Walk into any bar in Wisconsin and ask about the Green Bay Packers in Hall of Fame count. You’ll probably get three different numbers and a heated debate about why Sterling Sharpe waited so long.
Honestly, it’s a mess of a topic because people constantly mix up the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton and the team’s own Hall of Fame at Lambeau Field. They aren't the same. Not even close. One is a global elite club; the other is a massive tribute to the franchise’s specific history.
As of early 2026, the Packers have 36 members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. That’s a staggering number. Only the Chicago Bears have more, and if you're a Green Bay fan, that "second place" status probably stings a bit. But when you look at the names—Lombardi, Starr, Nitschke, White—you realize we’re talking about the literal architecture of the NFL.
The 1960s Dynasty: A Canton Takeover
Basically, the 1960s Packers are why the Hall of Fame exists. Vince Lombardi didn't just win games; he produced gold jackets like a factory.
There were 11 Hall of Famers on the 1962 championship team alone. Think about that for a second. Nearly half of the starting lineup ended up with a bust in Ohio. We’re talking about guys like Herb Adderley, Willie Davis, and Forrest Gregg. Gregg was so good that Lombardi famously called him "the finest player I ever coached." High praise from a man not exactly known for handing out trophies for participation.
Then you have the Jerry Kramer saga. For decades, it was the biggest snub in sports history. The man made the most famous block in NFL history during the Ice Bowl, yet he sat in the "Seniors" waiting room forever. When he finally got in back in 2018, it felt like a collective exhale from the entire state of Wisconsin. It proved that the Green Bay Packers in Hall of Fame story is never really over; it just takes a while for the voters to catch up to the reality on the field.
✨ Don't miss: The Division 2 National Championship Game: How Ferris State Just Redrew the Record Books
Recent Inductions and the 2026 Horizon
If you haven't been keeping track lately, the list has grown. Julius Peppers was a massive addition in 2024. Even though he's often associated with the Panthers, his time in Green Bay was transformative for that defense.
And then there's Sterling Sharpe.
The 2025 induction of Sterling Sharpe was a massive win for those of us who argue that "longevity" is a boring stat compared to "sheer dominance." Sharpe’s career was cut short by a neck injury, but for the seven years he played, he was the best receiver in the league. Period. Better than Rice for a stretch? Yeah, I said it.
Who's next?
The 2026 nomination list is out, and it’s a "who’s who" of the 2010 Super Bowl run.
- Clay Matthews: The flowing hair, the forced fumbles, the 83.5 sacks. He’s the franchise leader (since they started tracking sacks in '82).
- Jordy Nelson: Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target. His sideline toe-taps were basically art.
- Donald Driver: 14 seasons, all in Green Bay. Over 10,000 yards. The smile alone should get him in.
- Nick Collins: Another "what if" story. Before the injury, he was on a first-ballot trajectory.
It's tough, though. The selection committee is brutal. They look at "Modern-Era" nominees and trim 128 people down to 50, then 25, then 15. Only 3 to 5 make it in. Clay Matthews has the best shot this year, but with guys like Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald also on the 2026 ballot, the competition is a nightmare.
🔗 Read more: Por qué los partidos de Primera B de Chile son más entretenidos que la división de honor
Why the Packers Hall of Fame is Different
Don't confuse the Canton count (36) with the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame count, which is well over 170.
The Packers Hall of Fame, Inc. is actually a separate non-profit. It was the first of its kind in the NFL. It’s where guys like Aaron Kampman and Mark Murphy get their flowers. Mark Murphy just got inducted in 2025, right after he retired as team president. It’s a local honor. It’s for the people who made Green Bay Green Bay, even if they didn't have the All-Pro stats to impress a national committee.
There’s also the FAN Hall of Fame. Since 1998, the team has been inducting one "super fan" every year. In 2024, it was John Brosig. In 2026, the voting is currently live. It sounds kinda cheesy until you see the passion these people have. It’s what makes this team a "publicly owned" anomaly in a world of billionaire owners.
The "Transplant" Hall of Famers
People always forget the guys who only spent a cup of coffee in Wisconsin but are still technically Green Bay Packers in Hall of Fame members.
- Jan Stenerud: The kicker. Most people think of him as a Chief, but he spent four years in Green Bay.
- Ted Hendricks: "The Mad Stork." Only one season (1974) with the Pack, but he was so dominant he made the Pro Bowl that year.
- Emlen Tunnell: He finished his career in Green Bay after a legendary run with the Giants.
These count toward the team's total in Canton records, which is why you'll see "36" cited in official NFL documents. It’s a bit of a loophole, but we take what we can get.
💡 You might also like: South Carolina women's basketball schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
The Forgotten Legends: Don Hutson
If you want to sound like a real expert, stop talking about Favre and start talking about Don Hutson.
Hutson played from 1935 to 1945. He literally invented the modern pass route. Before him, guys just ran downfield and hoped for the best. Hutson created the "post," the "out," and the "slant." When he retired, he held 19 NFL records. Some of those stood for decades. He led the league in interceptions while also being the leading receiver.
He was the first true "superstar" of the Green Bay Packers in Hall of Fame lineage. Without him, the forward pass might still be a secondary option in the NFL.
Actionable Steps for the True Fan
If you're planning a trip to see these legends, here's how to do it right:
- Visit the Hall of Fame at Lambeau: Don't just do the stadium tour. The Hall of Fame is in the Atrium and requires its own ticket. Give yourself at least two hours. The "Lombardi Office" recreation is worth the price of admission alone.
- Check the 2026 Finalists: The Pro Football Hall of Fame will announce the final 15 "Modern-Era" players right before the Super Bowl in February. Keep an eye on Clay Matthews’ progress.
- Vote in the Fan Hall of Fame: If you're a shareholder or just a die-hard, the 2026 Fan Hall of Fame voting ends January 31. You can find the profiles on the official Packers website.
- Watch the Enshrinement: If a Packer gets in, the ceremony in Canton (usually August) becomes a sea of green and gold. It’s basically a home game in Ohio.
The history of the Green Bay Packers in Hall of Fame isn't just about bronze busts. It's about a small town in the middle of nowhere that somehow became the center of the football universe. Whether it's the 1920s "Iron Man" era or the high-flying Rodgers years, the path to Canton always seems to run through Green Bay.