Robert Kraft Says Bill Belichick Deserves First-Ballot Hall of Fame Honor
- David S
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Patriots Owner Expresses Shock Over Belichick’s Omission
FOXBOROUGH, Mass New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has voiced strong support for legendary head coach Bill Belichick, saying he is “shocked” by reports that Belichick will not be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
In a statement to the Associated Press, Kraft made it clear that, in his view, Belichick’s legacy leaves no room for debate when it comes to Hall of Fame recognition.
“Whatever perceptions may exist about any personal differences between Bill and me, I strongly believe Bill Belichick’s record and body of work speak for themselves,” Kraft said.
ESPN Report Sparks League-Wide Reaction
According to ESPN, citing four unnamed sources, Belichick failed to receive the required 40 votes from the Hall of Fame’s 50-person selection committee. The report said Belichick was informed of the decision last week.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame declined to comment ahead of the official announcement of the Class of 2026, which will be revealed during the NFL Honors ceremony on February 5 in San Francisco.
“The Greatest Coach of All Time,” Says Kraft
Kraft praised Belichick’s unmatched success during more than two decades with the Patriots, highlighting his ability to dominate in the modern NFL era shaped by free agency and the salary cap.
“As head coach of the New England Patriots for more than two decades, he set the standard for on-field excellence, preparation, and sustained success,” Kraft said. “He is the greatest coach of all time and he unequivocally deserves to be a unanimous first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.”
NFL World Pushes Back on Hall of Fame Decision
Reaction to Belichick’s reported omission was swift and intense across the league. Many players, analysts, and even Hall of Fame voters criticized the selection committee.
Former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who won all six of his Super Bowl titles under Belichick, called the decision “ridiculous” during a radio interview.
“If he’s not a first-ballot Hall of Famer, there’s really no coach that should ever be a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” Brady said.
A Historic Coaching Career
Belichick was hired by the Patriots in 2000 and transformed the franchise into a dynasty. Between 2001 and 2018, New England won six Super Bowls and appeared in three additional championship games.
Across his career with New England and Cleveland, Belichick amassed 333 combined regular-season and playoff wins second only to Don Shula’s all-time record. He also won AP NFL Coach of the Year honors three times.
While his final years in New England were marked by struggles following Brady’s departure, Belichick’s overall résumé remains unmatched in NFL history.
Conclusion: Legacy Beyond a Ballot
Though Bill Belichick may not receive first-ballot induction, his influence on the game of football is unquestionable. From championships and records to redefining what sustained excellence looks like in the NFL, his legacy is firmly cemented.
As voices like Robert Kraft and Tom Brady continue to defend his case, many believe it’s only a matter of time before Belichick takes his rightful place among the game’s immortals whether on the first ballot or the next.
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