Overview
- Multiple outlets report Bill Belichick fell short of the 40 votes needed for first-ballot induction, with one veteran selector citing 39, while the Hall has not released an official tally ahead of the Feb. 5 announcement.
- Selectors Mike Chappell and Vahe Gregorian publicly said they used their three allotted votes on other finalists, including Robert Kraft and senior candidates, highlighting incentives created by the three-of-five format.
- Deliberations included references to Spygate and Deflategate, and reporting alleged Bill Polian suggested Belichick should wait a year; Polian has denied swaying colleagues and said he voted for Belichick, with The Athletic reporting the Hall confirmed his yes vote.
- Gary Myers said Belichick told him he will not comment until after this year's class is announced, though ESPN reported he privately expressed disappointment upon learning the result.
- Reaction from across the sport condemned the outcome, with Tom Brady and Robert Kraft defending Belichick's candidacy and commentators urging the Hall to review procedures and transparency.