Jimmie Johnson Will Skip Hall of Fame Ceremony

This year, football fans will miss seeing Jimmie Johnson at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

The renowned 82-year-old coach announced on Wednesday that he would not participate in the event following the surprising news that Bill Belichick was not inducted in his first year of eligibility.

“I honestly thought it was a given, so I was planning to charter a jet. But now? Not happening,” Johnson shared on “The Pat McAfee Show.”

Johnson, a member of the 2020 Hall of Fame Centennial Class, criticized the voting committee after it became public that Belichick, with his impressive eight Super Bowl wins and 31 playoff victories, did not get 40 of the necessary 50 votes.

“It’s a real error for such an outstanding coach to not be included in the first round of voting,” Johnson expressed, expressing disappointment about the decision.

He even went so far as to call out the voters, stating, “I want to know who didn’t vote for him… they’re too scared to show their faces…” on the social media platform X.

Additionally, Johnson urged those who opted not to vote for Belichick, who is 73, to be open about their decision. “Come on, if you didn’t vote for BB, show your face! Hiding behind a secret ballot? That’s cowardly!” he insisted.

Johnson isn’t alone; several other members of the NFL community are rallying for voter transparency in light of this controversial decision.

The voting committee, mostly made up of seasoned NFL journalists, has received backlash following Belichick’s notable exclusion, particularly from former Colts general manager Bill Polian.

Reports indicate that Polian previously suggested some voters should let Belichick “wait a year” due to the implications of the Spygate scandal. Belichick faced penalties in 2007 when the Patriots were caught recording opponents’ signals, resulting in a fine and loss of a draft pick.

While Polian claimed he voted for Belichick, he has since softened his stance. Sources say Belichick, now the current football coach at UNC, is “confused” and “disappointed” by the outcome.

In addition to Johnson, Tom Brady, Belichick’s former quarterback and another Hall of Famer, voiced his opinion, labeling the whole situation as “absolutely ridiculous” and a clear sign of disrespect.

Brady and Belichick certainly have a storied history, having won six championships together over their two decades in New England.