The discussions surrounding Super Bowl LX have shifted from the game to a more controversial topic: legendary New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick not being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot. This unexpected news prompted backlash, with notable figures like Tom Brady, Robert Kraft, and Patrick Mahomes voicing their dissatisfaction with the Hall’s selection committee.
Amid this uproar, former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky asserted that the Hall of Fame has the chance to amend what he called a “terrible wrong.” On “First Take,” he urged decision-makers to reconsider the voting process, emphasizing that this isn’t merely about participation — it’s about justice. He questioned why the Hall couldn’t take a moment to reflect on the situation and rectify it.
“So far, no one has provided a valid reason against Coach Belichick’s first ballot induction,” he pointed out. “Unless someone steps forward, how can a Hall of Famer not look at the process, acknowledge its flaws, and do what’s right? It just seems obvious to me that he deserves to be in on the first ballot.” He acknowledged that the uproar might mean they can’t reverse the situation easily, but also pressed for honesty and fairness in the voting process.
Changing a candidate’s voting outcome isn’t something the Hall typically does, yet Orlovsky believes it should be on the table now. He stated, “Just because this hasn’t happened in the past, it doesn’t mean it can’t in the future.” He also noted that personal biases inevitably influence voting, as they do in many areas of life, suggesting that feelings of personal grievance could be affecting opinion.
Meanwhile, Virhe Gregorian from the Kansas City Star revealed that he was one of at least 11 voters who did not support Belichick for induction. While some have linked Belichick’s past controversies — like Spygate and Deflategate — to his voting outcome, he reported that senior candidates Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, and L.C. Greenwood felt a compelling urge to vote, thinking it was possibly their final chance for recognition.
Belichick was in a five-person ballot, distinct from the modern-day 15, where each voter could only select three individuals for induction, which included his owner, Robert Kraft, along with two senior candidates.
So, can the Hall of Fame correct its past mistakes, as Orlovsky suggested? The authority rests with them, yet no indications of a potential reevaluation have emerged. The upcoming NFL Honors on February 5 might shed light on the 2026 inductees heading to Canton.
Belichick, known for being second only to Don Shula in total wins among head coaches, has a storied career, winning six Super Bowls with the Patriots and two as a defensive coordinator with the Giants.
