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Hall of Fame Eyes Voting Overhaul After Belichick, Kraft Left Out of 2026 Class

Belichick reportedly finished one vote short, with another chance coming in 2027.

Overview

  • NFL Network reported the Hall is weighing procedural changes, including a smaller committee, more non‑media members such as historians and former GMs, fewer modern‑era finalists, public ballots, and a return to in‑person deliberations.
  • Hall president Jim Porter said the institution will make tweaks to protect the integrity of the process as it reviews how candidates are considered.
  • Belichick needed 40 of 50 votes under the pooled coaches/contributors/seniors format and reportedly received 39 or fewer; ballots remain confidential, and Robert Kraft also fell short.
  • Prominent voices blasted the outcome, with Bill Parcells calling it a mockery and Randy Moss urging that only players and coaches should vote.
  • Reaction widened on Sunday as President Trump labeled the decision terrible and NBC’s Rodney Harrison told voters they got it wrong, while Tony Dungy declined to disclose his ballot.