Since the supposedly consensual dissolution of their highly successful 24-year partnership in January 2024, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and longtime head coach Bill Belichick have been involved in a bitter feud. As fate might have it, though, both are realistic candidates to make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the same class.
After Belichick advanced to the semifinal round among coaches, Kraft recently joined him in the contributor category. The 84-year-old is one of
nine semifinalists alongside Bud Adams, Roone Arledge, Ralph Hay, Art Rooney Jr, Clark Shaughnessy, Seymour Siwoff, Buddy Young and former Patriots executive Francis “Bucko” Kilroy.
The next round of voting will take place on Nov. 11. At that point, the group will be reduced to one finalist who remains in the race for Hall of Fame induction in 2026.
Unlike Belichick, Kraft is no near-lock to advance to the next round. While his résumé is impressive — he is the only principal owner to earn six Super Bowl rings — voters have reportedly been turned off in the past by the lobbying done on his behalf through the years.
Whoever of Kraft, Kilroy or the other candidates makes it past the semifinals will be one step away from earning the famed gold jacket. In total, between four and eight men will be enshrined. The final round of voting — which will also feature the coaching finalist plus finalists from the modern-era and historical player groups — will take place in early February.
