With NFL award season here, fan lists are being made or have already been made, and although the surprises were limited so far, that has changed. Interestingly enough, it did not come from the players’ list.
Legendary HC Bill Belichick Misses Out on First Ballot Hall of Fame Opportunity
Somehow, someway, Legendary head coach and six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick was not named a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Here is what ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. and Seth Wickersham said about Belichick’s reaction to the news:
“Several sources who spoke with the coach over the weekend described Belichick as ‘puzzled’ and ‘disappointed’ by his inability to secure support from at least 80% of Hall committee members,” they wrote.
Belichick, rightfully so, did not react to the news well, and it makes sense why. He was a legend throughout his NFL career.
“‘Six Super Bowls isn’t enough?’ Belichick asked an associate, referring to the championships he won as head coach of the New England Patriots. He won two more as the defensive coordinator of the New York Giants. To another associate, he said, ‘What does a guy have to do?'”
Many around the NFL were confused, and here are their reactions. Former NFL player Damien Woody wrote, “Belichick, rightfully so, did not react to the news well, and it makes sense why. He was a legend throughout his NFL career.”
I don’t care what your feelings are towards Bill….u just made a jackass out of yourself & you should never have a vote moving forward!
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) January 27, 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars insider Demetrius Harvey stated, “This actually should be investigated.”
This actually should be investigated. https://t.co/8I6lFF7mwX
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) January 27, 2026
He also added, “Regardless of how you feel about him, he’s the most first-ballot coach one could have in the modern era and it’s crazy that he’s not.”
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) January 27, 2026
Former NFL player Pat McAfee expressed:
Bill Belichick is officially not a first ballot Pro Football Hall Of Famer
Bill Belichick..
Bill Belichick could be in 🐐 conversations for Coach AND GM and he isn’t a first ballot Hall Of Famer in the PRO FOOTBALL Hall Of Fame https://t.co/B82i0PTbMD pic.twitter.com/LIg7DoFrFT
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 27, 2026
NFL legend J.J. Watt was quite upset with the decision against Belichick. “I can’t be reading this right. This has to be some knock-off Hall of Fame or something, it can’t be the actual NFL Hall of Fame,” he wrote on X. “There is not a single world whatsoever in which Bill Belichick should not be a First-Ballot Hall of Famer.”
Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark also opposed the decision from the voters about Belichick. “Bill Belichick not being a first ballot Hall of Famer means that no coach should ever be,” Clark said. “It means that the voters have decided there isn’t a coaching resume that warrants First Ballot consideration! He is the GREATEST, most ACCOMPLISHED coach of all time! This is egregious!”
Even though Belichick’s time with the New England Patriots did not end well, and he has not had success with North Carolina, his entire NFL career was enough to easily earn him first-ballot Hall of Fame status.
