The Hispanic Football Hall of Fame proudly announced today the selection of seven iconic figures as the inaugural inductees into its Class of 2026. The historic class will be honored during the Celebración de Fútbol on Cinco de Mayo, May 5, 2026, at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters in Henderson, Nevada.
The distinguished Class of 2026 is comprised of Tom Fears, Tom Flores, Ted Hendricks, Anthony Muñoz, Jim Plunkett, Ron Rivera, and Steve Van Buren.
These legendary players and coaches have made lasting contributions to the game of football while serving as trailblazers and role models within the Hispanic community. Their excellence on and off the field has helped shape the sport’s history and inspire future generations.
“The Hispanic Football Hall of Fame was created to recognize and celebrate the profound impact Hispanic athletes and leaders have had on the game of football,” said Sandy Nunez, Selection Committee Chairperson. “This inaugural class reflects excellence, lasting legacy, and a future where the next generation can see themselves at the highest levels of the sport.”
The inductees were selected by the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which includes: Sandy Nunez (Chairperson, Founding Board Member & Award-Winning Executive Producer), Judy Battista (NFL Senior National Columnist), Rolando Cantú (NFL Analyst, TNF En Español), Paul Gutierrez (Columnist for Raiders.com), Brandon Huffman (National Recruiting Editor, 247Sports), Moises Linares (Emmy Award-Winning Bilingual Sports Journalist), Alex Marvez (NFL Reporter, Pro Football Hall of Fame voter), Armando Salguero (OutKick Senior NFL Writer), and John Sutcliffe (ESPN Deportes Reporter).
In addition to honoring the Class of 2026, the event will recognize the Pro Player of the Year Nik Bonitto, College Player of the Year Fernando Mendoza, High School Player of the Year Ryan Estrada, and other distinguished honorees.
The inaugural Celebración de Fútbol will bring together football greats, media, community leaders, and fans for an unforgettable evening celebrating Hispanic excellence.
