The selection committee for the Hall of Fame is apparently not favorable to the New England Patriots. After former coach Bill Belichick, owner Robert Kraft also missed out on a shot at the Hall of Fame.
While the New England Patriots are playing for the title against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 Super Bowl, things are currently less smooth off the field.
Robert Kraft, owner of the Patriots since 1998, was once again not elected to the Hall of Fame. The 84-year-old has been nominated for the Hall of Fame since 2013 and made it to the finalists for the first time this year.
New England Patriots: Bill Belichick already missed out on the Hall of Fame
Bill Belichick previously missed out on being inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. For the long-time Patriots coach, however, it was the first year in which he was available for election. The coaching legend does not receive the prestigious title of “First Ballot Hall of Famer.”
Why Belichick wasn’t inducted into the Hall of Fame despite his six Super Bowl titles as a head coach? This question causes a lot of discussion. Some suspect a conspiracy out of resentment against the Patriots dynasty, which was also accompanied by scandals such as “Spy-Gate” and “Deflate-Gate”. Bill Polian, former Colts GM and longtime Belichick rival, fueled speculation by saying he couldn’t remember whether he voted for or against Belichick.
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Is the election process to blame?
Kraft’s and Belichick’s failure may also be related to a procedural problem with the vote. Election committee members can only vote for three of the five finalists. Ex-players are often preferred – especially those who have been waiting for a long time to be accepted.
The sporting vita has the strength to get into the hall of fame. Before the paper and packaging businessman took over the franchise, the Patriots had not won a single Super Bowl title – today they have six and, in a few seasons, perhaps even seven.
It was also Kraft who made a new stadium in Foxborough possible and snatched Belichick away from the division rival New York Jets in 2000. The rest is history.
Also interesting: Lorenz Metz before Super Bowl: “The option to play is there”
