Tom Brady cracked a joke about the recent Hall of Fame voting outcomes involving Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft during an appearance Tuesday on The Herd with Colin Cowherd. The former Patriots quarterback discussed the exclusions of his longtime coach and owner. Brady’s remarks came as the NFL prepares to announce its Class of 2026 during NFL Honors in San Francisco.
Tom Brady Makes Fun of the Hall of Fame Process
Brady said he believes both Belichick and Kraft will eventually be inducted.
“So, to me, it’s not a matter, just like Bill, of if they’re gonna get in, it’s just when they’re gonna get in,” Brady said.
He added, “They’re tremendous at what they’ve done in the league. And maybe it’s not trending so well for ex-Patriots. Maybe I should be a little concerned here. But, you know, I think at some point, this thing is gonna go in everybody’s direction the right way.”
Kraft reached finalist status in the contributor category for the first time this cycle, but did not receive enough votes from the 50-member selection committee to secure induction.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that voters select three of five finalists and that candidates must receive at least 40 votes to be elected. If no candidate reaches that mark, only the top vote getter is inducted.
Kraft purchased the Patriots in 1994 and presided over 23 playoff appearances in 32 seasons, 22 AFC East titles, 11 Super Bowl appearances (12 if we consider the upcoming Super Bowl 60), and 6 championships. He also played a prominent role during the 2011 NFL lockout negotiations.
Belichick, the coaching finalist in the same cycle, was also not elected. His résumé includes six Super Bowl titles, three AP Coach of the Year awards, nine conference championships, and 333 career victories. He has the second-most wins in league history behind Don Shula.
The absence of Kraft and Belichick from the newest class has drawn attention because several other owners have already been inducted, including Jerry Jones, Pat Bowlen, Eddie DeBartolo Jr., Ralph Wilson, and Dan Rooney. The voting results marked the first time Kraft had advanced to the final stage.
Brady’s connection to both men spans two decades in New England. In a way, their own big three combined to build the most successful period in franchise history. Despite the backlash over Belichick and Kraft missing this year’s trip to Canton, Ohio, it won’t be long before both men and Brady reach the Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame will announce the 2026 class during the league’s annual honors ceremony later this week.
