Robert Kraft will have to wait at least another year for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. According to ESPN, the longtime New England Patriots owner was not selected for the 2026 class. This omission coincides with former Patriots coach Bill Belichick also missing out this year.
Both Kraft and Belichick were among five candidates in a separate pool from modern-era finalists. Hall of Fame rules allowed a maximum of three from this group to be inducted, each requiring at least 40 votes from the 50-member committee. If none reached 40 votes, the candidate with the most votes would be elected.
This was Belichick's first year of eligibility. His omission has sparked calls to overhaul the Hall's voting process. Kraft, 84, was first nominated in 2013 and became a finalist this season. He is a powerful NFL owner, instrumental in league labor and media deals, and his Patriots are appearing in their 11th Super Bowl under his ownership this Sunday.
Questions arise whether Patriots' past scandals influenced the voting for Kraft, as they reportedly did for Belichick. Alternatively, his omission may highlight perceived flaws in the selection process itself.