Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft Snubbed as Hall of Fame Senior Finalists Await Induction

At least one of Ken Anderson, L.C. Greenwood or Roger Craig will be part of the 2026 Hall of Fame class.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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With Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft reportedly excluded from this year's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class, at least one of the three senior finalists - Ken Anderson, L.C. Greenwood, or Roger Craig - will be inducted. Each finalist has a compelling case, from Anderson's MVP season and Greenwood's role on the legendary "Steel Curtain" defense, to Craig's versatility and Super Bowl heroics with the 49ers.

Why it matters

The exclusion of coaching legends Belichick and Kraft has sparked debate about the Hall of Fame selection process and the challenges faced by senior candidates who played in eras with many other notable players. The induction of one of these three finalists would provide long-overdue recognition for their outstanding NFL careers.

The details

Ken Anderson was a four-time Pro Bowler known for his accurate passing, leading the NFL in yards and completion percentage multiple times. L.C. Greenwood was a six-time Pro Bowler and key part of the Steelers' "Steel Curtain" defense, playing a major role in their first two Super Bowl wins. Roger Craig was the first player to top 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season, winning Offensive Player of the Year and helping the 49ers win two Super Bowls.

  • Ken Anderson will turn 76 later this month.
  • L.C. Greenwood passed away in 2013 at age 67.
  • Roger Craig is 65 years old.

The players

Ken Anderson

A former NFL MVP who played his entire 16-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Anderson was a four-time Pro Bowler known for his quick, accurate passing.

L.C. Greenwood

A six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Greenwood was a major part of the Pittsburgh Steelers' legendary "Steel Curtain" defense that helped the franchise win four Super Bowls in the 1970s.

Roger Craig

One of the most versatile running backs in NFL history, Craig became the first player to top 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving in the same season and helped the 49ers win two Super Bowls.

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What they’re saying

“It would be tremendous. When you grow up in Batavia, Illinois, and you go to Augustana College, it was a stretch to dream about playing in the NFL, let alone someday thinking about being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It would be quite an honor. You don't want to look ahead too far, but I'm very humbled to even be in consideration.”

— Ken Anderson (2022 interview)

“He gets less credit than he deserves playing next to Joe. No question Joe deserves all the accolades he has received. But L.C. deserves them too.”

— Jack Ham, Former Steelers teammate and Hall of Fame linebacker (Recent comments)

“In my view, when L.C. was playing, he was easily in the top three or four defensive ends during that time. L.C. was a partner of mine on the line for 13 years, and he was a wonderful teammate. ... With L.C. beside me, and us working together, we accomplished some pretty good things together.”

— Joe Greene, Former Steelers teammate (Recent comments)

“Roger's been waiting for so, so long. I can't think of anybody who changed the game more than Roger.”

— Jed York, 49ers owner and CEO (Earlier this week)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.