Overview
- ESPN reports Robert Kraft, a first-time finalist, did not secure enough support from the 50 selectors for the Class of 2026, a week after reports that Bill Belichick also fell short.
- Under the revised format, selectors choose up to three of five finalists spanning coach, contributor and seniors, and election requires 40 of 50 votes, with the top vote‑getter elected only if no one reaches 40.
- The Pro Football Hall of Fame said it respects the reaction to the reports and will examine the selection process, warning that action could follow if any bylaws were breached.
- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he believes both Kraft and Belichick will eventually be enshrined, following Kraft’s public defense of Belichick after last week’s leak.
- With both reportedly under the threshold, at least one senior finalist — Roger Craig, Ken Anderson or L.C. Greenwood — is expected to be inducted, and some voters have said they prioritized seniors this year.