...
By Cole Sullivan
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
While much of the NFL world is focused on the upcoming Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, shocking news emerged Tuesday regarding eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Belichick, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, was not selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He fell short of the 40 out of 50 votes needed for first-ballot induction.
“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,” the ESPN report noted.
Read More on NFL
More news: Steelers’ Mike McCarthy Delivers Heartfelt Message at Introductory Press Conference
The announcement sent shockwaves through the sports world. Stars like Patrick Mahomes, Pat McAfee, Robert Griffin III, Ryan Clark, JJ Watt, and even NBA superstar LeBron James reacted with disbelief and frustration over Belichick — who holds the NFL records for most Super Bowl's by a head coach (6) and playoff victories (31) — not being inducted on his first try.
"Man there's no way I read that right! Right? Ain't no WAY Bill Belichick ain't 1st Ballot HOF!!" James posted on X. "That's IMPOSSIBLE, EGREGIOUS, and quite frankly DISRESPECTFUL!"
...
The fact that more than 10 voters chose not to select Belichick raises serious questions about the criteria for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with some now calling for the voting process — and the voters themselves — to be made public rather than remaining anonymous.
“Insane… don’t even understand how this could be possible,” Mahomes wrote.
“I can’t be reading this right,” Watt posted on X. “This has to be some knock-off Hall of Fame or something. It can’t be the actual NFL Hall of Fame. There is not a single world whatsoever in which Bill Belichick should not be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.”
Former NFL star Gerald McCoy said, "The voters have to not remain anonymous anymore. We need an explanation for why Bill Belichick one of the greatest coaches ever of any level of any sport with 8 SB’s is not a first ballot HOF’er……… No explanation will be valid but I need to know. I’m sorry man!! This insane!"
More news: Charles Barkley Has Message for Celtics’ Jayson Tatum During Injury Rehab
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines