Overview
- Bill Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft were not elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2026 class, with Belichick falling short of the required 40 of 50 votes and both remaining eligible in 2027.
- On NBC’s pregame show, Rodney Harrison told Hall voter Tony Dungy “you guys got it wrong,” while Dungy refused to reveal his ballot and pointed to a recent format change that grouped coaches, contributors and senior players, with voters limited to three of five choices and Roger Craig receiving the most votes.
- Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said procedures are being reviewed, including a return to in-person deliberations and other possible tweaks, though immediate release of individual ballots or totals is not planned.
- Randy Moss urged restricting voting to former players or coaches, Deion Sanders pushed for Hall of Famers to control voting, and Bill Parcells blasted selectors for leaving Belichick and Kraft out.
- ESPN reporting says Spygate and Deflategate were discussed during Belichick’s evaluation, and two committee members, Vahe Gregorian and Mike Chappell, publicly explained why they did not vote for him.