The Pro Football Hall of Fame has received its fair share of backlash after it was revealed that legendary head coach Bill Belichick would not be voted into the organization’s 2026 class.
Former players, coaches and fans alike expressed their extreme disapproval of the decision following the announcement, and the Hall of Fame has since released a statement to address the matter.
In the release, the Hall of Fame did imply that new members could be brought into the fold if current voters did not follow the stated guidelines and rules for the process.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame understands and respects the passionate reaction of many fans, media members and enshrines of the Hall itself in light of published reports regarding the voting results for the Class of 2026. It’s that very passion that propels the game,” the statement said.
“The Hall also respects the members of the Selection Committee when they follow the selection process bylaws,” the statement continued. “It is an honor to serve as a selector. Each year, the Hall reviews the selection process and the composition of the 50-person Selection Committee. If it is determined that any member(s) violated the selection process bylaws, they understand that action will be taken.
“That could include the possibility that such selector(s) would not remain a member of the committee moving forward. The selection of a new class is the most important duty the Hall of Fame oversees each year, and the integrity of that process cannot be in question.
The Hall of Fame may be suggesting that some voters disregarded their responsibilities when not selecting Belichick into this year’s class.
The former Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots head coach has a résume that overshadows most others. He claims 8 Super Bowls to his name and 6 as a head coach, both of which are most all-time. His career coaching record in the NFL stands at 333-178, and he also boasts the most playoff wins by a head coach with 31.
Parker is currently the sports editor for the Enterprise-Journal in McComb, Mississippi. He's a graduate from Mizzou who has experience covering the Tiger football and basketball beats for SB Nation, and he's worked for a variety of sports news outlets in the past.
