"The 84-year-old Kraft, nominated as a contributor, waited 14 years to get through the Hall's contributor committee. Widely considered one of the most influential owners in NFL history, with one of the greatest dynasties in sports history under his watch, it's a sad look for the league that it's taken this long. But from Spygate, to Deflategate, to his Orchids of Asia massage parlor charges in 2019, Kraft's resume is far from spotless."
"Belichick could be the big ticket Kraft's been waiting for, as according to ESPN, the Hall's committee split the coaches and contributors into separate categories in 2024. That makes Belichick, assuming he doesn't return to the NFL as a head coach during this next hiring cycle, a virtual lock to get inducted in his first year on the ballot, and Kraft figures to follow along on Belichick's coattails."
Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick were named finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. New England arrives at its bye week with an 11-2 record under the Drake Maye–Mike Vrabel era. Kraft, 84, waited 14 years for the Hall's contributor committee despite being widely regarded as one of the most influential owners, and his tenure includes controversies such as Spygate, Deflategate, and a 2019 Orchids of Asia massage parlor charge. The Hall split coaches and contributors into separate categories in 2024, making Belichick a near-lock for first-year induction if he remains out of coaching; Kraft would likely follow, and Tom Brady becomes eligible in 2028.
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