced two fumbles, and recovered three fumbles.

No play was more impactful than when he picked up a fumble by Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich. The 6-foot-5, 311-pound lineman ran it back 77 yards with 1:59 remaining in the game to secure a crucial 27-16 victory, improving Minnesota to a 7-4 record.

It was the first of five First-Team All-Pro selections for Williams over the next six seasons. He was part of the famed "Williams Wall" with nose tackle Pat Williams, who signed with the team in 2005. The Vikings would lead the league in run defense each season from 2006 to 2008, slipping only a little in 2009, when they ranked second.

Despite Williams' size, his unique athleticism helped him make plays that most defensive tackles aren't capable of. He had two pick-6's in the 2007 season, returning one for 54 yards in the season-opener against Atlanta and the other 18 yards on the first play from scrimmage in Week 14 at San Francisco.

Williams totaled five interceptions in his career and had four total return touchdowns, tied for the Vikings' defensive record and most among defensive linemen. He had 73 passes defensed, disrupting passing games even when he couldn't get to the quarterback.

And he still got after the quarterback. Williams had 60 sacks in 11 seasons with the Vikings, terrorizing offenses with his rare burst and strength.

Williams played for the Seahawks in 2014 and the Saints in 2015 before retiring. He was selected to the NFL's All-Decade Team in the 2000s and was a six-time Pro Bowler. That is tied with John Randle for the second-most Pro Bowl appearances in team history, behind Alan Page (9).

If selected, Williams will be the second Viking to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in as many years. Defensive end Jared Allen, who was teammates with Williams from 2008-13, was inducted into the Class of 2025. He made his pitch for Williams during his speech.

"Kevin, I cannot wait to be sitting in these stands or on this stage when we celebrate you one day," Allen said. "You are a true, amazing player, my friend."

Williams is as deserving as any finalist this season. He was equally dominant in the run and pass, and changed games even before the defense as a whole grew stronger later in his career. Although he was quiet, his play spoke volumes. He set a standard for the defense that almost helped the Vikings reach the Super Bowl in 2009.

If the Hall of Fame truly wants the best players inducted, then there is no reason that the most dominant defensive tackle of the decade shouldn't get in this year.

The other 14 modern-era finalists are below: