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Robert Kraft speaks out against Bill Belichick's Pro Football Hall of Fame snub
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- Robert Kraft speaks out against Bill Belichick's Pro Football Hall of Fame snub
Bill Belichick has the backing of another key figure from the New England Patriots ' dynasty – as well as someone with whom he repeatedly clashed – in the wake of the coach's exclusion from the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class .
Patriots owner Robert Kraft told the Associated Press on Wednesday that Belichick deserved to be chosen in his first year of eligibility.
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"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 in a statement.
"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."
On Jan. 27, ESPN reported that Belichick – a finalist in the coaches category - did not receive the necessary 40 of 50 votes required for induction. Despite holding winning a record six Super Bowl titles as a head coach and 333 regular-season victories – second only to Hall of Famer Don Shula – Belichick now must wait until at least 2027 to be selected.
Oct. 25, 2025: Bill Belichick looks over the North Carolina Tar Heels football team before a game against Virginia at Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels finished 4-8 in Belichick's first season as head coach.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Feb. 6, 2025: Bill Belichick and girlfriend Jordon Hudson on the red carpet before Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre in New Orleans.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
Dec. 12, 2024: Bill Belichick is introduced as the new head football coach at the University of North Carolina, and holds up the sweatshirt worn by his father when he was an assistant coach for the Tar Heels.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
June 12, 2024: Former Patriots Coach Bill Belichick (L) embraces former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on stage during the 2024 Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Tom Brady is the 35th person to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
(Joseph Prezioso, AFP via Getty Images)
May 5, 2024: (L-R) Tom Brady and Bill Belichick speak onstage during G.R.O.A.T The Greatest Roast Of All Time: Tom Brady for the Netflix is a Joke Festival at The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
(Matt Winkelmeyer, Getty Images for Netflix)
Jan. 12, 2024: A pop-up tribute to longtime Patriots coach Bill Belichick along Barnstable Rd in Hyannis, Massachusetts after it was announced Jerod Mayo will be the team's new head coach.
(Steve Heaslip, Cape Cod Times via USA TODAY Network)
Jan. 11, 2024: Head coach Bill Belichick (L) of the New England Patriots shakes hands with owner Robert Kraft (R) during a press conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Belichick announced he is stepping down as head coach after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl victories with the team.
(Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)
Jan. 7, 2024: Bill Belichick watches from the sideline as the New England Patriots lose, 17-3, to the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in the 2023 regular-season finale. The Patriots finished 4-13, the worst record of Belichick's head coaching career. Four days later, Belichick and the Patriots parted ways, ending a 24-season run together.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
Nov. 26, 2023: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during his team's game against the New Your Giants at MetLife Stadium.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)
Aug. 3, 2019: Ty Law poses with his Hall of Fame bust with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
May 4, 2019: Danny Amendola, Linda Holliday, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady attend the 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
(Robin Marchant, Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
Feb. 3, 2019: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend Linda Holliday celebrate after the Patriots' win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It was Belichick's sixth Super Bowl win as Patriots head coach.
(Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
Jan. 20, 2019: Tom Brady is interviewed by CBS Sports' Jim Nantz after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime in the AFC championship game, 37-31, as head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft look on.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
Feb. 4, 2018: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks the sidelines in front of quarterback Tom Brady during the team's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
(Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
Jan. 13, 2018: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts in the cold during the AFC divisional playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won the game, 35-14.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
Apr. 19, 2017: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, President Donald Trump, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and Patriots president Jonathan Kraft stand with Patriots players as President Trump holds a helmet at a ceremony honoring the Super Bowl LI champion Patriots on the South Lawn at the White House.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
Feb. 5, 2017: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. The Patriots won, 34-28, in overtime, overcoming a 28-3 deficit as Belichick won his fifth Super Bowl as Patriots head coach.
(Daniel Powers, USA TODAY Sports)
Jan. 24, 2016: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick meets Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) on the field after the AFC championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots, 20-18, to earn a trip to Super Bowl 50. Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
(Chris Humphreys, USA TODAY Sports)
April 23, 2015: President Barack Obama poses between New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft, along with team members, during a ceremony honoring the 2014 Super Bowl champion on the South Lawn at the White House.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
April 13, 2015: New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady walk to the mound during ceremonies for the Boston Red Sox's home opener against the Washington Nationals at Fenway Park.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
Feb. 1, 2015: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is dunked with Gatorade after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
Dec. 14, 2014: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after clinching the AFC East title with a 41-13 win over the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.
(Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports)
Dec. 12, 2010: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Patriots defeated the Bears, 36-7.
(Rob Grabowski, US PRESSWIRE)
Feb. 3, 2008: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Patriots, 17-14. New England had entered the game with a perfect 18-0 record.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)
July 13, 2005: Bill Belichick (left) accepts the award for best Coach/Manager from presenters Garrett Hedlund and Mark Wahlberg onstage at the 13th Annual ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California.
(Kevin Winter, Getty Images)
Feb. 1, 2004: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Carolina Panthers, 32-29, in Super Bowl XXXVIII at Reliant Stadium in Houston.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Jan. 18, 2004: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick celebrates with linebacker Willie McGinest after defeating the Indianapolis Colts, 24-14, in the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY)
Feb. 3, 2002: FOX Sports announcer Terry Bradshaw talks with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft after winning Super Bowl XXXVI, 20-17, against the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Jan. 30, 2002: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick directs his team practice in New Orleans, four days before playing the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.
(ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP via Getty Images)
Dec. 19, 1998: New York Jets defensive coordinator Bill Belichick hugs defensive end Anthony Pleasant at the conclusion of the Jets' 17-10 win over the Buffalo Bills that clinched the AFC East division title.
(WAYNE SCARBERRY, AFP via Getty Images)
Feb. 4, 1997: Bill Belichick and Steve Gutman, president of the New York Jets, pose for photographers at the Jets' training facility after Belichick was named the team's new head coach. Belichick's tenure as head coach lasted just six days, as Bill Parcells was elevated to head coach and Belichick would be assistant head coach/defensive coordinator.
(MALCOLM CLARKE, AFP via Getty Images)
Jan. 1, 1995: New England Patriots head coach Bill Parcells talks with Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick prior to the 1994 AFC wild-card playoff game at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns won the game, 20-13.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Dec. 6, 1992: Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick walks the sidelines during his team's game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns won the game, 37-21.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Sept. 8, 1991: Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium. The Browns defeated the Patriots, 20-0.
(US PRESSWIRE)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Oct. 25, 2025: Bill Belichick looks over the North Carolina Tar Heels football team before a game against Virginia at Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels finished 4-8 in Belichick's first season as head coach.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Oct. 25, 2025: Bill Belichick looks over the North Carolina Tar Heels football team before a game against Virginia at Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels finished 4-8 in Belichick's first season as head coach.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Feb. 6, 2025: Bill Belichick and girlfriend Jordon Hudson on the red carpet before Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre in New Orleans.
(Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Dec. 12, 2024: Bill Belichick is introduced as the new head football coach at the University of North Carolina, and holds up the sweatshirt worn by his father when he was an assistant coach for the Tar Heels.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
June 12, 2024: Former Patriots Coach Bill Belichick (L) embraces former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on stage during the 2024 Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Tom Brady is the 35th person to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
(Joseph Prezioso, AFP via Getty Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
May 5, 2024: (L-R) Tom Brady and Bill Belichick speak onstage during G.R.O.A.T The Greatest Roast Of All Time: Tom Brady for the Netflix is a Joke Festival at The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
(Matt Winkelmeyer, Getty Images for Netflix)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 12, 2024: A pop-up tribute to longtime Patriots coach Bill Belichick along Barnstable Rd in Hyannis, Massachusetts after it was announced Jerod Mayo will be the team's new head coach.
(Steve Heaslip, Cape Cod Times via USA TODAY Network)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 11, 2024: Head coach Bill Belichick (L) of the New England Patriots shakes hands with owner Robert Kraft (R) during a press conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Belichick announced he is stepping down as head coach after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl victories with the team.
(Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 7, 2024: Bill Belichick watches from the sideline as the New England Patriots lose, 17-3, to the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium in the 2023 regular-season finale. The Patriots finished 4-13, the worst record of Belichick's head coaching career. Four days later, Belichick and the Patriots parted ways, ending a 24-season run together.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Nov. 26, 2023: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during his team's game against the New Your Giants at MetLife Stadium.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Aug. 3, 2019: Ty Law poses with his Hall of Fame bust with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
May 4, 2019: Danny Amendola, Linda Holliday, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady attend the 145th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
(Robin Marchant, Getty Images for Churchill Downs)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Feb. 3, 2019: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend Linda Holliday celebrate after the Patriots' win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It was Belichick's sixth Super Bowl win as Patriots head coach.
(Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 20, 2019: Tom Brady is interviewed by CBS Sports' Jim Nantz after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime in the AFC championship game, 37-31, as head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft look on.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Feb. 4, 2018: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks the sidelines in front of quarterback Tom Brady during the team's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
(Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 13, 2018: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts in the cold during the AFC divisional playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won the game, 35-14.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Apr. 19, 2017: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, President Donald Trump, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and Patriots president Jonathan Kraft stand with Patriots players as President Trump holds a helmet at a ceremony honoring the Super Bowl LI champion Patriots on the South Lawn at the White House.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Feb. 5, 2017: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts after defeating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. The Patriots won, 34-28, in overtime, overcoming a 28-3 deficit as Belichick won his fifth Super Bowl as Patriots head coach.
(Daniel Powers, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 24, 2016: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick meets Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) on the field after the AFC championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots, 20-18, to earn a trip to Super Bowl 50. Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
(Chris Humphreys, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
April 23, 2015: President Barack Obama poses between New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft, along with team members, during a ceremony honoring the 2014 Super Bowl champion on the South Lawn at the White House.
(Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
April 13, 2015: New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady walk to the mound during ceremonies for the Boston Red Sox's home opener against the Washington Nationals at Fenway Park.
(David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Feb. 1, 2015: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is dunked with Gatorade after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Dec. 14, 2014: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after clinching the AFC East title with a 41-13 win over the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium.
(Winslow Townson, USA TODAY Sports)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Dec. 12, 2010: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Patriots defeated the Bears, 36-7.
(Rob Grabowski, US PRESSWIRE)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Feb. 3, 2008: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants defeated the Patriots, 17-14. New England had entered the game with a perfect 18-0 record.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
July 13, 2005: Bill Belichick (left) accepts the award for best Coach/Manager from presenters Garrett Hedlund and Mark Wahlberg onstage at the 13th Annual ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California.
(Kevin Winter, Getty Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Feb. 1, 2004: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Carolina Panthers, 32-29, in Super Bowl XXXVIII at Reliant Stadium in Houston.
(US PRESSWIRE)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 18, 2004: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick celebrates with linebacker Willie McGinest after defeating the Indianapolis Colts, 24-14, in the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Feb. 3, 2002: FOX Sports announcer Terry Bradshaw talks with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft after winning Super Bowl XXXVI, 20-17, against the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome.
(US PRESSWIRE)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 30, 2002: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick directs his team practice in New Orleans, four days before playing the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.
(ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP via Getty Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Dec. 19, 1998: New York Jets defensive coordinator Bill Belichick hugs defensive end Anthony Pleasant at the conclusion of the Jets' 17-10 win over the Buffalo Bills that clinched the AFC East division title.
(WAYNE SCARBERRY, AFP via Getty Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Feb. 4, 1997: Bill Belichick and Steve Gutman, president of the New York Jets, pose for photographers at the Jets' training facility after Belichick was named the team's new head coach. Belichick's tenure as head coach lasted just six days, as Bill Parcells was elevated to head coach and Belichick would be assistant head coach/defensive coordinator.
(MALCOLM CLARKE, AFP via Getty Images)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Jan. 1, 1995: New England Patriots head coach Bill Parcells talks with Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick prior to the 1994 AFC wild-card playoff game at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns won the game, 20-13.
(US PRESSWIRE)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Dec. 6, 1992: Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick walks the sidelines during his team's game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Stadium. The Browns won the game, 37-21.
(US PRESSWIRE)
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See Bill Belichick's football life in photos
Sept. 8, 1991: Cleveland Browns head coach Bill Belichick prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Foxboro Stadium. The Browns defeated the Patriots, 20-0.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Kraft is also a finalist for the 2026 class as the contributor finalist, with Roger Craig, Ken Anderson and L.C. Greenwood the candidates in the senior category. Belichick was also in that pool of finalists, from which one to three figures will be inducted. This year's class will also feature anywhere from three to five modern-era selections chosen from a group of 15.
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Kraft hired Belichick in January 2000, and the Patriots achieved an unparalleled level of success in the coach's 24-year tenure. But major divisions between the two emerged as the partnership wore on, with the relationship becoming even more strained after Tom Brady 's exit in 2020. With the Patriots having suffered losing seasons in three of the four years following Brady's departure, Kraft parted ways with Belichick after the 2023 season.
Brady was among the host of former Patriots players who came to Belichick's defense .
"I don't understand it. I mean, I was with him every day. If he's not a first-ballot Hall of Famer, there's really no coach that should ever be a Hall of Famer," Brady said Wednesday in an interview with Seattle Sports .
The Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class will be revealed Feb. 5 at NFL Honors in San Francisco .
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Robert Kraft speaks out against Bill Belichick's Hall of Fame sub
