"Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick, the co-architects of an NFL dynasty in New England who have become bitter antagonists since parting ways, are both finalists for the 2026 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Kraft, who has owned the six-time Super Bowl-winning Patriots since 1994, was the lone finalist in the Hall's contributor committee. This marks the first time Kraft, 84, is a finalist for the Hall after 14 years of campaigning on his behalf by his team's longtime PR man and other supporters. Belichick, the eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach -- six as head coach of the Patriots, two as the defensive coordinator of the New York Giants -- is the finalist in the coaching category during his first year of eligibility."
"While sources with knowledge of the voting process told ESPN that Kraft's fate with the 50 Hall voters is far from certain, they said Belichick, 73, is believed to be a favorite for induction. His NFL coaching record of 333-178 (including playoffs) is second all time only to Don Shula's 347 victories."
""You could have a delicious moment where Kraft and Belichick get busts together," a veteran Hall of Fame voter told ESPN on Tuesday night. "I'd pay a lot of money to watch that. ... Of course, only one of the two men could"
Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick are finalists for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame. Kraft has owned the six-time Super Bowl–winning Patriots since 1994 and is the lone finalist on the Hall's contributor committee, marking his first finalist appearance after 14 years of campaigning. Belichick is a finalist in the coaching category in his first year of eligibility and holds an NFL coaching record of 333-178, second only to Don Shula. Two nine-member committees selected the finalists for consideration by 50 Hall voters, and each finalist must receive at least 80% of votes for induction.
Read at ESPN.com
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