Tom Brady expressed his disbelief regarding the absence of Bill Belichick from the Pro Football Hall of Fame on January 28. The former quarterback, who had a storied career with the New England Patriots, described the decision as “completely ridiculous.” Brady, a three-time NFL MVP, shared his perspective during an interview with Seattle Sports 710 AM.
“I don”t understand it,” Brady stated in the interview. “I mean, I was with him every day. If he”s not a first-ballot Hall of Famer, then there”s really no coach that should ever be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, which is completely ridiculous because people deserve it.” Brady emphasized his admiration for Belichick, saying, “He”s incredible. There”s no coach I”d rather play for. If I”m picking one coach to go out there to win a Super Bowl — give me one season — I”m taking Bill Belichick. So that”s enough said.”
The statistics certainly support Brady”s assertions. Belichick”s six Super Bowl victories as a head coach remain unmatched in NFL history. Over his 24 seasons with the Patriots, he achieved a record of 266 wins and 121 losses, including an undefeated regular season in 2007. Additionally, he secured two Super Bowl titles as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
Despite his illustrious career, Belichick fell short of the required 40 votes out of 50 from the Hall of Fame selection committee. Brady commented on the voting process, saying, “When it comes down to votes and popularity and all that, then welcome to the world of voting. You might as well try out for the Oscars and get a big panel to tell you if you”re good or not. It”s the way that it works unfortunately. He”s gonna get into the Hall of Fame. In the end, I”m not worried about that.”
Belichick, who has been honored as the NFL Coach of the Year three times and was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team in 2019, ranks third in league history for regular-season victories behind Don Shula and George Halas.
Robert Kraft, owner of the Patriots, echoed Brady”s sentiments, stating, “Whatever perceptions may exist about any personal differences between Bill and me, I strongly believe Bill Belichick”s record and body of work speak for themselves. As head coach of the New England Patriots for more than two decades, he set the standard for on-field excellence, preparation, and sustained success in the free agency and salary cap era of the National Football League.”
Following Brady”s departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Patriots struggled, ending Belichick”s last four seasons in New England with a record of 29 wins and 38 losses. Brady, however, went on to win a Super Bowl without Belichick in Tampa Bay. Recently, Belichick took his first college coaching position at North Carolina, but his inaugural season was disappointing with a record of 4 wins and 8 losses.
Reflecting on Belichick”s eventual Hall of Fame induction, Brady remarked, “A lot of times in life for all of us, things don”t happen exactly how you want them or on your timeline. But we”ll all be there to celebrate him when it does happen, and he”s gonna have a huge turnout from so many players, coaches that appreciated everything he did, the commitment he made to winning, and the impact that he had on all our lives.”
