Overview
- Multiple outlets citing ESPN report that Patriots owner Robert Kraft was not selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, following last week’s report that Bill Belichick also fell short.
- Under 2025 rules, 50 selectors chose three of five combined finalists from the coach, contributor and senior pools, with 40 votes required for election or the top vote-getter advancing if no one hit the threshold.
- The Hall has not released vote totals, and the official Class of 2026 announcement is scheduled for NFL Honors on Feb. 5 in San Francisco.
- Public reaction has intensified over the opaque process, with support for Kraft and Belichick from figures such as Roger Goodell and reported speculation that past Patriots scandals may have influenced voters.
- With both Kraft and Belichick out, at least one senior finalist — Roger Craig, Ken Anderson or L.C. Greenwood — is expected to be inducted as the Patriots head into Super Bowl LX.