Pro Football Hall of Fame releases statement after Bill Belichick snub

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Pro Football Hall of Fame releases statement after Bill Belichick snub

Lauren Campbell · MassLive

Wed, Jan 28, 2026 ·

2 min read

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The Pro Football Hall of Fame released a statement Wednesday night about 24 hours after news broke that Bill Belichick will not be part of the 2026 class .

The statement, that does not name Belichick, notes that if a voter violated the selection process, action, including removing the voter, will be taken.

Here is the statement in full:

“The Pro Football Hall of Fame understands and respects the passionate reaction of many fans, media members and enshrinees of the Hall itself in light of published reports regarding the voting results for the Class of 2026.

“It’s that very passion that propels the game.

“The Hall also respects the members of the Selection Committee when they follow the selection process bylaws. It is an honor to serve as a selector.

“Each year, the Hall reviews the selection process and the composition of the 50-person Selection Committee. If it is determined that any member(s) violated the selection process bylaws, they understand action will be taken.

“That could include the possibility that such selector(s) would not remain a member of the committee moving forward.

“The selection of a new class is the most important duty the Hall of Fame oversees each year, and the integrity of that process cannot be in question.”

Belichick learned his fate Friday night. The decision drew the ire of several former Patriots players — including Tom Brady — current NFL players , analysts and members of the media.

Even Patriots owner Robert Kraft chimed in on the decision.

In ESPN’s report, it revealed former Indianapolis Colts general manager Bill Polian lobbied for voters to make Belichick “wait a year” as punishment for Spygate.

Polian, one of the 50 voters for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, denied the report in a conversation with SI’s Matt Verderame.

However, in a separate conversation with ESPN’s Don Van Natta , Polian claimed he couldn’t remember if he voted for Belichick, and said he was 95% sure, but couldn’t say with 100% certainty.

Belichick won eight Super Bowls over the course of his 49-year coaching career in the NFL. Six of those came with the New England Patriots as he helped coach the team to two separate dynasties over the course of a historic 23-year run.

The 72-year-old will be eligible again in 2027.

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