Tom Brady and Robert Kraft supply scathing verdict on Bill Belichick’s shock omission from the Hall of Fame
Tom Brady and Patriots owner Robert Kraft have joined in the chorus of condemnation after Bill Belichick was sensationally snubbed by the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.
Belichick has won more Super Bowls than any other head coach in NFL history. The 73-year-old collected six championships with the Patriots after winning a couple as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants. He also boasts more NFL wins than all-but one coach, Don Shula.
But on Tuesday it emerged that Belichick did not receive enough votes to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the first time of asking.
The results have sparked outrage across the football world, with even President Donald Trump branding the situation ‘ridiculous’ and demanding that the decision be overturned.
Together with Kraft and legendary quarterback Brady, Belichick built a dynasty in New England. They won six Super Bowls together and on Wednesday, Brady said he ‘can’t understand’ his omission.
‘I was with him every day – if he is not a first-ballot Hall of Famer, there’s really no coach that should ever be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, which is completely ridiculous because people deserve it,’ he told Seattle Sports.
Legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick was sensationally snubbed by the Pro Football Hall Of Fame
Both Tom Brady and Patriots owner Robert Kraft have joined in the chorus of condemnation
‘He’s incredible. There’s no coach I’d rather play for: if I’m picking one coach to go and win a Super Bowl [and you] gimme one season, I’m taking Bill Belichick. That’s enough said.
‘Outside of that, when it comes down to votes, popularity and all that, well then welcome to the world of voting.
We may as well go and try out for the Oscars or whatever – get a big panel to tell you if you’re good or not. It’s the way it works unfortunately.’
Brady is in no doubt that his former coach will be inducted in the coming years – ‘I’m not worried about that,’ he said – and the retired quarterback says it will be belated recognition for all his success.
‘A lot of times in life – for all of us – things don’t happen exactly how you want them or on your timeline,’ Brady added.
‘But we’ll all be there to celebrate him when it does happen. And he’s going to have a huge turnout from so many players, coaches that appreciated everything he did, the commitment he made to winning and the impact he had on all our lives.
‘That will be a great celebration when it happens.’
Kraft echoed Brady’s sentiments. His relationship with Belichick reportedly soured even before the head coach left the Patriots at the end of the 2023 season.
Belichick, pictured with Jordon Hudson, has won a record six Super Bowls as head coach
Donald Trump slammed the decision and hit out on Truth Social early on Wednesday morning
But Kraft told ESPN: ‘Whatever perceptions may exist about any personal differences between Bill and me, I strongly believe Bill Belichick’s record and body of work speak for themselves.
‘As head coach of the New England Patriots for more than two decades, he set the standard for on-field excellence, preparation, and sustained success in the free agency and salary cap era of the National Football League.
‘He is the greatest coach of all time and he unequivocally deserves to be a unanimous first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.’
President Trump was also furious about the decision, writing on Truth Social: ‘It is the same mindset that gave pro football the new and unwatchable “Sissy” Kickoff Rule, that made it possible for Bill Belichick to not be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Both are ridiculous and should be overturned!’
