New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was not selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, according to ESPN.
The news comes one week after ESPN reported that former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick also failed to receive the required 40 votes for induction. Both snubs come days before the Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on Sunday. (RELATED: Rare Jewel Of Hockey Fights Breaks Out During Epic Stadium Series Game Between Bruins, Lightning)
The Patriots are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl titles of any franchise with six. Kraft has been the principal owner for all of them, according to ESPN. A win Sunday would give New England sole possession of the record.
Kraft was first nominated for the Hall of Fame in 2013, making him eligible in each of the past 14 years. This was his first year advancing to finalist status, but he still fell short of the 40 votes required for induction.
Hall of Fame voter Gary Myers criticized the voting process on X, writing, “New voting process, grouping coach, contributor and 3 seniors, and having them compete for 3 votes, is not working.”
Full transparency: I voted for Robert Kraft. As I mentioned, I also voted for Bill Belichick. Think about this: Since HOFer Jerry Jones (class of ’17) last made it to SB in 1995, Kraft has been to 11 and goes for 7th title Sunday. He’s been to SBs with 3 coaches and 3 QBs. And… https://t.co/oFKKQDKtBi
— Gary Myers (@GaryMyersNY) February 3, 2026
Some had speculated that voters chose Kraft over Belichick, contributing to the coach’s snub. However, with neither making the cut, that theory appears to be debunked.
Kraft voiced support for Belichick last Wednesday following the news of the coach’s snub, saying, “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.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the snubs Monday night, saying he believes both will eventually be enshrined.
“Bill Belichick’s record goes without saying, same with the Patriots and Robert Kraft, who is also a candidate,” Goodell said, according to ESPN. “They are spectacular. They have contributed so much to this game, and I believe they will be Hall of Famers.”
