Contemplating Tom Brady’s Potential Hall of Fame Vote

With both Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft missing out on first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith raised an interesting question: What if Tom Brady had a vote?

Brady, the legendary quarterback behind a two-decade dynasty with the New England Patriots, boasts an NFL record with seven Super Bowl rings. It seems almost unthinkable for anyone more deserving of immediate Hall of Fame recognition than him.

However, the surprising omission of Belichick from the Hall of Fame ballot sent shockwaves through the football community. As discussions grew louder—with Kraft also failing to secure enough votes—these conversations intensified during Super Bowl week while the Patriots were back in the spotlight.

On ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith posed a few rhetorical questions to his co-hosts: “What’s next? Will you disown Tom Brady? Are you going to look at him and wonder, ‘Isn’t he a Hall of Famer?’” He added, “If that happens, we might as well consider the Hall of Fame irrelevant—having Brady as a first-ballot candidate is essential for its credibility.”

Smith didn’t stop there; he also addressed Kraft’s absence from induction. Kraft, who was up against some stiff competition this year, including senior candidates like LC Greenwood and Roger Craig, saw the voting process limit choices to just three candidates. This led some voters to favor older candidates for one last shot at Canton.

“I wasn’t shocked, but honestly, I was appalled,” Smith remarked about news regarding Kraft. “He has been an owner for over three decades, leading teams to a staggering number of postseason games. It’s hard to fathom how he’s not in the Hall.” He emphasized Kraft’s long history of achievements during his ownership, pointing out various significant playoff successes.

Smith expressed frustration, stating, “It’s quite upsetting. The Hall of Fame is losing its integrity. They’re diminishing their value and, remarkably, don’t even seem to realize it.”

While he wishes that Brady isn’t part of a trend in such scenarios, Smith acknowledged the controversies surrounding the Patriots—like Spygate and Deflategate—which have likely influenced the perceptions of voters and their deliberations regarding Belichick and Kraft.

“No coach would argue that Belichick doesn’t deserve to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and the same goes for Kraft. It’s inexplicable,” he noted.

As for Brady, there is no one—regardless of position or level—who could claim he doesn’t belong in the Hall, at least according to Smith. However, since modern candidates only become eligible five years after retirement, Brady’s induction won’t occur until 2028, even if that timeframe is relatively short.