Bill Belichick responded to taking one step closer to Canton.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame named Belichick as one of five finalists for the 2026 class on Wednesday. The iconic head coach could get inducted alongside New England Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, headlining a group that includes Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood.
Belichick released a statement after advancing in the Hall of Fame process, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“To be in this position is extremely humbling. I am honored to be named the Coaching Finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026,” Belichick said. “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.”
While Belichick hasn’t maintained the warmest relationship with Kraft since they parted ways after the 2023 season, the six-time Super Bowl champion recognized his former boss.
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Belichick also hopes to see some of his Patriots players join him as Hall of Fame finalists. Rodney Harrison, Vince Wilfork and Adam Vinatieri are modern-era semifinalists.
“Congratulations to the other finalists, Roger Craig, Kenny Anderson, L.C. Greenwood, and of course, Robert Kraft,” he said. “I hope to see all of the deserving Patriots selected this year.”
Belichick advanced past a stacked group of eight head-coaching semifinalists that included Tom Coughlin and Mike Shanahan. He’ll require votes from at least 80 percent of the selection committee to garner induction into the 2026 class, which will be revealed the week of the Super Bowl.
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Featured image via Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
