Patriots' Kraft and Belichick Miss Hall of Fame Induction in 2026
The New England Patriots may be poised for a return to Super Bowl contention, but two of the franchise's most pivotal figures will not be enshrined in Canton this year. Owner Robert Kraft has been omitted from the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, following closely on the heels of legendary head coach Bill Belichick, who was also snubbed in his first year of eligibility.
Voting Process Leads to Surprising Exclusions
Kraft was a finalist in the contributor category but failed to secure the minimum 40 votes required from the 50-member selection committee. Under Hall of Fame rules, voters must select three of the five finalists in the contributor and senior categories. Only candidates receiving at least 40 votes are inducted. If none reaches that mark, the highest vote-getter advances.
This year's group included Belichick, along with former players Roger Craig, Ken Anderson, and L.C. Greenwood. With both Kraft and Belichick falling short, at least one of the player finalists will be part of the Class of 2026.
A Record-Breaking Dynasty Without Recognition
The snub is particularly striking given Kraft's instrumental role in building one of the most dominant dynasties in NFL history. Since purchasing the Patriots for $172 million in 1994, Kraft has overseen six Super Bowl championships and 10 appearances, the most by any owner in league history during that span.
The Patriots are currently tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl wins in NFL history. A victory in Super Bowl LX would put New England alone at the top.
Belichick was hired by Kraft in 2000, leading the franchise to six titles over an 18-year run. His combined 333 regular-season and playoff victories rank second all-time behind Don Shula.
NFL Commissioner Expresses Confidence in Future Induction
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expressed confidence that both men will eventually be inducted. "They are spectacular. They have contributed so much to this game, and I believe they will be Hall of Famers," Goodell said earlier this week.
Voting Process Under Scrutiny Amid Rule Changes
This year marked the first time coaches became eligible just one year after retirement, a rule change that affected Belichick's candidacy. The contributor and senior categories are voted on separately from the modern-era finalists, adding another layer of complexity to the process.
Kraft had been eligible for over a decade but reached finalist status for the first time this year. His exclusion ends speculation that voter support for him may have indirectly affected Belichick's case.
While controversies such as Spygate and Deflategate have occasionally resurfaced in discussions, there is no official indication that they influenced voting.
