A Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist in his first year of eligibility, Bill Belichick has responded to the recognition with a statement.
The legendary coach is a finalist in the Coach category, along with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who is a Contributor, and Roger Craig, L.C. Greenwood and Kenny Anderson, who are all Senior nominees.
Of the five finalists, up to three can be members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026. They need to garner 80% of the vote for enshrinement. So while they’re competing for votes now, Belichick and Kraft could conceivably be enshrined together next summer in Canton.
In the statement Belichick released on Instagram, the former Patriots coach said he was cherishing the nomination.
“To be in this position is extremely humbling,” Belichick wrote. “I am honored to be named the Coaching Finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Thank you to the Selection Committee and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I am thankful for the organizations and thousands of players and coaches that I worked with for my 49 years in the NFL. This is a cherishable reflection of all of my teammates throughout my NFL career.
“Congratulations to the other finalists Roger Craig, Kenny Anderson, L.C. Greenwood, and of course, Robert Kraft.
“I hope to see all of the deserving Patriots selected this year.”
In addition to Kraft and Belichick, there are a number of former Patriots players that are currently semifinalists for the Class of 2026. New England legends Rodney Harrison, Vince Wilfork and Adam Vinatieri all made the latest cut, along with Fred Taylor and Reggie Wayne, who had brief stints under Belichick in Foxborough.
