Overview
- Multiple outlets report Bill Belichick received 39 of the 40 votes needed for induction, though the Pro Football Hall of Fame has not released an official tally and ballots remain confidential.
- Some selectors publicly said they used their limited three votes on other finalists, with Mike Chappell backing Robert Kraft and Vahe Gregorian prioritizing senior candidates Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood.
- Deliberations included discussion of Spygate and Deflategate, and an ESPN report said Bill Polian urged a one-year wait for Belichick, which Polian has denied even as his own recounting of his vote has varied.
- Belichick told voter Gary Myers he will not comment until after the class is revealed at NFL Honors on Feb. 5; he is widely expected to be reconsidered and would be eligible again in 2027.
- Backlash continued as figures from Tom Brady and Robert Kraft to an NFL executive quoted by The Athletic’s Mike Sando condemned the outcome and pointed to flaws in the Hall’s revamped selection mechanics.