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Bill Belichick ‘unequivocally deserves’ to be first ballot Hall of Famer, Robert Kraft says
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- Bill Belichick ‘unequivocally deserves’ to be first ballot Hall of Famer, Robert Kraft says
Robert Kraft is among those who feel Bill Belichick was snubbed of being a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
The New England Patriots owner shared his thoughts with The Associated Press’ Kyle Hightower .
“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 . “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 in the free agency and salary cap era of the National Football League. He is the greatest coach of all time and he unequivocally deserves to be a unanimous first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.”
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Reports surfaced of tensions between Kraft and Belichick during their successful run together in New England that included six Super Bowls. Things only escalated in what proved to be Belichick’s final season when the Patriots finished 4-13 — the worst with him as coach. Belichick and New England eventually agreed to part ways after the 2023 season.
Belichick maintains the split was mutual, though Kraft claimed he made the decision to fire him. Belichick also left Kraft out of his book , “The Art of Winning: Lessons from My Life in Football.”
Despite any differences the two had or still have, Kraft revealed he wants a Belichick statue to go next to the Tom Brady one outside of Gillette Stadium once Belichick’s coaching career comes to an end.
Belichick learned his Hall of Fame fate last Friday. It was a decision that didn’t sit well with his former players, including Tom Brady , NFL analysts, past and present players and members of the media .
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Belichick won eight Super Bowls over the course of his 49-year coaching career in the NFL. Six of those came with the Patriots as he helped coach the team to two separate dynasties over the course of a historic 23-year run.
Regardless of his résumé, he did not earn enough of the vote to be enshrined this time around.
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