Overview
- ESPN reported that Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a first-time finalist, did not secure the 40 votes needed from the 50-member committee.
- Reporting last week indicated Bill Belichick also fell short, countering speculation that Kraft’s support alone explained the coach’s exclusion.
- Under the revised process, voters choose three of five finalists across the coach, contributor and senior categories, with 40 votes needed for election and the top vote-getter advancing if no one meets the threshold.
- With both Kraft and Belichick out, coverage indicates at least one senior finalist — Roger Craig, Ken Anderson or L.C. Greenwood — is expected to be elected from the group.
- The Hall’s 2026 class will be unveiled Thursday at NFL Honors in San Francisco, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he believes both Kraft and Belichick will ultimately be Hall of Famers.